Running on Empty Review & Giveaway!

A little while ago, I was given the opportunity to review and giveaway a copy of Marshall Ulrich's book Running on Empty: An Ultramarathoner's Story of Love, Loss, and a Record-Setting Run Across America. I'm a slow reader when I'm busy, but this was a great book, that I spent a little time every night reading until it was done.

Marshall is an ultramarathoner, adventure runner & mountaineer, who at the age of 57 sets out to run across America. The book details his history, and the time leading up to the enormous journey, as well as  an incredibly detailed account of the transcontinental run merged with life experiences and lessons throughout. 

My favorite part of this book was the fact that it wasn't just a recap of "how the run went down." It was laced with motivational stories, quotes, thoughts, and experiences. In one of my favorite passages is where he is looking for clean socks, and his wife (who is stressed & tired as well), snaps at him & he breaks into tears. He then details his feeling of self-doubt...

"Dealing with this self-doubt wasn't foreign to me. I've had there thoughts before: entering active military service, going into college, seeing my children being born, other races in other places. Am I man enough to rise to the occasion? Will I fail? How could I have ever thought I would do this? It would be so much easier to just lie back and not take the steep and challenging high road....

We can be our own worst enemies when it comes to those doubts and negative self-talk. Being around people with positive attitudes helps, but ultimately it comes from within... You remind yourself that it's easy to quit but hard to live with it afterward."

Reminds me a little of my post from last week (HERE)

The book is inspirational & motivating from front to back and is a must read in my opinion. The entire book will make you think of pushing yourself, experiencing new things, and appreciating the little things in life.

So who wants to win a copy??

How to Enter

leave a separate comment for each

1. Be or become a follower of my blog

2. Add me to your blogroll

3. Like Running to Health on facebook HERE

4. Blog, tweet, or facebook this contest (1 for each)

I'll pick a winner on July 4th!

Good luck!

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Getting there...

I am happy to report this weekend has turned around.

The yucky weather yesterday did leave me to skip my ride. What is awesome is that I had an amazing 9 mile run (1:43) today with Shelley. I didn't stop to walk the entire time and felt awesome at the end. We both felt like we could go another 5 miles if we wanted too. But we were looking forward to a change in our post race ritual.... a trip to Panera instead of Starbucks!

mine was minus the bacon

We had breakfast sandwiches and smoothies, which were fabulous. I had the low-fat black cherry smoothie, YUM! During our run, Shelley revealed her big news to me....

She is signing up to the run the Disney Marathon with me!!

I couldn't be more excited! Especially now that I will have someone to motivate me for long runs through the cold fall & early winter. sweet!

After doing some laundry, tv watching, and blog reading, I went out for a ride with my tri buddy Deb. She just got a new road bike, and wanted to show me the bike portion of the triathlon in 2 weeks. We didn't do the entire route (7.56 miles in 33 min), and she is a little slower than me, so overall I was satisfied with the time we made. The course was scenic and not too hilly. I know that for race day (and possibly one more practice beforehand), I can totally kick it up a notch and be ready for the run.

The best part? My legs feel fabulous! Not sore at all (knock on wood). The bad part? I can't figure out what I want to do with my hair for race day. My layers don't stay put with a low pony, and I can't wear a high pony with the helmet. Any suggestions?

I started reading...

Im hoping it gives me some motivation and information to loose some of these pounds to get myself in better racing shape. 

On the personal side of things, stuff may be turning around for the better. Right now I'm not holding my breath that he will make the changes he promises that he will.

Don't forget to check out my giveaways!

Run to Home Base HERE

Optimum Nutrition HERE

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My top ten entrecard droppers. Thanks guys!

Entrecard has brought a lot of traffic to my blog. and I would like to take this day to thank all the blogs that took their time to always drop by and visit my blog. Here are my top Entrecard doppers.

1. Windmill on the hill
2. Health Eagle
3. Losing Weight Intentionally
4. Healthy Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle
5. Healthy Living
6. Paul's Health Blog
7. Daily fun horoscope bites
8. Easy Homemade Fragrance and Essential
9. Chronic Chick Talk
10. Pregnancy with Cancer


Thanks very much!

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