Viv's Favorite Things & Giveaway....

This is when I find out if you really like me, by still stopping by when I have not been running by blogs(Shane is on vacation, and rolls his eyes at me if I am on the computer too much). If you know me you are aware that I am not running or cycling at all. I am still dealing with my calf injury. Being that it is still difficult to walk I would not be surprised if there is a tear involved, but too cheap(high deductible insurance) to get the MRI to prove it. I am working with my awesome PT and Strive teammate, Paula. I trust I will be back at it soon.

I have been thinking of doing a list of my favorite things for the holiday season for a while. Sorry it is not before Christmas but up before New Years, score! Since, I am the Oprah of the blog world according to Jon and hello, I go up and down the scale like that woman. All, I need to do is roll out with a wagon of chicken fat when and if I ever reach goal weight by hopefully next summer. Oh, and give all my readers a free car.....dream on! Without further due, the list.

1. Wigwam Ironman Thunder Pro Socks - It is just the right thickness, and they keep my feet blister free even if sometimes I put them on with damp feet. The Ironman logo keeps me motivated.
2. De Soto Tri Shorts - They fit me just right without the obscene look some tri shorts give me. They do not have those torturous extreme leg grippers, but never ever ride up. Trust me if tri shorts were going to ride up I would be the chick they ride up on.
3. Brooks Epiphany Running Shorts - This short gets bonus points for the slit in the leg that keeps riding up shorts in check, even on the track. I guess you are feeling that riding up is an issue for me.
4. The Stick - When used frequently and correctly can loosen up the tight muscles.
5. Body Glide - Chaffing is a thing of the past when you apply wherever things may rub.
6. Zoot Ultra Race - Lightweight running shoe. I use them for track workouts or short distances. I have to admit something magical does happen once they are on my feet.
7. Fuel Belt - Many different belts may aim to please but nothing compares.
8. Rehydrate - My new hydration of choice. Some of my cycle students have sworn there is speed in my sports bottle when I refuel with it.
9. Diorshow Waterproof Mascara - I never wear make up before a workout, but sometimes I have a class to teach at 5A and I don't want to look like a zombie. This is my mascara of choice to make my eyes pop and not run down my face while sweating gallons.
10. Polar F4 Heart Rate Monitor - Yes, I have the wonderful Garmin to track distance and running workouts, but my main focus is and should be calorie burn. When I am not running outside this is my go to gadget. The calorie burn is much accurate than the Garmin, and since I am a WeWa'er how many calories I burn is crucial to knowing my in and out of calories.

These are just my favorite things.... I am not being endorsed by these companies to tell you this, I wish I was, LOL!

Now it is your turn to tell me your favorite thing you can't be without on your training or exercise adventures. This is your oppurtunity to post a comment on my blog if you have just been lurking. Remeber you do not have to have a google account to comment. You can always choose name and put in your name. By posting your favorite thing in my comments section below you will be automatically entered for a giveaway on my blog sponsored by the wonderfully generous people at Onlineshoes.com. Onlineshoes.com has a plenitude of running shoes selection of all our favorite brands, and models including running apparel.

Now, don't get all jumping on the couch but Onlineshoes.com is giving one of my lucky readers who post their comment to this post a $100 gift certificate to their store, Onlineshoes.com or a pair of the New Balance 993.


Da' Rules:
~Contest only open to US residents. So sorry my Canadian pals & my fav kiwi.
~Must have a valid e-mail address.
~If you are not a regular commenter on my blog make sure you include your name in your comment.
~Only one entry per person.
~This contest will run for 2 weeks ending on January 12, 2009 at 6:00PM(CST).
~To be eligible the comment must be on this original post, not on reminder posts.
~Winner will be chosen by a drawing.
~Drawing will be videotaped to be posted on my blog.
~Good luck!