Are you a runner and a blogger? Can I run a Spotlight on You?

I WANT TO SPOTLIGHT RUNNERS & THEIR BLOGS

Runners come in all shapes and sizes.  Some are fast, some are slow.  Some walk a little and run a little.  Some push hard all the time and dig so deep you wonder how they do it.  Short distances, long distances they all have their good points.  Runners all have amazing stories, and no story is bad!  Even if you don't think you have a great story, let me show you that YOU DO!

Sometimes I get so inspired when I read about a runner and their journey.  Which is why I want to start doing a weekly spotlight on a runners.  One runner a week.

What is needed:  I will email you a series of questions for you to answer.  (Just FYI, they will be "get to know you as a runner" questions...  (not everyone will get the exact same questions, I will check through your blog and select questions that look like will showcase you the most.)

You'll need to send the answers back to me via email, as well as a picture you'll like to showcase.
I'd like to link the post on my blog to your blog - If you have a twitter or facebook page, I'd like the information on those.  So as readers discover your story they can begin following you.

Want to participate?

Send me an email, subject line RUNNER SPOTLIGHT.

My email: runawaybridalplanner(at)hotmail(dot)com  - NOTE: you'll have to add the @ and the . - I wrote it this way to keep spammers from hitting my email:)

Tell me you'd like to participate in the email and give me a link to your blog.

I'll reply back to you with a series of questions.  When you have the answers as you would like, send them back to me along with any photo you'd like.  (I will allow 1-3 photos).

**IF you don't get an email from me within 48 hours, maybe the email didn't come thru.  Leave a comment on this post on how to respond to you and I'll make sure you hear from me.

I will be doing these on a first come basis.  I will send you an email with a link to your spotlight when it goes live so you can check it out.
Spotlights will be Tweeted out and announced on my Facebook, encouraging others to check out your spotlight and follow your runners journey if they are interested.

Additionally, soon you will see a RUNNERS SPOTLIGHT tab on my blog.  Where all post spotlights will be archived.

If you have any questions on this, feel free to email me and I will respond!!!

I am looking forward to this, and I hope many of you will be interested in participating!  It's going to be fun getting to know all my followers a bit better!  Look forward to hearing from you!

Motivational Monday Blog Link-Up - GIVEAWAY

**MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY 

Link-Up Your Blog at the Bottom of This Post**

     For this weeks Motivational Monday link-up, I decided to add my BESTOWED GIVEAWAY.  But for TODAY only, I am giving anyone who stops by my blog 1 Free Do Nothing Entry, just as my way of saying thanks for stopping by, Hope you have a great MONDAY.  Just click on the Motivational Monday FREE ENTRY in the Rafflecopter form below this post.
(NOTE: Since it is now past Monday, I have removed the additional giveaway chance.  If you'd still like to enter, you can click HERE.  I will announce the winner on May 9th both on this page, and on the original giveaway page.)

- But first here are my favorite Motivational/Inspirational quotes for the week -

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

LINK-UP YOUR BLOG POST HERE

GONE SOUTH By Meg Moseley - A Southern Charm of a Novel

     I am excited to post a review on this southern charm of a novel!  Truthfully I chose this novel to read entirely based on the cover.  Vintage dress, jeans, beautiful southern scenery those items alone peaked my interest and gave me a feeling this would be a read I might like.
Lucky for me Gone South lived up to its cover, I loved it!  I found myself flipping through the pages and reading the entire novel in one sitting.

     Tish with her shattered dreams and vintage heart.  Decides to take a road trip to tour a Civil War-era home that once belonged to her great-great-great-grandparents.  What wasn't in her plans,  falling quickly in love with the beautiful home in the Deep South of Alabama.  Spontaneously abandoning her life and the tragic events of the past that occurred in Michigan.  Tish decides to buy the old home and sets out on a new course and dream to begin what she hopes is a promising new life adventure.

     What she doesn't anticipate is based on her name alone and because of her ancestry and events that occurred long before she was born.  The town has already made up their opinions of her and southern hospitality is not going to be extended her way.  She is labeled an outcast and a Yankee without a chance. Tish is quickly beginning to wonder if she made the worst mistake possible by moving there.

     Tish soon meets Mel, a prodigal girl with a destructive past who is returning to an unwelcome home.  Finding her alone and on the streets, Tish trusts instinct and invites Mel to come and stay with her.  She also meets George, a handsome antique dealer with a heart like her own.  Who has decided to leave town gossip behind and befriend her.

     Despite all the warnings Tish continually receives against Mel and her destructive past.  She decides to put her trust in her and allow her to stay even when things look like they might come crashing down on them both.  Additionally, Tish can't seem to catch a break in her own new life.  So she begins searching for answers to her past as wonders if everything is as it seems.  Tish soon becomes determined to set out and figure out a way to live this new life she has chosen and help those who have become closest to her, no matter if it may cost her everything.

     I really enjoyed reading this book!  Gone South is very well written, the author did a fabulous job with her vivid descriptions.  You'll feel as though you can see the scenes as they unfold to you in the pages.  This book is a clean read and has all the charms of the south.  If you enjoy well written contemporary romances, that will leave you positively uplifted, you'll enjoy reading Gone South!

Authors Website

More information on Gone South

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  I was not required to write a positive review.

I'd appreciate it if you took a moment and ranked my review in the box below.

GIVEAWAY and REVIEW of BESTOWED & DISCOUNT

- Participating in FITNESS FRIDAY today- 

   
     I received an amazing opportunity to try out the April month box of Bestowed.   What is Bestowed?  Bestowed.com is a new monthly subscription service that gives you a way to try out different healthy snacks and foods and brands that are the market.  All items are hand picked by the founder Heather Bauer.

     So this past week I have been sampling them and basically having a lot of fun trying them out in different ways.  One thing I loved when I received my box, was that they provided a sheet with a description of each product.  This sheet listed health and nutritional facts as well as some tips on what the product can help do for you.  Additionally, the sheet provided tips and different ways to eat and use each of the products.

     Here's a little on my thoughts of each product.  At the end of this review you'll find my giveaway.  Or for those interested in trying out these monthly subscriptions I can give you $5 off by using this discount code:  5OFFBESTOWED01 when you order at Bestowed.com.



     So my favorite were these little HEMP HEARTS!  I had never heard of these before, and I wasn't exactly sure what to expect when tasting them.  I loved them, honestly couldn't get enough of them!  I am a seed lover to begin with.  I love sunflower seeds, and found the Hemp Hearts to be similar but a little nuttier in taste, and smaller and softer to the chew.  Delicious!!!  The information sheet suggest trying on salad, cereal and yogurt.  I tried sprinkling them on my morning yogurt one day.  But for me my favorite was just eating them plain.  On top of it all, they are high in protein, vitamins and essential omegas.

     Kind Healthy Grains Oats & Honey Clusters.  Who doesn't love granola?  These were pretty good just as a snack, healthy lightly sweetened granola.  I found them to be yummiest sprinkled and mixed with yogurt as my own little mini morning parfait.  They are also very low calorie and gluten free for those who search for these types of products.   The tip sheet suggested trying this mixed with oatmeal, I really enjoyed it this way!  I kept them handy all week whenever I needed a snack.  A healthy way to fill a snack craving!

     I also had some Pink Lemonade EBOOST to try.  It's super easy to make, just mix with water and ready to go.  The formula consists of vitamins, minerals and nutrients to help give you extra energy.  The tip sheets suggest drinking an EBOOST instead of your afternoon caffeine drink.  Again this is a healthy product, both gluten and soy free.  I don't usually enjoy dietary drinks like this, but maybe it was because I had a Pink Lemonade flavor???  Not sure, but I actually really liked it.  When I mixed it with the recommended amount of water, I found it to be a little strong so I just added a little more water to my own preferred consistency and enjoyed a few afternoon pick me up drinks during the week!

     Gnu Foods Hi-Fiber Mini's, they are small but packed with six whole grains, minerals, antioxidants and to top it off only 70 calories.  Plus like in the name, they are super high in fiber, which made them quite filling!  I found them to be just okay as a snack alone.  But decided to try them out with one of their tip suggestions but in my own way.  I dipped them in yogurt for my lunch one day and once I did that I can say I really enjoyed them!

     OLOVES Hot Chilli Mama Olives, doesn't that title just make you smile and grab at your curiosity?  Basically they are pitted Green Olives with Habanero Chillies.  They kind of hooked me after the first one.  I love hot spicy foods, and didn't find these to be something I would consider way hot.  But they were full of flavor.  You can't eat just one, I swear they got better and better as I ate them.  I can definitely see myself snacking on these again!  They are only 50 calories a bag, so obviously a great low calorie snack.  I probably shouldn't say this, because it's not going to sound so healthy.  But as I ate them, I couldn't help but think they would be a fabulous topper to some cheesy nachos.  But I can't say for sure, because I downed the whole bag in a few short minutes:)

     When I tried my Nektar Honey Crystals, since I don't drink coffee or tea that need sweeteners I decided just to add them to a yogurt to see how a little hint of honey would taste.  Not bad, I enjoyed it, but decided I could be more creative.  So I took another package the next day and did something a little different and mixed it with my peanut butter and spread the honey peanut butter spread on my morning toast.  Yes, now that was a tasty way to enjoy it for me!

     An iTrain $25 Gift Card also came in the box.  This is a pretty cool little gift, you can download workouts straight to your ipod or MP3 and have them customized to fit what you need.  Each workout has background music and a trainers voice providing you with easy to follow instructions to get you through your workout with a little extra motivation.  I didn't try this (because I have a foot injury right now), but they also have iTread workouts to help spice up a boring treadmill run as well as iStretch yoga lessons, that you can do in the privacy of your own home.  I think that is kind of cool!

I received my box for free from Bestowed for this review. The opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

     If you are interested on where you can get any of the above listed products you can click HERE.  A subscription to Bestowed only costs $19 a month, however if you would like to try it you can click HERE and use this discount code to save $5 off your order:  5OFFBESTOWED01

**  I am also hosting a giveaway for bestowed, they'd like to give 1 lucky winner their own one month box FREE.  (Note: the items listed above are from their April box, the winner of this giveaway will likely receive a May Bestowed item box.
The only limitation to be a winner you must be a US resident.**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Showers of Books Giveaway Hop

I am excited to participate in this hop hosted by Books a la Mode and I Am A Reader, Not a Writer.  Its been a while since I have participated in a book hop, and I am excited to be a part of this one.

I am giving away ONE of my favorite reads of last year.  I know they all have sequels out now, but I figure if your going to read a book, you need to start with the first in the series.  These are all YA, the winner will have their choice of 1 of the following.

I am opening this giveaway to both US and International.  However, the book selections above are for US winners only (shipping reasons).  If the winner ends up being outside of the US, they will receive a $10 Amazon gift card emailed to them.

WINNER ANNOUNCED BELOW IN THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Motivational Monday - A Little on My View of Dreams & Goals

       I thought it would be fun to start a new blog link up for Motivational Monday's.  This is a link up for anyone who would like share a post with others.

We don't always know what is going to motivate us, so how can we guess what will motivate others?  That is why Motivational Monday's post link-ups theme is broad and open to interpretation.

There are no real rules, but your link-up post, content or giveaway should be considered family friendly (no nudity or excessive language).  Motivate, Inspire, Teach, Give and Sharing is my idea behind it all.

You'll find the LINK-UP at the bottom of this post

I will be hosting this every Monday, so come back each week to join the link-up!

     I understand link-ups can take a little time to catch on. It's not required, but I'd love it if you would share the link up on Facebook and Twitter to get the message out.  You can even grab the Motivational Monday Button (below) if you would like to either post on your blog or include in your post, although since this is the first week it is not required to do to participate.
Because it is a link up, you should have somewhere in your post a link back to this page so viewers will know your a part of this, and can find you as well as all the other link ups.
Also, you should visit the other blogs in the link up and share the love with a comment on their post.

<div align="center"><a href="http://runawaybridalplanner.blogspot.com/" title="Runaway Bridal Planner"><img src="http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u425/kristy84120/MotivationalMondays-2.jpg" alt="Runaway Bridal Planner" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

   "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." - Helen Keller
 
For my message in this 1st Motivational Monday, I'd like to share with you a little insight into my life and what I believe and how I life each day.

Walt Disney said it best.  "If you can dream it, you can do it."
It's short and to the point but oh so true!
I believe a lot of what we get in life is what we make of it.  Even at my age, I still believe absolutely anything I want in life is possible.  But I also firmly believe that if I want something I better be prepared to do whatever work it may take to get it.  I also understand that not everything we want will come to us exactly as we want it to, even if we do work like crazy to get it.

My favorite quote, by an unknown author:

"You have to do what others don't, to achieve what others wont."

I am not perfect, but I actually like that about me. I am not a millionaire, far from actually. I love to run, but I don't win every race I enter and generally finish in the middle of the pack.  I am usually a happy person.  But I do have my down days and moments like everyone else.  I like to garden, but a little more than half of what I plant tends to die off before harvest.  I enjoy writing.  But even though I can tell a good story, I know I am not the best writer.  I am not a size 2, but I lead a healthy and active life so I try to be comfortable in the skin I do have.  I am just happy to be me, but enjoy the fact that I am still optimistic about what I can become.

"Learn from the past, set vivid, detailed goals for the future, and only live in the moment of time over which you have any control: now" - Denis Waitley 


I have many small goals and big goals.  Some much, much bigger than others.  A few of my dreams and goals I have been working on are:

6 years ago I had a dream to own a wedding company, I made it happen and I absolutely love what I do.  Each year has been great to me, but this year is starting out to be one of our toughest and slowest ever.  I used to only do weddings, but in order to keep the finances going I've had to pick up a 2nd job.  I completely believe that everything will work out, and things will pick up.  I just need to keep doing what I am doing and learn and grow from it and I believe things will pick up very soon!

"Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy" - Norman Vincent Peale

About 2 1/2 years ago I made a goal to run a full 26.2 marathon in each of the 50 states plus D.C.  Since then, I have run a marathon in 31 states, and D.C.  I have 19 states to go.  But of course like life tends to do, it has thrown me a curve ball.  I am working through some tendinitis in my ankle and of course since business is down, I am having to work even harder to save money to finish my marathon goal.  Originally I had hoped to be finished by this November.  But because of this injury I have been unable to run any races this spring.  So now I am  hoping to finish by the end of May in 2014 or as finances will allow.

"Be miserable or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, its always your choice" - Wayne Dyer

I have a dream to be a published novelist.  It took me more years than I care to admit to get it finished.  But not too long ago I finished my first novel.  I have sent it out to publishers as I try my luck in the publishing world.  I have had one rejection so far.  But to be honest that doesn't get me down.  I have heard many authors even some of today's well know bestsellers, were turned down 10-12 times on those bestsellers before someone picked them up.  So I have already told myself not to get down until after the 12th rejection.  No matter what happens, I am proud I finished it and hope to write more and just keep shooting for my dream!

"I'd rather attempt to do something great and fail than to attempt to do nothing and succeed." - Robert H. Schuller

I have many smaller goals, and I have a few goals that are so big there is a chance they may be too big.  But I am a dreamer, and I wouldn't want it any other way.  I believe no matter who you are, you need some dreams & goals in your life.  Some things you want, and maybe some things you need. I believe making goals and working toward something can not only can brighten a day, but give a person the feeling of success and achievement.  If I have a bad day or week, and nothing seems to go my way.  If I have something that I can turn to and work on believe it or not it helps me get out of my funk and back onto better days.

"What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals." - Henry David Thoreau

I also believe if you are working on goals, or achievements in life.  If you share those with others you never know who it may inspire.  Not only that, but it feels good to be uplifted by others who are listening to what you are going through.  Listening and sharing your life's journey can be a great benefit to both you and others.  Which is why I wanted to start up Motivational Monday's.  Give those who have blogs a chance to link-up their various messages, teachings, journey's, successes, achievements etc...  I also include giveaways, because everyone likes to have the hope that maybe they could win something:)

So tell me, do you like the idea of Motivational Monday's?  What types of things do you find motivational?  What types of blogs do enjoy reading? 

BELOW IS THE LINK-UP, ENTER YOURS IN THE LINKY BELOW

Running the London Marathon for Sarcoma

Participating today in Fitness Friday.

     I decided to do something different today and I asked my friend Ashley to guest post on my blog, I was thrilled that she accepted the invitation!  I have known Ashley most of my life.  I still remember around the age of 10 running our first race together, a half mile kids fun run.  Also as young kids we would go and wait at the finish line of the St. George Marathon while we screamed and cheered for our dads when they crossed the finish line.  Maybe all or part of that had everything to do with the fact that eventually both of us turned into marathon runners ourselves:)  This weekend Ashley is running the London Marathon, but not just for herself.  She can tell you best in her own words....

" I love running. I also love that I am a girl, an average girl, who can run run run. After a couple of years of trying to get into the Virgin London Marathon I finally was given the opportunity through my local running club. Have I died and gone to heaven? I get to run run run AND do it through the streets of London? Ecstasy! The only way that this opportunity could have been better was to be able to use my opportunity to do good for someone else. My friend Pat was diagnosed with Sarcoma Cancer 2 years ago. The cancer was in the blood vessels of her nose which meant she had to have her nose and a large portion of her palate removed. What a courageous woman. Pat asked me if I would use my Marathon opportunity to raise money for Sarcoma Cancer and I could tell that this was not an ordinary fundraising opportunity, Pat asked me with a look of hope, purpose and a desire to help get the answers and possibilities that would help her in her battle. 

Pat & Ashley

I was honored and quickly realized that the only thing greater than run run running through the streets of London was run run running to give a friend hope, courage and support. I have found that with my running and with life as I have observed sometimes the runs/days are easy, enjoyable, and you move through mile after mile, year after year finding that time has flown past and you are filled with joy. I have also found that some runs/days are painful, discouraging, and I despair as the minutes and hours tick away as slow as molasses in January and it seems I am simply putting one foot in front of the other to endure to the end. Pat has shown me how to endure those difficult days with grace and dignity and an eternal optimism. I have no idea how excruciatingly painful Pat's operations have been, I cannot even begin to, but I know that this is a woman who has endured in a way that I only hope to emulate probably around mile 23 as well as in the challenges that life throws my way. 

I had just finished my exhausting 17 mile run when I received an email from Pat and Malcolm telling me that Pat's Sarcoma has now spread to her brain and lungs and they don't know how much longer she will live. I. Am. Gutted. Pat is hanging on determined to see my run through and to show her support to everyone who has shown their support to her. As I am plugging away through the last leg of the race and I know that my only objective will be to endure to the end I will be thinking of Pat and praying that I have the strength to show the same perseverance and endurance that she has shown me is possible. 
Thank you to those who have donated to Sarcoma and to Pat. 
If you haven't and have any amount to contribute small, medium, or large it would be more than appreciated. "

This link will take you directly to the contribution page. 

http://www.justgiving.com/Ashley-Talbot

Many thanks,

Ashley Talbot - AKA "the Ash-phalt Kicker"

     Thank you Ashley for telling your story and sharing with me and my readers this amazing opportunity!!!

Feel free to leave a comment and cheer my friend on as she gets ready to fulfill a dream and run the London Marathon in a few days:)

I just want to say GO GO GO and RUN RUN RUN and kick some "Ash-phalt" this weekend Ashley!

Simply Enchanting Event: Beautiful Weddings on a Budget

Simply Enchanting Event: Beautiful Weddings on a Budget:      Are you a bride on a budget?  If you answered yes, you are not alone.  Many brides these days are having to plan a wedding on a m...

WHEN YOU NEED A LITTLE EXTRA HELP TO STAY HEALTHY

Linking today with Jill Conyers blog for Fitness Friday.

I have to share this really cool thing that has helped me stay healthy and illness free for many months and all through cold and flu season.  First, let me give you my mini background so you can see where I am coming from.

For the past several years and especially when I was hitting a 26.2 each weekend or even every other week.  I would get sick (cold, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, you name it and I would catch it...)  Pretty much every 2 to 3 weeks, some new illness.  If I could make it 4 weeks without catching anything, at the time I would think it was a miracle.
Part of it was because marathon running can break down your immune system and make you more susceptible to things.  The other part was my fabulous (NOT) Epstein Barr virus:(  Even when I would have a month or two off in the summer for races and my mileage was lower, I would still catch any stupid bug if anyone pretty much sneezed in my direction.  And let me tell you, it is so NOT fun to have to pull off a marathon, when you can barely lift your head off the bed!  Trust me, I have done my fair share of them this way!

Last fall I went to a Dr. because my hair seemed to be getting thinner and far too quickly for my liking.  Well because I was running so many 26.2's my body wasn't getting all the nutrients it needed in my food.  So my Dr. recommended I take an over the counter Prenatal Vitamin as well as Biotin as supplements to my diet.  She told me to take Prenatal instead of a multi-vitamin because they have more of the vitamin combo that women who's bodies use up a lot of nutrients need.

Since I started taking them around Mid November last year, I haven't caught a single cold or flu and haven't had so much as a sniffle.  I doubt the Biotin had anything to do with it, but I will say my hair is coming in thicker and my nails are looking fabulous and I think the Biotin has had a bit to do with that part.  But those Prenatal Vitamins (and no I am not pregnant) have been a miracle worker for me!

Nothing fancy either, these are just straight grocery store brand:)

No, I don't believe they are some miracle cure or pill to avoid illness altogether.  But I do believe they have have had A LOT to do with my being able to stay so healthy all through cold and flu season. (I do work a part time job with the public in what I call a germ infested place, the library LOL.  Just so you know I wasn't hanging out in seclusion or in a closet:).
It's true for me the real test is going to be in the coming months as I build my mileage back up.  But I am already a believer of what they have done, even though I doubt my illness free streak will last forever.  I just believe it may help build up my immune system up to avoid so many.

I think eating healthy and eating the right foods is absolutely necessary and the best way to go!  But occasionally in some people like me, its not always enough to make sure you are getting all the vitamins you need.
So I thought I would share my story, just in case any of my fitness and running friends have/are experiencing excessive illnesses.  However, I DO recommend you double check with your doctor before trying anything new, for any illness problems.  And of course prenatal vitamins cannot be taken by men, because of the iron in them:)

On a side note, my ankle has been a little better this week.  But I do have a doctors appointment scheduled, just to be sure nothing is seriously wrong.  However, I am very hopeful that everything will work out, and I will soon be able to work on building that mileage back up, and getting back into finishing my marathon in every state goal.  Especially since I only have 19 more to go:)

So, do you have any cool tricks or things you have come across or taken that have helped you stay healthy and strong?  If so I'd love for you to share!

Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

It's been a while since I have done a giveaway. Instead of joining a blog hop this time, I decided it would be more fun for me right now to offer a giveaway to my own blog readers and followers. 

For this giveaway I'd like to offer a $10 AMAZON GIFT CARD.  

AN INSPIRING READ "UNSTOPPABLE" BY NICK VUJICIC

I finished a compelling novel that I really enjoyed and feel others should take the opportunity to read and be inspired as well.

Unstoppable, The Incredible Power of Faith in Action by Nick Vujicic. Many of you may have heard about Nick. He was born without arms or legs and before the age of eighteen made the decision not to allow his disability to stop him from creating a life-long mission to serve and help others. Nick wrote it best in his book, “to simply say “I believe” in something is not enough. If you want to have an impact in this world, you must put your beliefs and your faith into action.” (Page 7)

 In Unstoppable, the reader will join Nick on a journey of his successes and failures. He shares his own stories of being made fun of, feelings of complete despair and of being humbled. Nick also shares the romantic love story of how he met his wife Kanae, the woman who was willing to overlook his disabilities and see him for the incredible man he is inside.

 Nick found his passion by discovering his own talents and using them to create a life of purpose, happiness and positive impacts on others. He has chosen to live a life without regrets by using his faith and his disability as a miracle in others eyes. I found many of Nick’s experiences quite uplifting and you will too! Reading his book I realized it’s never too late to make a difference in the lives of others.

Additionally, Nick tells inspiring stories of others around the world that have experienced everything from bullying, persecution, disability, career obstacles, addictions and cruelty beyond what most of us can comprehend. He shares his experience in meeting a young boy named Daniel, who like him was also born without limbs. In each of these stories, you’ll be uplifted and inspired as people find the faith they need to overcome their trials and start over again with a new purpose.

Personally I loved reading Unstoppable! Nick asked this question in his book. “You may ask, “what can I do?” or “What do I have to give?” the answer is, “yourself.” You and your God-given talents are the greatest gifts you can give.” (Page 201) I recommend this book for ages 12 and up, who like inspirational stories. Or for those who might benefit from the inspiring testimony of a man who refused to believe that a person with no limbs couldn’t make a difference.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. The opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
AUTHORS WEBSITE

Looking for Suggestions

     So I was able to start running again (post peroneal tendinitis injury), but unfortunately things have not been going so well.   To be honest, I'm not exactly sure what the problem is and what to do about it.

I started out pretty good, and I played it smart and held back to easy low mileage and a slower pace to allow my body to gradually get into running again.  But after about 2 weeks, things turned.    My feet have really been hurting, which maybe that is normal for people who start up running again???  I don't remember:)  But then this pain in my ankle started bothering me.

Now I am stubborn, I know I should break down and just suck up yet another Dr. bill, and go see what needs to be done.  But.... That stupid stubborn part of me, keeps hoping it will just go away and I can avoid yet more expensive medical bills:)  As I would much rather save my funds for finishing my marathon goal:)

I have done lots of online research on this ankle pain, and I can't seem to find anything that really pinpoints to my injury exactly.  Which I guess can be good or bad.
Anyhow, before I break down and visit a Dr. (which I probably should have already done) I thought I would put this out there to my fellow running peeps, and see if any of you have ever had this happen, or know a runner who did.  If you do, maybe you can help point me in the right direction:)  Or push me onto the Dr.  LOL.  Because lets be honest, runners know their bodies and injuries better than anyone!

For my readers if you don't mind, here is my issue:
I have a sharp pain in the back of my ankle.  It hurts when I stretch it, like calf stretches or running up a hill.  It not only hurts when I stretch it, it also is a little tender to the touch.  It doesn't look inflamed, but who knows what is going on inside.  (I am icing and taking Naproxin, just in case.)
I thought stretching it would help, but that seems to only make it worse and then it throbs for hours after.
(Of course there is always the possibility this is tendinitis related, but I am just discouraged and unsure of anything at this point.)

So, have any of you had this, or had a friend who did?  Does this sound familiar or ring any bells to you?  If you have had this, or know someone who did.  Any suggestions on tips on what you/they had to do?

If no one has any suggestions, no worries:)  I will force myself to make a Dr. appointment next week if things don't start showing signs of improvement.
To my readers, thanks ahead of time for any input may have, and for stopping by my blog and allowing me to get out some of my discouragement!!!
Wishing you all, happy injury free beautiful spring running!!!!