Category Archives: Reviews

Purina® Pro Plan®’s MapMyFitness Challenge and Jake’s Story


This post will be a little different than my others because it’s going to discuss a great way that you can get more active (running or walking) with your dogs.

I’ve been given the opportunity to share with you about the Purina® Pro Plan®’s MapMyFitness Challenge and introduce you to our dog Jake.

Purina® ProPlan® has teamed up with MapMyFitness for their Leash On Challenge. The challenge started September 30th and runs through November 13th. Log a walk or run together with your dog each day for 30 consecutive days for the chance to win a year’s supply of Purina® Pro Plan® Dog Food! Also, each time you log a run or walk with your dog, you can also win the daily prize: one of two Purina® Pro Plan® branded Camelbak® water bottles. For more information head to the Purina® Pro Plan® Fitness Group Page and take the 30 Day Leash On Challenge!

Now, I’d like to introduce you to our Great Dog Jake:

On June 19th, 2009, a new member of our family was unexpectedly added. My husband had been doing home health on Monday (the 15th) and noticed a little puppy on the side of a country road. He didn’t stop because the puppy ran and hid when he passed by and he thought that he was probably running back to his mother. On Friday when he drove by, the puppy was in the same spot but this time didn’t run away. He was too weak to move. Jason pulled over to check on him. He was sick and starving. Jason gave him his 2 cereal bars that he had with him and some of his bottled water. He then called me and told me what he had found and I let him know that I’d meet him nearby and get the puppy from him. He told me that he was in bad shape but I wasn’t expecting him to be as bad off as he was. He didn’t have a lot of hair, half of his tail was missing and the rest of it looked partially broken. He had sores on him and was literally skin and bones. I called our vet’s office and let them know I was on my way with him. He only weighed 7lbs and our vet estimated that he was about 8 weeks old. We picked him up the next day and he seemed to already be feeling better even though he still had a long recovery ahead of him. We took him every week for several weeks for shots to help him with the secondary infection from the horrible mange and for dips. At his 4th visit on Thursday, July 9th, he already weighed 15lbs! After several more treatments, he’s completely healthy and as happy as he can possibly be. Jake has come so very far since that day that my husband found him nearly dead by the road. It’s now been over four years and he’s one of the best dogs we’ve ever had. He loves running and staying active with our kids and other dogs.

I’m including some pictures of Jake as he progressed from a sickly puppy to a healthy, happy dog.

This is the day that he came home from his stay at the vet's office.

This is the day that he came home after his stay at the vet’s office. (My apologies about the condition of our porch floor! We were getting ready to have it repainted at the time.)

June 21, 2009 – Enjoying his new bed and toys.

July 11, 2009 – Finally starting to look like a healthy puppy!

July 11, 2009

September 15, 2010

Winter 2010 – Enjoying a rare snowy day in South Mississippi.

May 28, 2013 – Waiting patiently on his turn to be petted.

We can’t imagine not having Jake as a part of our family.

Happy Running!

Purina® ProPlan® has partnered with MapMyFitness and created the Purina® ProPlan® Fitness Group Page to get pet owner’s more active with their dogs. Check out the Fitness Group page here and start getting active with your dog today!

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Frog Fuel Review and Giveaway


frogfuel

Recently, I was contacted by Frog Fuel and they asked me to try their protein gels. I’m always excited to try out something that will be helpful on my runs and this was no disappointment. The consistency of the gel was not nearly as thick as some of the gels that I normally use but it wasn’t super thin either. The taste was not bad at all and easy on my stomach. Since they sent me 3 packs, I gave a pack to my oldest son to try since he’s currently training for a triathlon and has stepped into the world of sports nutrition. He had rave reviews for it as well.

Here’s what Frog Fuel’s site has to say about their product and what makes it different:

FrogFuel™ was developed by US Navy SEALs (Frogmen) to satisfy the need for a top shelf nutritional product that is easily consumed and highly effective.

Unlike many other companies, the founders and owners of Frog Performance and their peers not only use their own products but also live and breathe the lifestyle they preach to others. Even after life as elite operators in Special Operations, the owners of Frog Performance continue their relentless pursuit for perfection. FrogFuel is only the beginning of that quest!

FrogFuel is a protein supplement designed for optimum bioavailability and nutritional value to help YOU achieve unquestionable results. Please read below to understand why FrogFuel is truly a superior performing protein product.

THE SCIENCE OF FROGFUEL

FrogFuel liquid protein starts working immediately at the cellular level to increase strength, prolong endurance, and accelerate recovery.

FrogFuel Is a Patent-Pending Complete Collagen Protein and FDA Qualified Medical Food
The patent pending formula includes enhanced amino acids and taurine for maximum power.  Because of its rapid absorption FrogFuel can be taken before, during, or after a workout and provides the optimum nutrition to exercise for sustained periods at peak performance.

FrogFuel Is ‘Pre-digested’
FrogFuel is pre-digested using papain (a fruit enzyme found in papayas).  Papain breaks down the peptide bonds in the protein allowing for rapid delivery of nearly 100% protein at the cellular level.  Faster absorption means better performance and quicker recovery.

FrogFuel Is a Pure Collagen Protein
Why Collagen?
Collagen is second only to water in terms of volume in the body.
Collagen is found in all of our connective tissues, such as bones, tendons, dermis and ligaments as well as cartilage, teeth and muscles.

Benefits of Collagen: 

  • Improved skin and Muscle Tone
  • Increased joint Flexibility
  • Healthier bones, Arteries, Hair, and Teeth

FrogFuel Has Taurine
A key ingredient in FrogFuel is taurine, which acts quickly to open cells for the protein to enter and rebuild muscles and aid in recovery. Taurine reduces oxidative stress under extreme physical exertion where lactic acid builds up in the muscle.  Contrary to popular marketing campaigns taurine is not an energy enhancer.

FrogFuel Has Enhanced Aminos
Enhanced amount of Cysteine

  • Assists in proper function of immune system
  • Strong antioxidant properties
  • Neutralizes toxins and deactivates free radicals.

Enhanced amount of Histidine

  • Critical for blood hemoglobin
  • Crucial in the production of red and white blood cells

Enhanced amount of Methionine

  • Critical for maintaining hair, skin and nails
  • Increases output of lecithin by liver, helping lower cholesterol

FrogFuel Energized Protein Has Caffeine
Caffeine does improve performance. Caffeine combined with our rapidly absorbed protein provides unparalleled support before and during exercise.

Proteins form the body’s main structural elements and are found in every cell and tissue.  Your body uses proteins to build and repair muscles, bone, connective tissue, skin, and virtually every other body part and tissue.  Protein supplements is a necessity for those who desire to achieve the optimal performance to be one of the elite.

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“Everything you need, nothing you don’t.”

Along with my sample pack, they’ve also offered up a sample tasting pack for one of my readers! This is giveaway will only last a few days so don’t miss your chance to win! 

To enter, just follow the Rafflecopter link here:

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

frogfuel-blog-app

What is your Fuel Level? Click here to see!

Good Luck!!

As required by the FTC: I received this product for a review. I received no monetary compensation.  All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

If you would like to sponsor a giveaway on my blog (or you know someone that does) please contact me by sending me an email to gcmjjm03@gmail.com.  I will always disclose whether or not the giveaway is sponsored by someone else or if it is one of my very own.

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Easy Canvas Prints Review and Giveaway


easy-canvas-prints

Recently, Olivia from Easy Canvas Prints contacted me and asked if I’d like to try out their canvas prints by making my own. It was perfect timing because my husband and I had been recently talking about getting some canvas prints done. After some thought, I decided to use the picture that my husband took of me a few months after I had started running, which is the banner picture for this site and also for my Slow is the New Fast Facebook page. Honestly, the hardest part of the the whole process was deciding on a picture! Everything else was very simple and easy to understand. I even received it sooner than they had estimated on the shipping times!

You’ve seen the original at the top of my blog and here’s the finished canvas:

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This is a picture of my finished canvas hanging in our workout room.

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It came with a hanger attached which made it quick and easy to hang on the wall.

Easy Canvas Prints also offered a free 8×10 canvas print ($44.71 value) print to one of my readers! All you have to do is click on the Rafflecopter link below to enter! You can also check them out on Facebook here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!!

As required by the FTC: I received this product for a review. I received no monetary compensation.  All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

If you would like to sponsor a giveaway on my blog (or you know someone that does) please contact me by sending me an email to gcmjjm03@gmail.com.  I will always disclose whether or not the giveaway is sponsored by someone else or if it is one of my very own.

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Groovy Baby Action Gear Arm Warmers Review and Giveaway


groovybaby

Jordan Shrack was the winner of the Groovy Baby arm warmers! Congratulations Jordan! Thanks to everyone that entered! Stay tuned for more giveaways coming up very soon!

It might be summer right now but it won’t be long until those chilly race mornings will be back (I can’t wait!) and we’ll be digging out our trusty arm warmers again.

Down here in the Deep South, we were treated to a few extra cool race day mornings before the summer heat set in and I was able to try out my new custom made arm warmers that Katie sent me from Groovy Baby Action Gear. If you haven’t had a chance to check out her gear yet, you’ve got to go take a look! This girl is creative and I’m convinced she can make anything! She’s also a runner so she knows how things need to fit and feel.

Here’s a what her website says:

Groovy Baby Action Gear offers unique custom running sleeves, arm sleeves, running gloves, costume cuffs, arm bands, and costume sets for women and children. Be a super heroine everyday or give your race costume some extra flair!

Find your super sleeves here with one of a kind custom running sleeves that provide warmth and protection to your arms for everyday runs, races, racing costumes, and obstacle course/mud runs. You’ll feel the power and funk right away as you start your next adventure.

Your custom or ready made running sleeves gloves will leave your hands free and allow the ease and comfort of quick on and off without interrupting your most excellent adventure.

Every pair of running sleeves I offer is either ready made or custom to you at no additional charge! Send me your own (or your children’s) measurements and fabric choices or choose a ready made pair with tons of stretch and lycra goodness.

Add a name to your sleeves so the world knows what name to chant at the finish line!

Team Sleeves available with custom embroidered names and logos, please message me or see the “Upgrade” section of my shop.

I wasn’t exactly sure of what I wanted when we first began discussing a possible design for me but Katie had some ideas and it wasn’t long before she came up with a great one for me! She went with black and hot pink arm warmers with my Slow is the New Fast girl embroidered on the sides. She also included a Slow is the New Fast headband!

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Sporting my Groovy Baby arm warmers at a local 10k race. I was so glad to have them – it was cold that morning!

Katie also wants to give away a pair of custom arm warmers to one of my readers! If you’d like to have a chance to win a pair of your own, click the Rafflecopter link below to get started!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

P.S. – I have my eye on the Wonder Woman gear next!!

Picture courtesy of Groovy Baby Action Gear.

(Picture courtesy of Groovy Baby Action Gear)

Good luck everyone!!

As required by the FTC: I received this product for a review. I received no monetary compensation.  All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

If you would like to sponsor a giveaway on my blog (or you know someone that does) please contact me by sending me an email to gcmjjm03@gmail.com.  I will always disclose whether or not the giveaway is sponsored by someone else or if it is one of my very own.

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Shubeez Giveaway!


385286_516321198390875_1171970170_nshubeez_logo

I’m keeping my Blogiversary celebration going by offering another great giveaway. This one is from Shubeez! Two lucky people will have their chance to win either a 13.1 shoe tag or a 26.2 shoe tag!

shubeezpacks

Here’s a little bit about Shubeez from their website:

Shubeez are unique collectable shoe tags that attach securley to the laces of any athletic footwear. We all have a cause, a goal, a mission in life: in order to make progress you must begin to taking steps toward your desired result. More than a simple branding/ awareness piece….shubeez is an idea.  We believe that everyone has the power to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others. Whether you are running a road race, supporting a PTO, fundraising for a youth sports team, or getting involved with a non profit,  shubeez is a personal shoe tag that says you took action and are part of a community that cares.

Our message is simple.  We are a call to action.  We believe there is no better way to symbolize your efforts, or your events, than branding the shoe that started your movement. Every morning you must get up and face the day.  What you do from there is your choice.  Your shubeez is a constant reminder of why you lace-up and a unique symbol that will spark interest/ encourage others to get involved. shubeez- why do YOU lace-up?

To enter, just click the Rafflecopter link below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you don’t want to wait and would like to buy some Shubeez tags of your own, you can go to their site and check out their shop! By the way, I’m a Shubeez Affiliate! When you checkout, please select Slow is the New Fast from their drop down partner menu.

Good Luck!!

As required by the FTC: I received this product for a review. I received no monetary compensation to write this review.  All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

If you would like to sponsor a giveaway on my blog (or you know someone that does) please contact me by sending me an email to gcmjjm03 (at) gmail  (dot) com.  I will always disclose whether or not the giveaway is sponsored by someone else or if it is one of my very own.

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My 2nd Blogiversary and Allied Medal Hanger Giveaway!


It’s hard to believe that it’s already been 2 years since I first began this blog! There has been so many exciting things that have happened since that day that I opened up this page and began typing.

Here are a few things that have happened in my running life since I became a blogger 2 years ago:

  • I had the opportunity to meet and run with Born to Run author Chris McDougall, his running coach Eric Orton and Ultra runner Scott Jurek.
  • I ran my 1st (then 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th) half marathon.
  • I ran my 1st marathon last year and my 2nd last month.
  • I dealt with IT Band Syndrome and Plantar Fasciitis
  • I lost 76 pounds!
  • I broke my left arm while out on a training run at night and had to have surgery to have steel plate/screws placed in my arm.
  • I was featured in a video series by Fitbie/MSN called Everyday Champions
  • I was in the Jan/Feb 2013 issue of Women’s Running Magazine in their Women Who Move section.

These are only a few things that have happened to me along this journey in the last couple of years. There have been ups and downs but I am thankful for everything that I’ve gotten to experience. (Except for the broken arm….I could have definitely lived without that, lol!)

What I’m most grateful for is 1.) being a healthier wife and mother 2.) the connections I’ve made through this blog and Facebook page. The running/fitness community is amazing and I have made great friends (online and out running) that I would have never met otherwise. I’m also thankful for all of you that follow my blog! I am constantly inspired and motivated by you!! I absolutely love the stories and pictures you share over on my Facebook page and love how you interact with and encourage each other.

Enough with me and on to the exciting stuff! What’s the point in a celebration without a gift? Allied Medals was kind enough to send me my very own Slow is the New Fast medal hanger and now you can win one of your own! 

sitnfmedal

Love it!

Slow is the new Fast no girl

You can choose one like mine, one without the girl or you can choose a completely different style!

Click the link below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!!!

As required by the FTC: I received this product for a review. I received no monetary compensation.  All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

If you would like to sponsor a giveaway on my blog (or you know someone that does) please contact me by sending me an email to gcmjjm03@gmail.com.  I will always disclose whether or not the giveaway is sponsored by someone else or if it is one of my very own.

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Join my March DietBet Challenge!


diet-bet

If you missed out on my March DietBet, you can join the one that will be starting May 28th! Click here to join.

If you’re interested in a new way to go about losing some weight, DietBet may be perfect for you! Watch the video below or click this link, if you’d like more information on it. Runner’s World actually mentioned it in an article last October.

What I really like is that it’s not based on any one particular food plan. You do what works for you (and is healthy). I also think it’s good because you don’t have focus on a set amount of pounds but a percentage (4% at the end of 4 weeks).

You will be required to share a starting weight and a final weight photo but don’t worry, it’s private and won’t be shared. Also, your weight is kept private by default, unless you choose to share it with the other players.

weigh-in-illustrations

Don’t worry, your pictures and weight are kept private!

I’ve decided to do my own and would love to have you participate with me! After all, the more participants, the more fun and the more you can win!

If you’d like to give it a try, here’s what you do:

1. Join Slow is the New Fast DietBet

2. Set your profile up

3. Submit a starting weight photo a few days before the challenge begins. (Remember – they’ll be kept private!)

4. Find a eating and exercise plan that works for you and start making your way toward your goal of losing 4% of your body weight in 4 weeks!

5. Lose 4% – Claim your share of the pot!

jar

My game begins on Monday, March 18th and the amount you put in the “pot” is $30.

I hope to see you there!

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Race Kred Review/Giveaway


racekredlogo

What better way to celebrate my 3 year Runniversary than to have a giveaway?!

Whether it’s a 5k or an ultra-marathon, when you’ve trained hard for a race and completed it, you want to tell people about it! What better way to do that than to wear it on the shoes that got you across the finish line?

Lane from Race-Kred contacted me and offered to send me a 26.2 charm of my own and then graciously offered to give another one away (winner’s choice) to one lucky Slow is the New Fast reader!  I thought the packaging was smart and allowed you to be able to see right away how your charm will look on your shoes. I found it simple to put on and I think the silver color works great with any color shoes.

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Cute packaging!

26.2 on my shoe

26.2 on my shoe

Here are a few frequently asked questions from the Race-Kred site: 

Q. How big is the Race-Kred shoe swag? Will it feel heavy on my shoe?

Answer: Race-Kred is very small. It weighs 5.5 grams (about the same as 2 dimes) and is 20mm wide and 17mm tall. You won’t be able to feel the bead on your shoe. As you can see from this picture, they are small enough to fit multiple Race-Kreds on one shoe.

 

Q. What is Race-Kred made of?

Answer: Race-Kred is made of 100% Zinc Alloy and it is nickel free. It is finished with antique silver plating.

 

Q. Can I order custom Race-Kred shoe swag for a specific race?

Answer: Custom beads can be ordered with a specific race logo engraved (space permitting). Minimum order quantity is 250. Bulk pricing discounts are also available starting with quantities of 250. Please contact us at info@race-kred.com for more details.

 

Q. Do you wholesale Race-Kred?

Answer:  Yes.  Race-Kred is sold in several running, triathlon and wellness stores.  Please contact us for more information if you are interested in carrying Race-Kred in your stores.  Info@race-kred.com.

 

Q. I don’t see a Race-Kred for my event? (i.e. 3-day walk, 150 Miles, etc)

Answer: Please let us know what other Race-Kred you would like to see available on our site. We are certainly open to adding to our product line. Please contact us at info@race-kred.com.


Are you ready to try to win one? To enter the contest, click the link below to go to Rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you can’t wait and would like to order one (or more) now, you can check out all of their products here.

The contest ends Friday, February 15th. The winner will be notified via this blog, Facebook and Twitter. They will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen.

      Good luck!!

As required by the FTC: I received this product for a review. I received no monetary compensation.  All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

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Sof Sole Giveaway Winner!


Thank you to everyone that took the time to read my Sof Sole review and entered the giveaway. I decided to use Rafflecopter this time and it seemed to be a lot easier!

The winner of the Sof Sole prize package is: Tiffaney Vigness!

Congratulations Tiffaney!! Please contact me via email (gcmjj03 at gmail dot com) or Facebook message with your mailing information and I’ll forward it to Emily over at Sof Sole.

Thank you again to everyone that took the time to participate! Congratulations again, Tiffaney!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

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Sof Sole Prize Package Giveaway


After reading my review on the previous post, do you think you might want to win some Sof Sole goodies of your own? It’s super easy to do! I’m doing things a little differently this time, so please have patience with me while I work the bugs out. 🙂 If you have any problems, please email me or leave a comment and let me know.

Click the link below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner will be notified via this blog, Facebook and Twitter. They will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen.

Good luck!!

If you would like to sponsor a giveaway on my blog (or you know someone that does) please contact me by sending me an email to gcmjjm03@gmail.com.  I will always disclose whether or not the giveaway is sponsored by someone else or if it is one of my very own.

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