Chicago Marathon - American Cancer Society

I love to give back to charities and causes! Nothing makes me happier than to know that I can use my blessings to help someone else. My grandmother always (and still does) remind me that you can't receive blessings with a closed fist. I have done lots of fundraising and participated in various philanthropic endeavors in the past, but whenever I can combine that with running...I mean how can that be bad?

This year in October, I will be running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. I have joined the American Cancer Society's charity team as a proud member of Team DetermiNATION! I chose to team up with Team DetermiNATION because my life has been touched by cancer in so many different ways. Effecting friends, family, loved ones, and taking lives way to soon. Cancer Sucks! I want to do my part to make sure people that need treatment, therapy, and other services can receive it. I am confident that one day this disease will no longer exist. Until then, I will run to help save lives.

You can help me! You can help others! Since I am running with a charity, my entry is contingent upon reaching my fundraising goals of $1,500.00. Just think, with that money a child can get the treatment they need, a mother, a father, spouse, brother, or sister can have one more day of treatment. You can help make a difference. I am doing the hard part by running 26.2 miles in the Windy City. Please find it in your heart to donate to this cause and help save a life. No donation is to small.

Plus there is a chance for you to win some stuff! I will be giving away two $50.00 INKnBURN gift cards! If you donate, your name will be entered to win one of these gift cards!

Interested in donating? CLICK HERE! Thank you so much in advance for your support! Truly, I mean that from the bottom of my heart. To those of you who have already donated, THANK YOU!

With Love,

Linz

#PoweredByBits Chat Tonight

Tonight is the night! I am co-hosting EnergyBits #PoweredByBits chat on Twitter! The party starts at 5PM PST/ 8PM EST! Join the conversation on Twitter using #PoweredByBits! I will have plenty of Inspirational Tea to go around!

Do you want to win a prize during the chat? Enter now for your chance to win a shiny tin of EnergyBits! The winner will be announced at the end of the chat! Hope to chat with you tonight!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Continue Through It

Training is difficult. I mean, if running a half or full marathon were easy everyone would do it, right? I will be the first to tell you my biggest problem is consistency! I know I should run further and more frequently, but I have a hard time staying focused. I have since had to take a step back and evaluate my goals, my race calendar, and my choices so that I can perform at optimal levels when race day comes. I know most of us feel that way. It is hard to stick to training programs. It is hard to see others posting about their awesome runs while life got in the way of yours...I get it and can totally relate. But let's be honest with one another...it isn't suppose to be easy! Training building character and builds tenacity and endurance! So, the stronger our focus and discipline is, the better our results. This also talks to the important topic of proper fuel and nutrition as well.

I am going to share with you some of the methods and ideas I have found that work for me. I am absolutely sure that none of these are new ideas that I came up with, as we as a civilized people have been studying human behavior for centuries...but that doesn't mean I can't try to lend a helping hand :)

Remember Why You Started This Journey In The First Place! 

More often that not, people just don't wake up and start training for a half or full marathon. Usually, some form of inspiration has smacked us across the face and that ignites the inspiration to keep going. I started running to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I had no idea it would take over my life in such an enriching way. As a motivational runner/blogger, I find it is important to progress and get stronger and faster. If I am remaining stagnant and not reaching milestones or achievements...then all my hard work is for not. I can't have that. I enjoy the work I do on this platform way to much, and awesome folks like you appreciate my words. So, I keep in mind that I want to remain healthy and continue to inspire with the highest level of positive impact possible! You may not be a blogger, but we I know you have your own personal reason for why you run. Don't loose sight of that. You can always look back to it for comfort and energy to push you through your training run or race.

Surround & Align Yourself With Energy That Compliments Your Goals!

Energy is not lost, it is transferred from one party to the next. Energy comes through people, nature, animals, light, and anything here on Earth, really. Have you ever noticed that when you have someone in your life that brings you down whether directly or indirectly it has an effect on your mood? In order to maintain focus on your goals and dreams, it is critical that you surround yourself with people that are loving and supportive of your dreams and aspirations. I am not suggesting to cut people out of your life that may have a bad day...we all have them including me. But really be aware of the energy that is in your space. It has a huge impact on you as a person...and I want to see you win!

I hope you found these tips helpful! Share them with a friend! What are some things you do to keep you focused and motivated?

INKnBURN Product Review - The Tech Tube!

One of the things I love to do is talk about products I love! I am fortunate enough to be an Ambassador for INKnBURN, which for most of you is no surprise haha! In a past blog post, I talked about their tech shirts, shorts, and water bottle handhelds...all of which I still love and I have increased my inventory by some ungodly number! Now, I want to give you some insight on a little wonder they like to call The Tech Tube!

The Tech Tube is something really special. It is currently available in twelve different styles and can be worn by both men and women. The tube is made from the same high-quality material as their awesome tech tees! They are soft, yet durable. Each design is strategically placed on each tech tube to allow the highest level of versatility when it comes to how we as athletes wear them. Take the Rock n' Roll tube I am wearing in the first picture. I am using that tube as a headband and was able to roll the tube in such a way that the skull and logo appeared front and center, and the wings wrap gracefully around my head! Details are very important when it comes to art and apparel, and INKnBURN absolutely has this down to a science.

As a headband, this tube does not disappoint. It is light, and wicks and captures sweat, and needs absolutely no adjustment once secured to my brow. I used to run wearing a Halo headband, nothing wrong with the Halo, but I find that the tech tube is more my speed. Ladies, I would recommend this as a way to hold your hair back during your runs.

But of course there are other uses for the tech tube other than just a headband!

Sometimes, we just need to be prepared. You can roll the tube and slide it around your neck, and it instantly is ready for action when needed. Pull it up to your forehead for a headband, slick back your hair, remove it and place it around your wrist to wipe away sweat. You name it. One neat thing about this application is you can create a small pocket and place ice in it to help cool you...hands free! Something to think about after a day on the trails or finishing a road race...it is summer after all ;)

As temperatures start to cool down this fall, I love wearing a good beanie! I love things that are stylish and are eye catching. Well, who knew that the tech tube could be transformed into a beanie!? I didn't! And I am absolutely excited about it! With so many designs to choose from, those cold races are a thing of the past. Sweat catcher and stylish hat in one! And when you aren't racing, they are great casual wear accessories...much like most of the thing InB makes!

You can learn to make the beanie by watching the Pro Holly in this video:

This is quite possibly one of my favorite items to run with. It has become a staple in my arsenal for sure! And the price isn't bad either at $25.00! Remember, these are high quality tech tubes made from some awesome material, the softest threads, and the art is impeccable.

So do yourself and your wardrobe a small favor, click here to view their selection of absolutely fantastic tech tubes, order one, and give it a go! Want to make the deal even sweeter, when you decide to purchase, create an INKnBURN account, and use promo code 'LinzieToldMe' at checkout! You will receive 15% off your purchase! This is a one-time use code, but I am sure once you try INKnBURN, you'll see that the price is well worth it! So be sure to check out their tees, shorts, camisoles, etc.

Distance Yourself with INKnBURN, where Art and Apparel Collide and bring you some amazing gear!

Sharp's Park Ranger Challenge

I am not a person who is very fond of camping in tents, sleeping on the ground, cuddling up with dirt and bugs. I prefer a luxurious resort with a spa. But that does not mean that I do not appreciate the beauty of nature...I just don't want to sleep on it haha.

Vacation Races has been something that has peaked my interest for some time now. The first race I remember seeing them put on was the Zion Half Marathon in Utah. For me, much like a city race, there is no better way to experience a city or a destination than to lace up and just run through it! I find inspiration from running in beautiful places. I draw inspiration from the painted canvas that is our National Parks. I love rock formations, bunnies, birds, and seeing things in their natural state. Experiencing nature and seeing the colors and textures it produces is simply unparalleled.

So in 2014, I have decided to quit my day job and become a Park Ranger. Well...sort of.

Today, I registered for the Zion Half Marathon...let the altitude training begin. As registration opens for the remaining three races, I will register and run. This includes:

• The Grand Canyon Half Marathon in Arizona taking place on May 17th, 2014
• The Rocky Mountain Half Marathon in Colorado in August of next year.
• The Lake Powell Half Marathon in Arizona in October of next year

Maybe I can convince them that they should turn these logos into patches so I can put them on a jacket! I am really excited about the prospects of this race series and can't wait. First stop, ZION!

And this just in...they are also working on a Beach Front Half Marathon Series...my wallet is in trouble.

Now, log off your computer and go walk children in nature!