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I ran the Freedom Run 10k on July 4, and, boy, was it humid! It was the first time I ran the 10k event for this race, so that was pretty cool. A lot fewer people were running the 10k than the 5k, which I thought was kind of nice; it wasn’t too crowded. The 10k followed a bit of the same route as the 5k as well as some of the Fourth of July parade route. There were a few long uphill parts and a sweet downhill near the beginning. I think I ran an okay race. It was really warm, and I definitely wore too many clothes. I wore the race’s shirt, which was white, so I wore a tank top underneath to prevent any show-through, so two top layers. Then I wore capris and a sparkle skirt. Oh, and a hat. Like I said–too many clothes. Ha! Sweat is sexy, right? No? Well, fine. 🙂

I’m also definitely not in the greatest shape–I mean I’m in shape but not in racing shape. My time was even slower than my last 10k (1:07:39). I think I’ve burned out a bit from training for longer races. I’m planning on scaling back a little and running shorter races for the rest of the year (maybe 5k’s and 10k’s) And, well, at my half marathon yesterday (recap coming soon) I had a major plantar fasciitis flare-up, which I think will sideline me a couple of weeks from running. Yay for swimming and yoga!

Anyway, the race was good, though they ran out of the finishers’ swag at the end. They were handing out really nice water bottles, and they ran out right before I finished–and then they ran out of finisher medals a little while after I got mine. I really wanted the water bottle! And I really feel bad for the people who finished after me–in the 5k and the 10k. The organization was a little off this time around, and the race is a little pricey, so I don’t think I or the Engineer will run it again. We’ll find another race on the Fourth.

I began my yoga practice using the loaner mats at the gym/studio/thing, and who knows how dirty those things are–and the amount of antibacterial stuff on them probably wasn’t too healthy. And they were thin and slippery. I used those mats for a while until I felt I would continue with yoga. Then it was time for me to get my own mat. I wanted to get one that was reasonably priced, would last, and came from a company with a good reputation. I researched for days and finally found the one.

Enter the Manduka PROLite. After some breaking in, it is awesome! Some people point out the breaking-in/initial slipperiness as a con, but it didn’t take long to break it in; and I think it helps out the performance, being “grippy” in the right places for me (if that makes sense). And it’s a great color (and comes in great colors), feels durable, is firm but supportive (no ankle-rolling for me!), and has an awesome no-pore surface–which will not trap bacteria and makes it easier to clean. I know it will last, and Manduka guarantees its mats–and they have a recycling kit for them. Pretty cool!

So if you’re looking for a good mat, and one that won’t totally break the bank, consider the Manduka PROlite, which is available on Manduka’s website and on Amazon.

Who knew my arms weighed 100 pounds . . . each? Who knew that carrying a pizza up the stairs after class would be a strength workout? Not me. 🙂

Yesterday, I went to my first sculpt class at my gym. Wow. Definitely gave our arms some love last night. And quads. And bums. BUT I loved the class, and I’m eager to return next week. The trainer is pretty rad–and a little goofy, which I appreciate. Makes me want to be a fitness instructor. Someday . . .

I’m feeling really good with all the cross training I’m doing, and it’s fun to feel stronger. I think I’ll keep it up. Unfortunately running has been brushed aside a little as of late. I’ve been able to get some quality runs in, but definitely not at the frequency I would like. Did I mention I have a 10k next week? And a half marathon the week after that? I’m just going to try not to die. I think that’s a good plan. 🙂

Anyway, now for the moment you’ve been waiting for . . . my Sweat Pink giveaway winners!

#80: Elizabeth

#17: Tina

#37: Melissa

#94: Kim

I’ll be emailing you shortly, so please respond within 2 days of receiving my email. I can’t wait to send these goodies to you!

What are your favorite cross training activities?

Have you ever been to a sculpt/pump class?

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