Motivation Lacking

Super cute Kerrie, me, Sassy Mel and the Goober Monster

Today was a lazy day.  In fact, this whole week feels like a lazy week.  After a really stressful/crazy last week, I just wanted to lay low for a bit.  Oh, and I also had a molar pulled this morning.  Mouth surgery = not fun.  So, I've been out of it.  Especially mentally as my pain medication has me a bit loopy.  Woo!

My Mt. Rainier hike recap is coming along though...so that should be up soon.

Anyone have any great running plans for the weekend?  After last Saturday's 7 miler with the lovely Kerrie and Mel, I definitely would like to plan another running "date!"  Running blogger runs are always full of surprises. ;)

Where did 9 months go?

Goober is 9 months old today. 

OH.DEAR.GOODNESS.

THEN:

NOW:

I love you, you little Goober monster you. I can't wait to see where the next months will take us. :)

Postnatal Thermogenic Supplement Review & Giveaway

It's no secret that I had a baby almost 9 months ago (I did? Wha??).  With the cute Goober baby came some extra weight in "mommy areas" and in--ahem--my boobs.  Well, for other purposes.  This supplement is for both those areas!  I was contacted by Delta Labs to review a product a little time ago and I was immediately drawn to this supplement: Postnatal Thermogenic.

According to Delta Labs:

"Our Postnatal supplement is the perfect solution to help new moms shed those extra pounds and return to their pre-pregnancy weight.  Not only will you feel better, but you will be a better caregiver of your new baby.  Less body fat means more energy, which equates to a lower sleep requirement.  Most new moms have precious little time for sleep, so anything that can maximize your body's efficiency goes a long way."

Added Herbal Lactation Support"We've added an herbal formula proven to enhance lactation, something that is very important for new moms.  This herbal formula contains White Kidney Bean extract, Glucomannan, Fenugreek, and Marshmallow extract, four herbs that many nutritionists agree is a great blend for increasing lactation."

My Experience:
To be honest, I wasn't as interested in the fat-burning properties of this supplement as I was in the lactation benefits.  Since marathon training began in full-force right after having Goober, amidst nursing, I noticed that as my miles increased, my supply dwindled a little.  And I'm actually surprised that taking these supplements has made a noticeable difference.  As far as fat-burning---sure, I suppose that along with my normal exercise regimen this is a nice little "extra" boost for me.

There's nothing better than fitting back into my pre-pregnancy jeans!  It's so cliche, but it feels amazing to slip on my favorite comfy jeans after having to wear sweats for awhile.  :)

I took this morning and night for a month and I didn't have any crazy tummy issues or side-effects.  In fact, unlike my actually prenatal vitamins that smell like horse poo (I plug my nose to take them), these capsules smell like marshmallows!  Nice!

For more information on Delta Labs products, visit their website here.

And yes, they do have dude-friendly products too. ;)

This is a great little additional supplement for new mommas, and I encourage you to check it out.  In the meantime, who wants to win a bottle of these supplements???

TWO lucky readers will win a 30-day supply of Postnatal Thermogenic capsules.  

Here's the scoop on how to win:

(Please leave separate comments for each entry)

Mandatory Entry:

• Follow RZR via Google Friend Connect, e-mail, RSS feed, etc...let me know in a comment

Additional Entries:

• Check out Delta Labs website and let me know which product peaks your interest
• "Like" RZR on Facebook
• "Like" Delta Labs on Facebook and let them know RZR sent you
• Follow me on Twitter, @RunZoeRun
• Link to this giveaway to your blog, Tweet it (include @RunZoeRun), or Facebook it.  Let me know in a comment (1 entry each)
• Use this awesome little button: Tweet

The giveaway will end at midnight PST Friday 8/19, with the two winners picked via the RunZoeRun Winner Generator.  Winners announced on Saturday the 20th.  Good luck!

**Note: I was provided this product free of charge to test from Delta Labs and was not compensated for my review. Giveaway hosted by Delta Labs and product shipped directly from merchant. Thanks!**

Just Sayin'...& a Lil Giveaway

You know what is really REALLY REALLY AWESOME????

YOU ARE!  

Yes, YOU!

The readers of this dorky, strange, random running blog of mine.  And I thank you for it.  Your comments inspire me and keep me going when I'm feeling down or low on motivation.  I mean, you all were incredible to me in the time leading up to my monumental marathon extravaganza.  :)

So just 'cuz, I'm having a little random giveaway related to summer, as I don't want it to end quite yet (it feels like it's just getting started here in Seattle).  And, sorry dudes, this one's a little geared toward the ladies...I'll get ya soon.

Included:
- Seychelles Handbag Holder
- Blue/Pink Notecards & Envelopes
- Some seed packets: veggies, watermelon, flowers (mine are growing on my kitchen windowsill)
- A foldable grocery tote for your handbag.  Be a little "greener" folks!
- Peeps Strawberry Marshmallow Chapstick (YES!  It's yummy!)
- Mini pedicure set
- Some of my favorite Crystal Light packets (Fruit Punch)
- Bare Escentuals bareVitamins Skin Rev-er Upper - BRAND NEW!  This stuff is incredible.
I may throw some more random/fun stuff in the package for sh!ts and giggles too.

Ah yes!  The randomness continues!  I should have some running-related giveaways coming very soon...so stay tuned my dears. ;)

Here's the scoop on how to win:

(Please leave separate comments for each entry)

Mandatory Entry:

• Follow RZR via Google Friend Connect, e-mail, etc...because this is a "Reader Appreciation" giveaway after all. Comment below. ;)

Additional Entries:

• "Like" Run, Zoë, Run! on Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter, @RunZoeRun 
• Link this little giveaway to your blog, Tweet it (include @RunZoeRun), or Facebook.  Let me know in a comment (1 entry each)
• Check out my new little Etsy venture, Angelfish Bows.  Let me know what you think in a comment.
• Like Angelfish Bows?  Well, be a friend on Facebook! 
• Use this super handy button: Tweet

The giveaway will end at midnight Wednesday 8/17 (a random day!), with the winner picked via the RunZoeRun Winner Generator.  Winner announced on Thursday the 18th.  I will ship to the winner. 

**Note:  I paid for these products to give to one lucky reader because I'm just cool like that.**

Video Killed the Blog-eo Star

Hey!  Who's that hanging out with OnlineShoes.com at timestamp 1:03 in the video?

It's me!  Say what?! ;)

Also, OnlineShoes.com has a Facebook app sweepstakes going on to win a $500 New Balance shopping spree!  YEAH!  Check it out here.

Does anyone else see the "Z" on the shoe like I do?  HA!  Meant to be!

Baked Potatoes Don't Mesh with Raccoons

No no no....I'm definitely not becoming a foodie blog.  I don't cook, remember? And why would I have the word "raccoon" in the title if I was?  Yeah, that's gross.

I love night runs that have surprises---fun, good ones, of course.  Last night's 3 miles were refreshing, yet bug-filled, and a much needed break from Goober duties. ;)  Here are my observations for the run:

A raccoon I've seen before in the same area was just chillin' in the last moments of daylight with the cats in the "cat sanctuary" in the neighborhood.  I've nicknamed him Bandit, because he likes to crash the CATS ONLY party of the wetlands.  He was cool and posed for a picture.

What's up, Bandit?

If I had a pool in my backyard, I'd probably find this furry dude swimming, a la EMZ's pool visitor.  But I'm not afraid of raccoons...I think they are often misunderstood.  And maybe he'd give me a run for my money on treading water (although I'm pretty good).

The cats weren't so happy to have the paparazzi snapping away by their home:

Sorry guys, you're just so cute and fuzzy.

Later on, a girl on a bike said she liked my tank top (a magenta Running Chic's tank), I smelled some WICKED yummy baked potatoes (and meatloaf), saw a dude mowing his tiny lawn on a John Deere (WTH?), nearly got run over by a cop car while crossing the street (woah), and of course, the ultimate RZR running adventure staple: the nekkid semi.

DUDE, this one is trying to be all camouflaged and stuff!  AACK!

Nice try!  I see you in all of your nekkidness, Mr. Semi!

Didn't get to go outdoors that much today, but tomorrow should be nicer.  Yay!

What did you see on your run today?

Healthy(er) Cupcakes

There's no question that I love to bake, especially cookies, pie, cakes and cupcakes.  Not the healthiest of eats, but it's fun and gives me something to do to "blow off steam" when a run isn't in the cards.  So a couple years ago one of my sisters made my family Diet Soda Cupcakes for my Dad's birthday.  Say what?!  You read that right!  Diet Soda Cupcakes!  And you know what?  They were actually not too shabby.

Now, I know the recipe has made its way around the internets for quite some time, but here it is:

1 - Package instant cake mix
1 - 12 oz can of Diet Soda

That's it. 

You can be creative with what flavors you choose, too.  Fresca and vanilla cake.  Diet Cherry Coke and chocolate cake.  Root beer and vanilla cake.  7-Up and lemon cake.  The possibilities are endless.  "They" (not sure who that entails) say that the pudding cake mix doesn't work sometimes, but I haven't had that problem yet.

All you have to do is follow the oven temperature directions, add the diet soda to the dry ingredients (no eggs, oil or water needed!), mix and bake.  Simple as...cupcakes.

AND, you can lick the batter off the spoon!  No raw eggs! 

And TA DA!  Yummy, healthy(er) cupcakes!  

Finished product.  Yum!