Running with PUMA

Those of you who know me know a few months ago I took up a new interest... Running. I have always been the type who have (literally) said, "I hate running! The only time I may actually even think about running is if someone scary is chasing after me... MAYBE I would run... Maybe!"

Having a mom who can run circles around me and recently finished an Ironman triathlon made me figure if she can run 26 miles, swim 3.2 and bike 116 I should be able to run my younger butt a 5K!

I started off the the Couch to 5K app (C25K) and 8 weeks later I was running 3.2 miles in 30 minutes! I even signed up to run my first 5K race so you can imagine how excited I was when I discovered I was accepted to sample some running products from PUMA! Thanks to Crowdtap & PUMA this is what I got to test:

• 1 Pair of PUMA Mobium Elite Running Shoes
• 1 Puma Performance Bodywear Tech ACTV Long Sleeve Top
• 1 Pair of Puma Performance Bodywear Tech ACTV Endurance Tights

Sorry for the sideways pic... I cannot get it to rotate!

I was a little worried about how the shoes would fit; since I didn't get to try them on first, I picked my size and they sent them. I saw lots of people complain about their shoes being a bit big, but as a runner (yes I can now call myself a runner) you want your shoes to have some room for swelling during a run & the shoes I got were perfect! From the warmup walk, to the run to the cool down I noticed a huge difference between those shoes and my previous pair! I actually felt like I could've kept on going (not usual for me).

The shirt was actually different than I was expecting. I received a short sleeve shirt instead and a light long sleeve jacket (PUMA Pure NightCat Reflective Running Jacket). I have to say I love the jacket and shirt so much that I'm not bummed out at all about not getting the long sleeve shirt. The jacket is very reflective (great for the fall/winter shorter days), and the shirt feels so light I feel like I'm just running in my sports bra.

I know I look awful but it's post-workout & early morning!

The pants were pretty crazy when I got them. I was surprised by what I called "traction control" inside them. It essentially looks like little rubber tire treads inside the tights. It does make them a little more difficult to get on, but that may have more to do with the fact that they sent me a small & I could've used a medium. The treads are actually athletic tape strategically placed to actually massage your muscles as you run. I'm not sure how well they worked since it wasn't like a masseuse giving me a massage but I can say the 1 knee that usually gets achy about mid run hasn't bothered me. Not sure if it's that it just decided to quit fighting me, or the massaging tights, or the new shoes (I'm guessing the new shoes helped a lot though).

This new gear really helped motivate me to keep going dispite the dropping temperature, and daylight hours here in Minnesota. I knew I wouldn't keep running outside in the cold so as of last week signed up for a gym membership that has lots of nice indoor treadmills! Thanks again Crowdtap & PUMA!

Shore-ly a Beach Beauty in Old Navy Beachwear!

I know what your thinking... cute swimsuit, right? Well, that's what I was thinking as soon as I saw it online! How lucky for me that I got to go into Old Navy with 3 of my besties and get this swimsuit, flip flops, towel and beach bag FREE?!? Amazing. How? I'm a member of the Old Navy Style Council on Crowdtap. Occasionally they choose people to go in-store for a clothing sample and review the items they received and their in-store experience.

This was an excellent opportunity and we had SO much fun trying out the different styles. If you haven't been to Old Navy swimsuit shopping yet, I highly suggest you check out their swimwear here. They had an amazing variety from 1 piece to tankini to bikini. If you weren't aware of their beach accessories you should check those out as well. I bought a few of their beach towels last year and it was no secret they were and still are my favorite!

BOGO Charcoal at Lowe's (as low as $1.74/bag)

***UPDATE***
I was just looking through the Cub Foods Summer Savings booklet I picked up in store this afternoon, inside is a coupon for $1/1 Kingsford Charcoal (16.6# or more). Grab 2 of these and you should get this deal for at least $2.74/bag!!!

BOGO free Kingsford 16.6# bag of Charcoal at Lowe's, now through the 4th. The 1st bag is $7.48 the 2nd is free making it just $3.74/bag. If you wew lucky enough to score that $2/1 coupon available yesterday, you could be looking at a total for 2 bags of $1.74/bag (if they'll accept a coupon on the free item)!

The coupon however, says you need to purchase a KC Masterpiece, or Hidden Valley Ranch product. IF Lowe's has these you can print the $2/1 coupon here, and use your KC Masterpiece coupon from the 5/15 SmartSaver. There's also a coupon for $1/1 Hidden Valley product here.

Make sure after your coupons print, you hit the back button to print it a second time.

If the deal works correctly you should get 2 bags of charcoal + 2 bottles of BBQ sauce for $3.48.

FREE No BuzzZone Mosquito Patches (Free + Free Shipping)

1SaleaDay has brought back another freebie. They'd like it if you'd head over to their facebook and "like" them

Pampers Slpashers - $6.54 Shipped!

Hurry over to Amazon to get a package of Pampers Splashers for just $6.54 shipped!

Sign into your account to clip a coupon for $1.50 off, be sure to do "Subscribe & Save" (this will give you an additional 15% off) and sign-up for Amazon Mom (for free shipping & 15% off). Cancel the subscribe & save as soon as the swim diapers arrive.

You can find them here. These are super cute for summer!

FREE Rapala Trigger X Bait & Fish Ruler

Here's a good freebie for the people you know who fish. A sample of Rapala's Trigger X soft plastics bait. The form is short and only takes a second. Get your sample here.

While you're at it, get a free Trumped fishing ruler for the boat here.

FREE No BuzzZone Mosquito Repellant Patch

If you head over to the 1 Sale A Day site, you can get a free No BuzzZone Mosquito Repellant Patch (with free shipping). They do request you head to their facebook page "like" them. You can order the lock HERE.