Spreading some Christmas Cheer! (GIVEAWAY & DISCOUNT!)

Can you believe how quickly the holidays have gotten here? It seems like just yesterday I was heading out the day after Thanksgiving for some Black Friday mayhem!! The time has just flown by!

I’m preparing to board a plane to go home to see my family. Of course, this means all the holiday airport shenanigans…I just hope it all runs smoothly and I don’t end up being stranded somewhere. I’m traveling through Chicago…so we’ll see…

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Airports are hit-and-miss time of year and the weather lately, unless you live in Florida, has been rather crazy and cold. But…hey…family is important and I can’t wait to get back there and hug them and spend some time with all of them.

Speaking of which, I ran across this little gem the other day when going through pictures…

christmassiblings — My big brother, my little sister, and me – Christmas sometime in the 80s.

Family is, and always will be, very important to me. They are my biggest support system. And even though I am the one who flew away (aka: they all live in Birmingham and I live in Indiana)…they have always been there for me and supported me. And I honestly can’t wait to see them later tonight.

Even bigger news…I have all the gifts wrapped and I’m officially Christmas-ready. Christmas is a go, friends. I was down to the wire on the wrapping, but I did it. WOOHOO!

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The gifts that are wrapped are in my checked baggage so TSA won’t have to have me unwrap anything. Even if they did, my mom is a much better gift wrapper than I am and would re-wrap them for me. Except hers. I’d have to do that.

Speaking of gifts…do I have a gift for you!!

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You, my dear friends, have 2 MORE DAYS to take advantage of one of the best discount offer with the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon/mini Marathon!! You have until December 24, 2016, to register for either distance (or even the relay option), and use a special discount code for $10 off the registration fee. Simply go here:

Enter the following code for your special discount:

AMBASSADORGIFT

And be sure you select me, Karen Brady, as your Race Ambassador referral!! Seriously, don’t miss this amazing offer!!

Also, take advantage of the Norton Sports Health Training Program. Head over to the Norton Sports Health Training Program page and register. If you are in the first 800 to register, you will also receive a free, long-sleeve, tech shirt. But you have to be registered for one of the race distances!

And I’m going to throw in a bonus incentive. If you register for either the marathon or the half marathon distance, and select me, Karen Brady, as your race ambassador, simply message me…or comment here…and I’ll happily send you a bonus gift of some KDFMarathon swag. I have KDFMarathon BondiBands, pasta scoops, shoelaces, chip clips, smart phone wallets, and stickers.

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All this and free swag too!!

I also want to put out there that I am really, really enjoying being a KDFMarathon Race Ambassador. Seriously, I have met and become friends with amazing, inspiring people. And we have a lot of fun. I’m beyond blessed to be a part of this program. So, from my KDFMarathon Ambassador family to you…

MERRY CHRISTMAS…and here’s to a HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR!

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What are you waiting for?

Go set a new goal, sign up for a new distance, pledge to get healthy and train for a race, and do it with us. Go…you have nothing to lose.

Seriously…just do it. GO!

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#KDFMarathon #KDFMarathonAmbassador #race #running #louisville #louisvilleky #discount #discountcode #comerunwithus

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December 11, 2016December 12, 2016

Announcement: Norton Sports Health Training Program & Another KDF Ambassador Discount You Won’t Want To Miss Out On!

You know, one of the most rewarding things about being an Ambassador for the #KDFMarathon is that I get to encourage other people – friends, strangers, friends of strangers, etc – to sign up for this amazing race and to train with us using the official Norton Sports Health Training Program!

So…I’m here on my blog to do just that. Let’s begin with the Norton Sports Health Training Program, shall we?

The Norton Sports Health Training Program is a fantastic 14-week program that helps prepare runners and walkers for both the KDF Marathon and the KDF miniMarathon races. Registration for the program is 100% FREE!!! If you are anything like me, FREE is your favorite price. So, make a point to head over to the Norton Sports Health Training Program page on the KDF Marathon site and register.

Why should you register?

Well, not only will you receive a training manual at the annual kick-off event on January 12, 2017 at 6 p.m. at the Kentucky Derby Museum(you can also download this online), which will highlight the training guidelines and the weekly group runs (there are two (2) per week – Tuesday Hill Repeats and Saturday Long Runs), but you will also have the opportunity, at this event, to meet and talk with members of the Norton Sports Health Team, and have any of your questions answered prior to beginning training. Attending this event will also give you the opportunity to check out the exhibits at the Kentucky Derby Museum commemorating the annual Run for the Roses.

But that’s not all!! If you are one of the first 800 people to register for the Norton Sports Health Training Program, and are also registered to participate in either the Kentucky Derby Marathon or mini Marathon, you will also receive this fantastic tech pull-over!

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But…that’s not all!!

If you have been wavering on whether to register or not…then wait no longer. I have a discount code for you that is good through December 24, 2016. Trust me, you do not want to miss out on this deal.

Go to the KDF Marathon registration page and register for either the full or half marathon distance. As you are checking out, be sure to enter this discount code and receive $10 OFF REGISTRATION!

CODE: AMBASSADORGIFT

And, as I said, this is good for $10 OFF REGISTRATION!! Be sure, when you register, you pick me, KAREN BRADY, as your Race Ambassador Referral!!

Trust me, you won’t find a better deal than this!!

Two for one! Register for the race distance of your choice…then go register for the Norton Sports Health Training Program. Trust me, I participated in the training program last year, and it is phenomenal. I was just coming back from months off due to my hip labrum tear, and this program not only laid out distances to run, but helped me get back into the act of running regularly. It is so worth participating in! And, as a bonus, I met a lot of awesome people and made some new friends. Why go it alone? Train with people who have the same goal as you. It makes a world of difference!

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#KDFMarathon #KDFMarathonAmbassador #discountcode #discount #comerunwithus #cometrainwithus #louisvilleky #race #running #runner

September 22, 2016

Take 5!

Hey lovelies!!

I know…I’ve been neglecting the blog…especially product reviews as of late. Life has been a bit crazy. But with my first marathon back from injury now in the books (even though it did not go well at all)…I feel like things are settling back down and I can get right back on track.

YAY!!

So…let me start off by reminding you that I am a Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon/Mini Marathon Race Ambassador!!! It’s true!

What is it they say? Pictures or it didn’t happen? Well…it happened:

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What a great team to be working with!! Seriously…I met them at the big kick-off meeting last week and, seriously, we all bring something different and unique to the group. And I love all of them already. And I’ve only just met most of them.

So…now to the entire purpose of this post.

Do you know how amazing the NUMBER FIVE (5) is? Well…let me tell you a few ways…

1. Cinco de Mayo

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Runners LOVE to eat and drink, am I right? And while these days we have important things like…Taco Tuesday…and the like, the ultimate Mexican-themed holiday has to go to Cinco de Mayo. While this is not even a federal holiday in Mexico, this doesn’t stop me (and the rest of the USA) from breaking out the chips, salsa, guacamole, tequila, sombreros, etc…and celebrating the 5th day of the 5th month. Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico’s Independence day…but the day actually commemorates the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. There you have it. The more you know.

Now, pass me the guacamole!

2. The Five Second Rule

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HA!! We’ve all done it. Eating a tasty treat and then…WHOOPS…you drop it and it hits the floor. This is the little unwritten rule that says…hey…that delicious food item is still safe to eat. I mean…we’d hate to let it go to waste, right?

3. High Fives

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We, collectively, as runners…LOVE a good high five. I mean, you’re running the later miles of a distance race and there is a child/adult/spouse/friend/complete stranger with that infamous sign…

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Whether it’s up high, down low…ooops…too slow (see what I did there?), there is nothing more uplifting than a mid-race high five. For real!! This little hand clap makes victories sweeter, the low times a bit more tolerable, and…they sure do make you think that you are getting that power up promised, as you run your way through the streets, when you slap your hand together with a stranger.

4. The ever-popular 5K race

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It is the perfect distance for some…and torture for others. But if you are looking to get better, faster, stronger…the 5K race is the race for you. And, in addition, you aren’t out for hours on end on a weekend. Anywhere between 15-45 minutes…and BOOM…you’re done!! Is it any wonder the 5K race is where most runners start? It’s a warm-up…it’s a challenge…it it easy…it hurts…it is hard. It’s all these things…and that’s why we love to hate and continue to run…those 5K races.

5. $5 OFF #KDFMARATHON RACE REGISTRATION

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As I mentioned above, I am one of the Race Ambassadors for the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon/Mini Marathon! And this is a great opportunity to get a discount on your race registration, whether you choose to go 13.1 miles (Mini Marathon) or 26.2 (Marathon). Here’s the deal…all you need to do is head over to the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon/Mini Marathon Registration Page and click on the button to begin your registration. Enter the following code between September 15 – September 29, 2016 and recieve $5 OFF your registration:

AMB5OFF1

And, remember, when you see the question:

Were you referred by a race ambassador?

Choose my name – Karen Brady!!

See…the number 5 is a wonderful thing!! Now, stop procrastinating and hesitating and get registering. Come seek out a finish line with us!!

#KDFMarathon #KDFMarathonAmbassador #comerunwithus

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August 16, 2016August 16, 2016

Hey…I’m a #KDFMarathon Race Ambassador (Discount Code!)

2017 Race Ambassador Logos CMYK It was the best news I had received in a long time. I found out, as I was making my way to Minnesota, that I was chosen to be one of the 2017 Race Ambassadors for the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon/Mini Marathon.

I can’t even begin to explain how excited I am to take on this role. I absolutely love being an encourager and this opportunity gives me the chance to help people take steps to meet their goals at the Kentucky Derby Marathon or Mini Marathon.

Seriously…EXCITED!!

All that being said…if you register within the next two (2) weeks, you can take 10% off your registration by using the code:

KDFR4R08

When you register (see, I said when not if)…be sure to select my name – Karen Brady – from the “Ambassador Referral” on the application.

Just go here and register. Simple. Easy. Motivational.

KDF Marathon/Mini Marathon Registration

And, of course, go like and follow the official Facebook Page!

Come train with me and chase down that finish line!!

#KDFMarathon #KDFMarathonAmbassador #ComeRunWithUs

June 5, 2016

A Hard Run Week

It was about…Wednesday afternoon…and I’m sitting at work…working (because, what else are you doing at work?)…and all of a sudden I just start to feel…meh. Welcome to the Ohio River Valley. The area of the country where air quality is horrible in the spring and allergies have me all…

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Yeah…SUCK!

So, from Thursday on…the struggle has been real. I’ve gone from feeling really good to…meh…back to good all in a matter of an hour. But, this too shall pass, and yes…I will survive.

1. Bondi Band Compression Socks

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On Tuesday, my Bondi Band Compression Socks arrived in the mail. All of the #BondiBandAmbassadors got a pair to test drive. I decided to wear mine out to hill repeats. Yep…hill repeats are back in my life…and they still suck. Why am I doing hill repeats? Have you seen the elevation chart to the marathon I’m running in September. They say to train according to your race. My race has HILLS FOR DAYS. I’m struggling with these. It seems I just can’t get the power on the uphills that I used to get. I hope, in time, this will change. But, it’s aggravating and frustrating when you’re one of the first people to head up a hill and get passed up by every one on the way to the top. Stupid hip.

Anyway…the point of this tale was to say, the Bondi Band Compression Socks (and they do sleeves) are comfortable and nice. And they come in fun patterns. I was secretly hoping for argyle, but I was sent the pirate ones. As I was born on National Talk Like A Pirate Day…this will do. Head over to Bondi Band‘s Web site and check them out. If you place an order, please feel free to use my discount code to get 10% off your purchase. When you checkout, use CELIATHLETE.

2. Meal Prep

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Yesterday, I felt like a total rockstar. I got up…and muddled through a 14 mile solo run around my town because the usual suspects I run with were all doing the Barn Yard Dash up at Hubers. They were also winning ALL THE AWARDS! That being said…I had planned to do 16 miles in Frankfort with two amazing runners that my coach, Linda Word, also coaches. I had to cancel due to feeling like death in a pollen-infused bubble. MEH. So, I went out on my own, early, and got it done…before 8 am. Afterwards, I went to get coffee, breakfast, hit up the Farmers Market, do the rest of the grocery shopping, and then…I got into my kitchen and made ALL THE MEALS for this week. ALL THE MEALS. They are done and in the fridge…ready to go. Seriously. And this was all accomplished before 4:30 p.m. I think all the cooking and prep only took 2.5 hours at most. I’m getting the hang of this meal prep thing, I think! This also means that I have my entire Sunday to do whatever I want, instead of stressing out over making all the meals for the week, which is my usual Sunday panic/freak-out. YAY!

3. Future Sister Time

Karla & Landon at the Birmingham Color Run on May 28

Nothing will brighten my day more than a text or call from my sister. Especially when said contact means she is planning a trip up this way. This time, she’s aiming at bringing Landon up with her. Now, Landon is a bit of a soccer star there in Alabama, so I thought, if it worked with the schedule, doing a Louisville City FC match with them. I would, because I am an awesome auntie, spoil Landon rotten and get him a scarf or shirt or whatever he wanted. And food. And the match. I love seeing my sister and spending time with her and her kiddliewinks. I am SO excited. Now she just needs to dial in on a weekend. I can’t wait to spend some time with her. It’s never long enough, but it is better than nothing.

4. Runner Girl

Dean, one of the numerous friendships that I have made in the local running community here in Louisville, is quite the craftsman. He has gifted many a female runner with these amazing wooden Runner Girl’s that he makes himself. I was on the receiving end of one today at the Breakfast Club run (where I did 2 more miles than I thought I was going to do…quicker than I intended). She is hanging proudly off the rearview mirror of my car. Super special. This little gift meant a lot to me, for real. It’s the little things in life that mean the most to me. This was one of them. So, thank you, Dean, for this little token. It lifted my spirits after a hard week…and totally just makes my car look complete! I display her proudly!

5. The Good, The Bad, The Ugly of Warm Weather

I won’t lie. I would much rather sweat it out and fight through hot weather than step outside and run in cold weather. Warm weather is my friend and I love being out in it. But humidity…humidity and I don’t even talk. I can gut anything out in the heat, but add that sweltering, stifling humidity to it and I’m all…

Couple that with the allergy issues I mentioned above, and every run has just felt…so much harder. You know, it’s summer. And the past 2 summers I’ve pretty much sat out thanks to injury after injury after injury…and I have been wanting to gut out another summer of running. I’m weird…the heat doesn’t bother me much. I can go out in any dry (not humid) heat and rock a run that when I finish I’m all…

…but this week has just been humid. And my 14 mile solo run was not what I had expected nor wanted on Saturday. But I got it done…pain-free. So…if I have to conquer allergies and humidity all over again for the first time since 2013…I will. I can do this. And I’ll smile, even after a disappointing run…

Any day I am able to run without pain is a good day. Even when the run is anything but good. I’m thankful and blessed for each day I am able to do what I haven’t been able to do for far too long.

So, remember, bad runs happen. Keep smiling.

6. Stress Relief

This past Wednesday was National Running Day! YAY, RUNNERS!! And running has been quite the stress reliever for me. However, given the amount of time I had been forced to take off due to all the injuries…sometimes where activity was very limited, I lost a lot of my good habits I started to embrace back in 2013. And I have been really starting to get mad at myself for stress eating and just eating out of boredom. That being said, instead of doing the organized 4 mile group run for National Running Day (it’s okay…I dedicated 6 miles that morning to 2 friends who currently are injured and can’t run) on Wednesday, I was meeting with my sports nutritionist and she and I are focusing on a plan to break me of bad habits and what I do when I do get stressed out. I am already feeling a bit better about things and am working to do a few other things, nutrition-wise, that will help me in the long run (ha…punny). Stress is no joke…and it affects everyone differently. It puts me in a dark, unhappy place and I’m not happy there. Time to get out of it. I’m sure there will be days I fail…because I’m human…but I’m being proactive before this becomes more difficult and harder to fix.

What struggles have you been dealing with lately? How do you break yourself of bad habits? Did you do something for National Running Day?

Summer’s here…let’s get this party started!

May 16, 2016

Bondi Band Ambassador & Discount Code

bondibandambassador2b_zps60f5fb72 — Bondi Band Social Media Ambassador

So, it’s official. I am a Bondi Band Social Media Brand Ambassador. What does this mean? This means that I am officially your Bondi Band go-to girl.

Are you a Bondi Band fan? They are the only headbands I have ever worn as a runner. And I wear them running, spinning, and to the gym. I am never working out without one on my head. I think the people at the YMCA enjoy seeing what message I’m carrying with me that day when I turn up. It usually brings a smile, nevertheless.

For those of you unfamiliar with Bondi Band, let me tell you a little bit about them. Bondi Band was founded by Rebecca Buckley, who, at one time, searched high and low searching for a fun, fashionable headband that did not slip while she was working out. She was unsuccessful in her search. So, while vacationing in Australia, she was inspired to create her own line. Upon returning from her trip, Buckley began to experiment and eventually developed the perfect design for a headband that would incorporate elements of both function and fashion. She began to sew Bondi Band headbands by hand, in her hometown of Lewiston, Maine in February 2005.

Bondi Band initially began with only headbands, but have since expanded to a full line of headwear, compression products, and accessories in comfortable, colorful options that will fit every lifestyle and personality for active women, men and children. Not only does Bondi Band offer functional unisex, high quality, American made products, but Bondi Band donates 10% of all profits to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts.

If you have been contemplating headbands, headwear, accessories, and/or compression for your runs and workouts, I would be the first to throw a Bondi Band at you. If you are already a fan…YAY!! If you have yet to try them…here’s your choice.

13179317_10154241706638854_192163168031481879_n — Bondi Band Grab Bag Offer

As a Brand Ambassador for Bondi Band, I am going to share with you my discount code to get you 10% off of your online order. Go to Bondi Band’s Web site, purchase and/or create your favorite Bondi Bands (yes, you can customize the products), and when you checkout, enter the code: CELIATHLETE

That magic code will knock 10% off your order. YAY!! We all love savings. And…that’s not all. While supplies last, Bondi Band is offering a Grab Bag, which gives you 10 items for $20. You can use my discount code on that too!

So…head over there and remember to use: CELIATHLETE when you check-out!!

12593577_989252789421_2136607970797957841_o — I am never without my Bondi Bands when I run…race…spin…workout…