Blog Link Up and Blog Hop Etiquette

I get emails all the time by new bloggers who say something along the lines of.  I would love to join your link up, but I am a new blog is that okay?  (The answer to that is always, of course!)
Or they will ask questions, about what it is, and how they are supposed to participate. So this is to answer the questions of those who just aren't sure what they are or how to participate.

One thing to keep in mind as you read my tips and suggestions.  These are MY opinion, it doesn't mean you have to follow it exactly, and it doesn't mean there aren't other ways.
However, I have found success in what I do, so if you consider them it may set you on the right track especially if you have questions about them and how they work.


WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HOP AND A LINK UP

Although there are several kinds of each out there.  Mostly you'll find the difference in this:

Link Up's - Usually these are 1 day link ups, or some even have weekly link ups.  You'll have a host(s), who may or may not have rules on what types of blogs/posts can link up.  You will link up a current post that you created specifically with their link up topic in mind.  You should always comment on the host post, and then visit as many other bloggers in the link up that join for that day an comment on their blogs.

Blog Hop's - Generally these are mini events, a group of blogs who join up together to host or do something. And everyone in that group will write posts on that "said" topic, launch them as directed. There are usually links to every one's blog on every one's blog post(s) so that viewers can hop from one blog to the next easily.

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Although their are some differences in them, they are the same in one aspect.  They are both great chances to network and grow your blog while meeting others.

MY DO's and DON'T's of LINK UP ETIQUETTE

DO Link up if you're new to blogging, or looking to meet other bloggers and have time to participate.


DON'T Link up, just to link up.  Make sure you have time to visit at least 3-4 of the other bloggers that day who are in the link up and leave a comment on their blog.


DO Link up a relative topic.  If a link up has a theme.  Make sure the post you link up falls within the topic or guidelines.


DON'T Link up an old post, unless the host has specified it is okay.  Generally link ups are for new posts on specific topics and not posts you linked up in weeks past, or something you wrote a year ago.  TIP: If you wrote a great post in the past, and want to link it up.  Why not re-write it, freshen it up and improve on it and recreate it as as a brand new?


DON'T Link up posts that have nothing to do with the hop.  If you do, expect to have the host roll their eyes as they may or may not delete you from their link up. (You break the rules too many times, you can expect to be banned or asked to not link up with that link up.)


DO visit and comment on the host or host's posts. Not doing so is just rude and shame on you:)


DON'T take a minute to link up, and have no intention of doing anything else.


DO take the time to visit any other new/old blogger who took the time to visit your blog and comment as part of the link up.  Also, make sure you are responding to the comments left on your blog post you linked up.  DO leave a thoughtful comment that shows you read their posts, DON'T leave 1-2 words or say something like, "nice post".


DON'T be the blogger who joins but is totally in it for themselves and is clueless about the rest.


DO be the blogger who sets a name for themselves by networking in these opportunities.  Trust me others notice, especially the hosts. Want to grow your blog, these are one of the best opportunities IF you are playing by the rules.


DON'T join a blog hop and forget you joined and forget to participate.  Bloggers who host these take a lot of time out of their schedules to make these things run smoothly.  If your not sure what your signing up for, then don't or wait until you do.  Or wait to sign up until you know you're schedule will allow it.  If you are confused, ask the host or email them, they want others to join so they will gladly try to help you any way they can!


DO join a blog hop and participate fully.  Usually these can last 1-2 weeks on average so this gives each blogger plenty of time to visit as many if not all of the other participants in the hop.  If its a giveaway hop even if you're not interested in a particular giveaway, it's always a nice thing to stop by and even if anything just leave a nice comment.


DON'T join blog hops or link ups and visit the blogs to share any negativity.  We may or may not agree with what a blogger is writing.  But when you are linking up, this is supposed to be a fun networking opportunity, this is not the time to ridicule or be rude.  You don't have to agree, but you should be polite when you participate in these as they are supposed to be fun:)

DO mention or add a link to the hosts blog.  This is not (usually) a requirement, but it's a really kind thing to do. As a way of saying "thank you for taking the time to create this and host this."


DON'T link up a post, and have one post for several link-up's.  I've seen this so often, where someone will link up and mention one host at the top, and another at the bottom for the same day and sometimes the post fits only one or neither link up requirements.
This is one of those things where their may be a little gray area as some hosts may not mind (ask them if needed).  But when I have talked to other host bloggers, we seem to agree.  You should generally pick one link up, for your one post that day.  If you want to do more than one, then link up one of your other relative posts, or maybe it's a double blogging day for you:)


DO have fun with them, that is the whole point!

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There are several types of bloggers out there, and there is nothing wrong with any kind.  But if you're joining a link up, or a blog hop one would assume you are interested in growing your blog and meeting other bloggers.  At least that is what the majority of the others linking up are doing.

If this doesn't sound like you, then link up's and hop's are probably not for you and that is okay too. Not everyone is interested in growing their blogging friendships, and not everyone is interested in meeting other bloggers.

Hopefully this gives a little clarification.  I know I was fairly to the point on my Do's and Don't and I did not write to offend anyone.  Or hurt any one's feelings if they link up and didn't realize all they should be doing or not.  

This is just one of those subjects that its so much easier to explain by being frank instead of beating around the bush.  And like I said above, this is just my opinion:)

Another thing to consider, if you are not sure what is required or what isn't of a link up.  Or your not sure about the rules.  Just email the host, or ask them on their blog.

Host's generally want their link ups to be as successful as possible for everyone involved, and we don't mind answering your questions especially if it means adding a great new "follows the rules" participant to it!


Do you participate in link ups?  Do you host link ups?  Do you have any other Do's or Don't comments to add?

Tips to grow your blog

Thanks to EatPrayRunDC, YouSignedUpForWhat? & MarontheRun for hosting. Today I am linking up again with The DC Trifecta Friday Five again, I had a lot of fun with it last week and I hope to link up with them as often as possible.

Today instead of giving a topic we are allowed to pick our own topic.  I thought about it and since blogging and growing my blog this month have been on my mind, I thought why not share five of my own blogging tips that I have found to be successful.

1.  Networking - It sounds harder than it really is, but if you are a beginning blogger and you are looking to grow your blog your going to have to network.  Seek out other blogs/bloggers who have topics you love to follow, or who have similar blogs to your own.  Add them to your follow list and comment on their posts.  The truth is, networking is a lot of fun.  I have discovered and met a lot of amazing people in the blogging world.  A few of them although we have never met I consider them my online friends and I actually feel like I know them.
Additionally on this, those bloggers that you Network with may end up being the key to help you get your blog out more, and may even offer opportunities that you never would have found on your own.

2.  Be original - This is tough because there are millions of blogs, and millions of blogs just like yours.  Although I love looking at other blogs to see what others are doing.  I disagree with copying.  But you can easily get idea's from others and make it your own.  I once had someone leave a comment after they read one of my race reviews that said "you do your race reviews different, not like everyone else does them."  That person doesn't know this, but I thought that was one of the greatest compliments I could get.  Individuality and originality are key in blogging.  If you are doing the exact same thing as a bunch of other blogs, why would someone want to spend the time reading it?  What is going to set you apart from the others?

3.  Social Media - You need this, and it is ever changing.  When I first started blogging everyone said Facebook and Twitter are musts.  Shortly after Pinterest became a runner in the mix and then it was Twitter and Pinterest.  Now we've got Instagram, and some are now saying Pinterest and Instagram are the IT factors in social media.  Regardless of what you use, you should spend some time building your following base in these areas.
A tip, it's not just a thing to build them, you must interact with your followers on them as much as possible.

4.  Good Content - I've heard people say you have to post every single day to grow your blog.  I disagree, I don't think you should just post to post.  I believe you have to have something people may want to read.  A lot of bloggers say they run out of things to blog about.  I say, are you blogging about what things you are passionate about?  Are you blogging about the things you enjoy?  If not, then you should.  Your posts will show a lot more passion and actually will be far more effortless to write if you are writing about what you know, what you love or like to do.

5.  Join in link-ups - There are many out there and bound to be one that your content will fit under.  Seek them out and link up.  If you don't find ones you like, then start your own.  They key to a successful link-up isn't that you just link your blog.  What good would that do?  You need to participate!  If you aren't visiting other blogs in the link up, what makes you think they should stop by and visit yours?  Visit at least 3 or more blogs in a link-up, comment on their blogs.  Who knows you may have just met your next blogger networking friend!

There are lots more tips I could offer, but this is the Friday 5, so I will stop there!  Feel free to share your own blogging tips in the comments below!

Additionally, I have to shamelessly :) promote my next Giveaway Blog Hop, there are only a FEW days left to join your blog with the rest of us in the hop.

Giveaway hops are a fun way to find new blogs, find new followers, have many more visitors to your blog to enter your giveaway than would normally visit if you hosted your giveaway solo.

What more info or want to sign up?  Click Here for more details and the link up list to join us.

Tips for hosting a successful giveaway and finding new followers

Runner Spotlight Thursdays, will be back soon.  So instead for today, I want to give a shout out and make you aware of the next two Blog Hops.  These will be the last two Giveaway hops that I will host until Fall. 

Additionally if you scroll down this post, I'm offering some helpful blogging tips for those who host giveaways on their blogs.

The TOP 5 reasons bloggers are enjoying participation in my giveaway blog hops.
1.  You'll have considerably more traffic to your blog during the hop.
2.  You'll have many more entrants than you would if you posted alone without a link-up.
3.  It's a lot of fun to link together with other great bloggers, see what others are doing.
4.  It's very simple and easy to do.
5.  Its a great chance to showcase your blog to a new audience, and attract new blog followers.

Have more questions, ask me in the comments or send me an email.
Before you link up make sure you read all the rules below.

Heat It Up Health & Fitness 

Giveaway Blog hop

Sign Up Until June 16th

Giveaway Runs June 20th - 29th

Hosted By

Runaway Bridal Planner

Co-Hosted By

Neon Princesses

Item(s) you decide to use in your giveaway should be somewhat fitness related, gift cards are also okay!  Please read and agree to ALL the rules below, before adding your name to the list.

My Fitness Favorites Blog Hop

Giveaway hop runs July 7th - 20th.

Hosted by:
Runaway Bridal Planner
Co-Host 

Half Marathon Mama

Your giveaway item you feature should be something that you consider one of your fitness favorites.  
(Gift cards are also okay) 
Please read all the rules below before adding your name to this list.

10 SIMPLE RULES FOR JOINING MY BLOG HOPS:

1.  FIRST, Make a note on your calendar so you don't forget you signed up.

2.  Giveaway item needs to be relevant to the type of hop.  Gift cards are okay.

3.  Hop Image will be required somewhere in your giveaway post.  This image helps others participating in the hop know they are in the right place. (You'll be sent this 5 days before it starts.)

4.  REQUIRED at the bottom of your giveaway post, will be the LINKY that has the link to all the other blogs participating in the hop.  It is a hop, so this is required!  If you do not know how to insert a LINKY, it will be a requirement to link to the Host or Co-Host's Giveaway Post - The links will be emailed to you 5 days prior to the giveaway start, so you can prepare your post in advance.

5.  You are welcome to have no entry requirements, or requirements for entries, the choice is yours!  For the hop we ask you limit it to only 1 Mandatory entry, and ONLY up to 10 total possible entries. (Example: You can ask them to follow your blog as their 1 Mandatory entry then offer them other options to follow you, twitter, facebook, leave a comment etc...)  The simpler you keep it, the more entries you are likely to receive!

6.  Your post must go live by 8AM EST on the start date of the hop and run through MIDNIGHT on the last day of the hop.  Everything is up to you on how you design it, but it must be kept family friendly, and appropriate for all audiences, any pictures visible on your blog page during participation in the hop should also be appropriate for any age audience.

*If you are hosting a giveaway in the hop, YES YOU CAN PARTICIPATE in all the other giveaways in the hop - we recommend it*

7.  I will send you 2 reminder emails to post your giveaway, along with the Linky and Image for your post - Add my email (runawaybridalplanner(at)hotmail(dot)com to your contacts, so your reminder emails will not go to junk. (Instruction email will go out 5 days before hop, and final reminder 24 hours before hop)  Your email will only be used for this hop, it will NOT be sold or spammed for any future uses.

8.   The rest of the post and how your do your giveaway is completely up to you.

9.   You will be responsible to ship the item to the winner - all shipping costs are your responsibility.  If you are using a sponsor, you will be required to work with the sponsor to have the item shipped to the winner.

10.  Anyone who is not following the rules, may be deleted from the hop.  It is important to follow the rules so the hop can be the most successful/fair for everyone participating!

** If you sign up and cannot participate, please let me know and I will remove you at anytime.

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TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL GIVEAWAY

I've done a few of these now, and I've learned a few things.  Here is some informational tips that may help you with your next giveaway.

FOLLOW THEM BACK
Generally you are asking people to follow you in some way to enter.  If you are asking them to follow you via twitter, pinterest, instagram, etc...  You should strongly consider following them back.  First, it's a nice courtesy.  Second, if they notice you do this, they'll not feel like they are just a number in the giveaway to you.  They are more likely to continue to follow you after the giveaway if you are following them, rather than them unfollowing after.
However with that said, if they are not someone you normally would want to follow, then don't:)
(This follow back rule generally applies to your average giveaway entrant, not necessarily the seasoned pro's who enter giveaways daily as their job:)

REPLY TO THEIR TWEET OR POST
EXTEND THEM A LIKE OR FAVORITE
Letting them know you noticed they entered is a really nice gesture.  Possibly if your blog is really large and you're getting thousands of people entering, it might be impossible.  But if you are a smaller blog, looking to grow, why not throw in that personal touch when you have time.  It may not always be possible to do, but when you can give it a try, it can't hurt:)  After all, all these new people coming to your blog to enter your giveaway, the key is to keep them coming back after they enter!

MAKE IT EASY TO ENTER
If you make it really difficult for someone to enter, they won't.  If you are asking them to do a dozen different things just to get one entry it becomes overwhelming and chances are you'll turn away most of those who come to your blog.
Keep it simple, only asking them to do 1 thing to get one entry is best.  Make that thing easy.  If you are asking them to follow you, make sure before your giveaway you put all your follow options easy to find on a side bar "above the fold - when possible."
If you are asking someone to follow you via twitter, pinterest and they have to search all over and can't find it, you just lost that entrant.
You can always have several ways for people to enter, or gain additional entries.  But the same rule should apply for each of those, keep it simple.

ITS YOUR TIME TO SHINE
They may be coming to your blog to enter a giveaway, but keep in mind this is your time to show off your amazing blog.  Give them reason's to come back.  During your giveaways, add a image and link to your sidebar to some of your more popular posts from the past.  As they are entering your giveaway if they see something eye catching or interesting on your side bar they are probably going to click on it and check it out. If they like what they see, they are even more likely to keep coming back to your blog long after your giveaway is over.

KEEP THE IMAGES ON YOUR BLOG FAMILY FRIENDLY
I make this a rule during the giveaway hops that I host, just because I like to keep them family friendly for anyone to be able to be comfortable visiting any of the blogs in the hop.  But even if you are hosting your own giveaway alone this is something to keep in mind.  Your pictures, your words are your image.  Bad language, racy pictures are more likely to detour someone from staying at your blog long.
After all most people are searching the Internet while at work, its a fact (you know you have done it).  But if they come across your blog and there are racy pictures or images with some not so nice four letter words. Chances are they are going to quickly click out of your blog so that they don't risk someone (The Boss) wondering what they are looking at, at work.

TURN OFF YOUR CAPTCHA - DISABLE ANY COMMENT SIGN-UP RESTRICTIONS AND MAKE SURE YOU ARE ALLOWING ANYONE TO COMMENT
You may use this at other times, but if you want people to comment on your blog and not get annoyed you must turn these off.  Especially during a giveaway it is actually considered bad blogging etiquette not to turn these functions off when you are specifically asking someone to comment on your blog to enter a giveaway.
People don't have time to sign up for several different ways to comment on a blog, additionally some tablets and computers won't allow these sections to show up on their devices.  So if you are hosting a giveaway, and especially during that giveaway TURN THOSE FEATURES OFF DURING A GIVEAWAY!
*It's okay to ask for a name, email and link.  But make sure these are optional, not everyone who visits blogs are bloggers themselves, they may not have a website.
(FYI: Starting this fall, it will be a requirement during my giveaway blog hops that you turn Captcha features off during the hop to participate.)

LEARN FROM OTHERS
If you participate in the blog hops, take some time and visit the other blogs (even if you don't enter the hops).  Take some idea's from them, see what others are doing.  I never recommend copying because after all individuality is the key.  However, you can very easily see something someone else is doing and make it your own.

TRY NEW THINGS
Lately I've been enjoying mixing it up a little with my giveaways.  I like to keep it super simple, but I also like to have my participants interact with my blog in different ways.
Maybe your blogs monthly focus is on Pinterest or Twitter, etc....  Why not use your giveaway to help you with your blogging goals.  A few things I have seen on others, or tried myself:
* Have them pin a few images for you on their Pinterest boards.
* Have them tweet out past popular post links.
* Have them comment or share a Facebook picture or post.
However, keep in mind if you do this you need to make sure it's easy.  If they have to search your blog to find the things to pin or post, they are far less likely to do it.
But if you have a "click here to do it", where all they have to do is click on a link and then hit okay or something similar to send it out and it only takes them a couple of seconds.  They'll do it for the extra entries.  I personally love Rafflecopter for this feature, and you don't have to use the paid version to have this ability.

I'd give you a bunch more tips, but I think this post is long enough.  
The main things to keep in mind is, would you do it?  
If you visit others blogs, and enter giveaways how likely would you be to do the action you are asking them to do to enter?
Also, if you enter giveaways.  What key things make you take notice of a particular blog that will make you more likely to come back after the giveaway?

Keep those thoughts in mind while creating your giveaway and you're going to be far more likely to see not only success during the giveaway, but you'll get some of those new viewers back as real followers too!

Weekly Updates - Blog Hop Sign Up

This past week, I got over my illness.  I've felt better and better each day.  So I took advantage of it, and started up my daily workout routine again.
I am really excited even if a bit apprehensive for this week.  If everything goes well, I should get my first actual running workout in a bit later today.
I only plan on doing as the Dr. and PT recommended and starting out with 20-50 meters of running, preceded and followed by walking.
That may not sound like much, but its a start to a long process of getting back into it all again.
If no pains, or re-pulls on the injury, then I will likely do it again Wednesday at either the same or just slightly more.  Possibly by Friday working up to 100 meters.
So fingers crossed, as long as the injury doesn't act up then I will consider it a success and my slow start to getting back to running again.

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As for my weekly weight loss progress, I only lost 1/2 a pound.  But I actually consider that a huge success.  Because after loosing so much weight while I was sick, I was sure I'd gain a good portion of it back when I started feeling better and got my appetite back.

But I really went strict with my diet this week so I could avoid that.  I cut my calories back to 1,000 - 1,200 a day.  I did a 50 minute workout each day, even on the ones I still wasn't feeling the best.  Although I won't lie, I wasn't perfect I did have what I would call 2 cheat dinner meals this week, and on those days I couldn't resist having a Pepsi to go with them (no one is perfect:)

So all in all, I am pretty happy with the week!

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I want to give a little mention of the Spring into Fitness Giveaway Blog Hop coming up in a few weeks.  

A blog hop is a group of blogs that join together for a fun giveaway link up.  Each blog hosts their own giveaway, and at the end of their giveaway will have a link to the rest of the blogs in the hop.  Its a great way to discover new blogs, and find new blog followers.

There is still 2 weeks left to decide if you want to join up with us.
If your interested, need more information.  Make sure you CLICK HERE and read all of the rules before signing up.

After you've read the rules, if you are interested we would love to have you join our growing list of bloggers in the blog hop.

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I wish I had more to report, but rather than bore you with mundane details, I think I will just keep this week's ME post a little on the short side.  If you have a blog post today that you want to link up, you can link it up right below.  Have a great week everyone!!

Me Monday's - What I'm loving - Weird Facts

I've been pretty sick the past 2 weeks now.  Not so fun at all!  I'm hoping an end is soon in sight!  So I apologize for not being able to get around to all my favorite blogs as much these past few weeks.  Hopefully all of you have been able to stay a bit healthier than me and free of illness!

So I still don't have much new stuff to report, other than I hope to be well again soon, and I am really really looking forward to my trip that is now less than 4 weeks away.
Originally, my goal was to try to drop 30 pounds before the trip.  As unrealistic as it sounded, it was a good goal to at least shoot for.  Personally, I would love to tell you I have lost the weight entirely from working out, and eating healthy.  Part of it was from that, but the last 9 pounds have really all been lost because of being sick.  I only hope that when I am feeling back to myself again, I don't go and gain it all back when my appetite returns:)  So even though there is a chance the weight will go back up a little, I'm still posting the current weight loss to date.  Because there is always a chance it won't go up and I will be able to keep on losing:)

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THINGS I AM LOVING RIGHT NOW

The Olympics, I have pretty much watched every single event NBC has aired in the evenings since they have begun.  I'm loving them, and I think it is really awesome that so many US medals won have been by Utah athletes!  We have a pretty awesome group of athletes who call our state home!!  But in all honesty, anyone who made it to the Olympics, medals or not is pretty awesome in their own right:)
I'm just from Utah, so I get to be a little prejudice, right:)

I recently received an Apera bag to review, and although you'll be able to see a full review in the coming weeks.  I just have to say, I am loving my new bag and a adore the color!!!  This great tech bag is going to be coming with my on my trip in a few weeks too!
When I received it, I knew it would be an absolutely perfect flight carry-on companion.  Additionally, I plan on taking it out with me on the islands so I can keep my hiking and beach equipment with me when I am out exploring!

I am still loving my Fitbit One, even if I haven't been able to use is as much as I had hoped (darn sickness!)

When I do use it, I enjoy beating my previous day's steps and so on.  Sadly it's spent way too many day's sitting on the nightstand the past few weeks, but that will surely be changing soon!

WHAT I LEARNED THIS WEEK

I like to learn weird facts, and things from the different books I see at the library.  So I thought I'd share a few interesting but yet true facts that I learned this week.  Because if you are like me, you can never get enough useless information to fill your brain with!

* Did you know Gatorade can be used to clean your toilet?
*  In Taiwan garbage trucks drive around blasting music to remind people to quickly come bring out their trash.
*  Did you know, more people have visited the moon, than seen the bottom of the ocean?
*  Did you know, if you have a fear of spiders, studies show that they will look bigger to you than they will to people who don't have a fear of them?
*  Did you know if your an American you are more likely to win a million dollars in a lottery than getting struck my lightning?
*  Did you know the & (and) symbol was actually once a letter in the English alphabet?
*  How many LIVE chickens do you think the US Postal Service has to mail the week leading up to Easter???  Over 800,000... Seriously!
*  Next time you visit NYC, remember that there is a legend that a huge pirate treasure is buried near the Statue of Liberty!
*  One of the items found buried with King Tut in his tomb was a board game!
*  Schools of Atlantic Herring fish sometimes form fish schools the size of NYC
*  Did you know each human body contains a tiny amount of gold?  Its true, Google it if you don't believe me!
*  Speaking of Google, did you know it was originally called Back Rub!!!  Yup!

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Last: If you are a runner, and you will let me Spotlight you on my Thursday Runner Spotlights.  I am currently looking to fill my March Spotlight Spots.  

If you'll let me spotlight you, I would love it if you'd shoot me an email with the subject Runner Spotlight.  My email: runawaybridalplanner(at)hotmail(dot)com

You can fill in the @ and the . 

(FYI, you can be a runner at any speed or distance to be spotlighted anything from you just took your first few steps out the door, to running every day, or even elite!  All runners are welcome in my Spotlights - If you haven't seen them before and want to see more of what I do first you can visit HERE to see past spotlights!!!

So have you learned any weird but true facts that you can help me fill my brain with?  Even if you haven't, if you have a fun blog post that myself and others should make sure to stop by and read feel free to join up in the blog link up!

About Me Monday's & Link Up

So this past week hasn't been the greatest.  I started out with a flu and the day after I got over that I came down with this crappy chest cold.  So pretty much the week was spent in bed and not feeling the best.

But on the plus side since I have been down all week.  I had lots of time and I watched a lot of old fun chick flicks.  A couple I even made it through the entire movie without falling asleep:)

On an even better note, I have really enjoyed watching the Olympics.  Granted they have just begun, but I guess you could call me an Olympics Junkie.  Because I love to watch pretty much all of the events!  They are seriously inspirational to watch and for the next two weeks that is pretty much all I plan to watch!

Today when I stepped on the scale, I was pleasantly surprised to discover I have dropped a few more pounds this week.  Obviously being sick has been good for the weight-loss, especially since I have really lost my appetite the past few days:)  Hopefully, when I get over this sickness, I will be able to keep those pounds off, and continue to add more to the pounds lost list.
I hesitated to count it just yet, but I figured what the heck, its lost weight!  Guess we will see what happens over the next week or so.  I'd love to be able to say next week that I was able to keep it off with healthy eating and exercise:)  Let's hope I shake this cold soon and can get back into the groove I was in before!

This week I am really loving my nail color:)  It's a fun darker purple with a purple turquoise glitter confetti mix.  This was one of those times I mixed couple different kinds together to come up with a fun effect.  Since I wasn't able to get out much and allow them to be seen, I have decided to leave this color on for a 2nd week for the heck of it:)

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Sorry this week for me has been a little dull with not much to report:)  So hopefully some of you had much better weeks!!!!  If you have posts to share, link them up so I can make sure to stop by and check them out!

My new Fitbit - New Blog Hop Sign Up - Updates

This past week was a fun and busy week. Tuesday was my birthday and my parents gave me a new Fitbit, I have been trying it out and so far I absolutely love it!  It's ton's of fun to try to outdo the previous day's calorie burn, mileage and steps taken:)  Plus I love being able to track everything I eat, all workouts in one easy place.  After I've tried it out a bit longer, I'll do a review write up on it!

As for my weight loss, I am holding steady at the same weight loss I announced last week at 9.5 pounds.  I'm not disappointed that I didn't lose more weight this past week.  Because let's be honest, I cheated quite a bit on my Birthday:)  But it's all good, because it was exactly what I needed to maintain to win my Dietbet competition I have been participating in.  Aside from getting my money back, I won an extra $10 and winning money even a little is always good news!  I've already signed up for a 2nd Dietbet to keep myself motivated!

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I want to thank everyone who participated in the January Giveaway hop!  It was a lot of fun, and seemed to be quite successful!  I am not running one in February, however I am going to be hosting one in March, sign up has begun now and will run until March 10th.

The Spring into Fitness Giveaway Blog Hop will run March 14th through 30th.  Catladyruns will be co-hosting this fun giveaway with me!

I have taken a lot of feedback from the last two hops into consideration, and we are going to run this particular Giveaway Blog Hop slightly different than before.

The main changes are: 

* The posts instead of going live at Midnight, will this time go live 8 AM EST.  

* There is also no set $ amount for this giveaway, you can choose that and giveaway anything you'd like.  However, since this is a fitness related giveaway, your blogs giveaway item(s) should be health or fitness related.

The rest of the rules are all listed HERE.  Before signing up, make sure to first mark it on your calendar and second make sure you read and can agree to all of the rules!
If you're interested its a lot of fun and we'd love to have you!  Its a great way to both find awesome new blogs and at the same time acquire new blog followers!

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As for my weekly workouts.  I have bumped things up a bit and I am excited to announce.  That I have even managed to get in some Jillian Michael's DVD circut cardio training (I just didn't do any of the jumping portion of it.)

For those of you who follow my blog, you know that with this work injury I am going through I haven't been able to bring cardio into my life since last summer.  How sad is that huh!

3 Day's this week I did 10 Minute Ab workouts.

2 Day's this week I did 20 Minute Upper body workouts.

1 Day this week I did 50 Minutes of Upper and Lower body Cardio Circuit Training!

And last, my most awesome news I have yet.  On Friday, I was home alone and I.., Well I guess you could call it trotted up and down the stairs at my house before I realized what I was doing.  By the time I did realize it, it was already done and I literally stood still and it took like 10 seconds before it finally hit me, I just did something that a few weeks ago caused pain, and I was in no pain!

So being the idiot person I am, I went across to one side of my house, and I looked across the living room and down the hall.  I couldn't help myself, I had this dumb idea that I was going to run across the living room and down the hall.  Which is basically a total of 30 feet.

I was scared and hesitant at first, but I went for it.  When I got to the end of the hall, I did a quick exam to see if I felt any pain and nope nothing.  So I turned around and ran back, again with no pain!

Okay, you may not think this is much, 60 feet is hardly impressive by any means.  But for those who don't know, I went from about a year ago being in the best shape of my life, with the ability to run marathons pretty much on any given day I chose, to a work injury that little by little took me entirely away from running. I haven't been able to jump or run a single step since earlier last summer.

The next day, I was fine until about 2 hours into work and then I had a little pain start up.  I had a hard time telling if it was from the little 60 foot run I wasn't ready for, or if it was just from the job itself???

Regardless, I have been continuing with my daily icing, elevating routines that have pretty much been a daily thing for the past year.  I've also been wearing the boot again at night when I sleep (as the Dr. said that is the time it is actually the most beneficial!)

Today, despite a terrible flu bug I have apparently caught, I have noticed the pain is subsiding, YAY!

When will I try running again?  Probably not for a little while, I think I will continue to work on building up from being able to walk 1 continuous mile to more first.  It's going to be an exceptionally slow process of getting back into running, even the Dr. told me that! Plus the original injury itself hasn't healed 100% just yet, so I'm not really going to push things too much until the body is ready.  The other day was just one of those moments that something came over me and I couldn't help myself!

Anyhow, today is ME MONDAY'S & LINK-UP, so share the news of your week with me.  Your highlights, low lights... All thoughts are welcome!  Additionally, if you have a post about your life you'd like to link up, you can link up below.  

I look forward to stopping by any bloggers who decide to link up with me this week!!!

Me Monday's & Blog Link-Up - Recaps, Trivia & Pay It Forward Initiative

So as it is each Monday, this is a blog link-up, you can link your blog at the bottom of this post. 


So I decided to do something a little different today: *  A pay-it-forward initiative.
*  A short re-cap on my past week, and goal progress.
*  Then I have a fun blog trivia game, that I came up with, but I will mention I did get the idea from some of my other great blogger friends who have done something similar:)

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First, to start this year off in a loving way, I'm participating in this Pay-it-forward initiative:  The first 3 people who comment on my blog post today with the status "I'm IN" at the beginning of their post.  Will receive a surprise from me at some point in this calendar year - anything from a book, gift card, post card, absolutely any surprise!  There will be no warning and it will happen when the mood comes over me and I find something that I believe would suit you and make you happy.

These 3 people MUST make the same offer on their on blog status!
COPY THIS TEXT into one of your posts.  Let's do more nice and loving things for each other in 2014, without any reason other than to make each other smile and to show that we think of each other.  Here's to a more enjoyable, more friendly and love-filled year!!!!!!!
(Additionally, if your IN please leave me a link to your blog or email, so I can contact you to get your address, to surprise you sometime this year.  Do not leave your address in the blog post!)

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As for an update on one of my goals.  As some of you know I am working really hard on a weight loss goal right now.  You can see my progress to date, to the right.
I've changed my diet drastically, and I am happy to say, I have pretty much eliminated drinking Pepsi on a daily basis.  I allow myself one cheat day in case I want one, but other than that I am no longer drinking it!
A few new things I have added to my daily routine:

I picked up some ab workout DVD's from the library. Everything from Jillian Michaels to some older stuff:)  My goal is to do a hard core 10 minute a day ab workout (I started a few days ago).  I plan to do this everyday for the next 7 weeks.  I'm hoping this will help me drop a few inches on my waist before I step on the cruise and dawn daily swimsuit attire:)

I also have some arm light weight workout DVD's I've gotten as well.  I plan to do 20 minutes of power arm workouts every other day, for the next 7 weeks as well.

As for the work injury, I don't have any drastic progress to report.  But I am working on walking a mile each day, and hope to increase that a little over the next week.  I'd like to work up to 3 miles, and then go from there.  I am also doing a little leg strengthening, but no cardio because I don't want to risk all the progress I've been making on the injury recovery front!

Ironically, tomorrow January 28th is the last day I was able to run last year pain free.  The work injury began to take it's toll the days following it.  Can't believe it's been a year not to mention a year of not being able to run a single race!

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Okay, now for a little fun:   I've seen these Fun Self Surveys done on other blogs, so I thought it would be fun to come up with my own.  Feel free to answer any of these yourself too:)

Do you wish you were someplace else right now?
Hawaii would probably be my top pick right now!

If you could go back in time, where would you go?
This is tough because I love history!  But I think if I could only pick one.  I would love to go back to the Indian day's probably around the 1850's and see the millions of buffalo roaming the plains!  Maybe even chase them by taming a wild mustang and riding bareback and participate in a real buffalo hunt.

Where was the last place you went shopping?
Grocery store - I was watching my niece and nephew and as the duty of the favorite aunt I wanted to make sure I brought a yummy treat, mini cupcakes:)

What are you listening to right now?
I'm actually watching a cute romantic comedy on the Hallmark channel while I write this.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?
I like to watch General Hospital, love that soap (most of the time!)

How many pairs of shoes do you own?
I honestly have no idea, and I'm not even a shoe person.  So to change this to running shoes, how many pairs currently sit in my closet both used and unused?  12 pairs.

Do you believe in Karma?
Yes - Which is why I always think its important to try to do the right thing and be kind to others!

Are you a doer or a dreamer?
Both, I have many dreams, realistic and some unrealistic, but I don't care.  I also act on things I want too, rather than just dream about them.  But if I am having a rotten day, I can easily escape in the great dream world of a good book, or just in my mind:)

Is there anyone you wish would just fall off the planet?
Yes, but because I try to keep politics out of my blog, I'll keep my opinion to myself:)

What superstitions do you believe, or participate in?
I still like to wish on the first star I see at night, and I always blink 3 times after.  Not sure why, but somewhere in my childhood I remember wishes come true if you blink 3 times after making one:)

What's the stupidest thing you've ever done with your cell phone?
I drop it all the time, but the other day I was at my sisters hanging out in the hot tub with my 3 year old niece, and she picked up my phone I had sitting at the side, and said "Here Kristy" and tossed it right into the water to me.  Thank goodness for Ziploc bags, otherwise it would have been ruined!

Favorite place you have ever traveled to?
I've been to a lot of places I have loved.  But the one that seems to always top my charts is Alaska, I'd spend every June there if I could!  Though one day I'd like to go see the Northern Lights in the winter there!

What famous person do you or others think you resemble?
I personally don't see it, but I get told all the time I resemble Sandra Bullock

If a song could perfectly describe your life right now, what is it?
Only because I'm going through an Injury: Rodney Atkins If Your Going Through Hell.  One because going through an injury that keeps a runner from running is a bit like hell.  But the other because it has a surprisingly hopeful vibe behind it, that their are others who can help you get past it, and if you can get through it there are brighter times ahead.

Would you rather die in a blaze of glory or die in your sleep.
That's tough, because I think if it was my time to go and I knew it was coming I'd pick blaze of glory, but if I am not aware its coming maybe in my sleep is the better route.

What is your best physical feature?
My fingernails.  I have natural nails that look better than most peoples fake or gel nails.

What is your most annoying habit?
When I get bored I bite on the inside of my bottom lip, I have unsuccessfully been trying to quit for years.

What are your superpowers?
I shouldn't admit this, but it's manipulating others.  I am a wedding planner, it's my job to take what a bride think she wants and then talk her into what she will really want, that will look much better than what she is asking, I've been told I have quite a talent in this, but shhhhh don't tell the brides. LOL.
I use it other times, but I am saving my Mad Skills (haha) in it for when I finally make it on the T.V. show Survivor!  I get on that show, and I am so winning!!!

Do you talk to yourself?
Yes, If I am working on plans for a brides wedding and getting packed, I frequently catch myself talking out loud.  You can also catch me talking to myself when driving, especially if there are lots of idiots on the road:) And anytime I am ticked off, you can hear me mumbling.

Do you have a great accomplishment?
I have many, but each marathon I run and finish I always consider a great accomplishment.  However, the fall of 2012 I ran 3 full marathons in 15 days, and followed up with a 4th less than 2 weeks later.  I still can't believe I pulled that stunt off, but it still makes me smile every time I think about it.  I dwell on my past running successes quite a bit right now while I am going through injury recovery!

What are your plans for tomorrow?
I saved this one for last for a reason.  Tomorrow is actually my Birthday.  I have never worked a birthday yet, and I have zero plans to start now.  So I plan on sleeping in, relaxing, eating good food and cake, and partying with the family in the evening!  (Yeah, healthy diet set aside for tomorrow only!  Happy Birthday to me!!!)

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That's it, if you have a minute to comment, feel free to answer some or all of these yourself:)  

Don't forget, if you have a blog and have a post about your life's going on's... to link up!  If you can, visit other blogs in the link up.  But as always, anyone who links up, I promise I will come and visit your blog too!

Me Monday's - Weight Loss - Injury Update - Link Up

All About Me Monday's, where I talk about the going on's of my life and let others link up their own blog posts and share their own life's happenings:) 

- Link Up Your Blog Below -

I have some exciting news to share this week.  First, for those who follow my blog you may have noticed some changes.  I did a little blog makeover, and added a new blog header.
I hired a local college student (Susan) who is going into graphic design, to design the new header for me.  I am loving it, I hope you like it too! I'd love to hear what you think about the new design.
On a side note: if you like my blog header and you're looking to create your own, she does great work, email me and I can put you in touch with her:)

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My next exciting news, is on my injury.  The other day I walked a full mile, and the best part is no pain during or after.  I am waiting a few days to make sure nothing sneaks up on me, but if no increase pain and signs continue to point toward it getting better, I'll start adding walking each day.

To be honest, this is kinda against the Dr. and PT orders.  I also have a sneaking suspicion since I way over did it at a wedding set up, and hurt it horribly that day, that possibly a few things that needed stretching, did just that, stretched..  I have no other explanation as to why it would take a significant move towards healing only after I overworked it so excessively!

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Onto the next great news.  You may have remembered I mentioned last week that I am working on my weight gain problem, which happened mostly during the past year as I have not been able to be very active. Okay, so reality was, I wasn't able to be active at all for the past 6 months, and not much the 6 months before that!
Well I have been being super strict with myself, I have just over 50 days until that cruise, and I am going to loose every pound and inch I possibly can before I go!

My results so far...

I'm pretty stoked!  I knew the first ten pounds are going to be the easiest to drop (I know my body), but the next ten are going to not going to drop as fast.
Because I can't workout like I would like, and cardio isn't really an option.  I don't have to worry about keeping my calorie intake up to make up for the energy I am loosing or need to workout.  I'm not calorie counting exactly, but to put it bluntly, I dropped my calorie intake significantly.  I guess you could say a round about number for my daily calorie intake now is around 1,000.
I am eating healthy, sure I feel like I am starving all the time, but through my experience with loosing weight on and off through the years, that sort of thing is pretty much a given at the beginning...
If what I am doing keeps working, I'll share it will you all in the coming months.  But don't worry, its completely safe and healthy!

I successfully went through last week with only drinking soda 1 day, and I only ate out once.  I've up'd my water intake significantly!  Likely most the weight loss, is from the lack of sugar in the soda I was drinking before.
I've even pulled out my old favorite water bottle.  It's kinda cool, it measures my water intake and tells me how much I should be drinking, how much I have drank, it paces you so you don't drink it all at once, but more throughout the day so you're not spending the entire day in the bathroom.
I've owned it for a few years, but haven't used it in a while.  But this week, the battery on it is going to get some use!  You may have heard about it, its the Hydracoach by Sportsline.  I don't know what they cost these days, but I remember when I bought it, it was a little pricey.

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So far 2014 is turning out to be so much better!  I really think I was cursed last year, I wasn't superstitious before, but I am now, the number 13 isn't such a good number for me anymore:)  Either way, I am super excited to see what 2014 is going to bring!

So that's about it right now:)  What's been going on in your life?
If you'd like to link up below, you are more than welcome to.  If you link up, its not required, but it would be nice if you visit at least 1 other blog linking up.
But as always, you have my guarantee if you link up, I'll be stopping by your blog and sharing some comment love!!

Sign-up and join our January Giveaway BlogHop

Due to the great success of the December Giveaway Blog Hop, and requests to do more.  I am hosting a blog hop giveaway coming up January 17th - 30th and I am accepting sign-up's now.  

What is a Blog Hop?  A group of blogs who are all linked together for 1 large giveaway hop.  Blog readers who come to one person's blog on the list, see the name of the others and click and hop on over to the next blog.  It's a really fun way for blogs to come together, offer readers awesome giveaways, lots of more eyeballs on your blog, and a great way for you to find new blog followers.

January Blog Hop sign up now through January 13th, 2014. 
Hosted By: RunawayBridalPlanner
Co-Hosted by: Divasrunforbling.com 

January's hop will focus on New Year's Goals, so the item you pick to use on your blogs giveaway should be something that would help someone keep on track with their goals.  Which means its pretty wide open to what you can offer.   Gift cards are also okay. 

Only giveaway item requirement is that its value is at least $10 or more.

To add your blog and giveaway to this fun blog hop there are a few rules that MUST be followed.  Make sure you can abide by all the rules before you sign up.  I will be sending the linky and information email 1 week prior to the hop starting, so you will have plenty of time to design your post and get it scheduled to go live by the 17th.

BEFORE YOU SIGN UP PLEASE READ THE RULES BELOW, MAKE SURE YOU AGREE WITH ALL OF THEM BEFORE YOU SIGN-UP, THANKS!

MY 10 SIMPLE RULES FOR JOINING UP:

1.  Make a note on your calendar so you don't forget you signed up.

2.  Item for giveaway needs to be valued at $10 or more.

3.  Hop Image will be required to be at the TOP of your giveaway post.  This image helps others participating in the hop know they are in the right place.  Those who sign up will get an email with the image for their giveaway post.

4.  REQUIRED at the bottom of your giveaway post, will be the LINKY that has the link to all the other blogs participating in the hop.  It is a hop, so this is required!  If you do not know how to insert a LINKY, it will be a requirement to link to the Host or Co-Hosts Giveaway Post - The links will be emailed to you 1 week prior to the giveaway start, so you can prepare your post in advance.

5.  You can only have 1 Mandatory way for an entry on your blog, and ONLY up to 10 total possible entries.  (Example: You can ask them to follow your blog as their 1 Mandatory entry then offer them other options to follow you, twitter, facebook, leave a comment etc...)

6.  Your post must go live on Midnight EST by the 16th of January and run through midnight on the last day of the hop.  (Although you are welcome to set it to go live the evening before, if it helps you out.) Everything is up to you on how you design your giveaway and post, but it must be kept family friendly.

*If you are hosting a giveaway in the hop, YES YOU CAN PARTICIPATE in all the other giveaways in the hop, we encourage it*

7.  I will send you a reminder email to post your giveaway, along with the Linky and Image for your post - Add my email (runawaybridalplanner(at)hotmail(dot)com to your contacts, so your reminder emails will not go to junk.

8.   Aside from the Linky and the Image.  The rest of the post and how your do your giveaway is completely up to you.

9.   You will be responsible to ship the item to the winner - all shipping costs are your responsibility.  If you are using a sponsor, you will be required to work with the sponsor to have the item shipped to the winner.

10.  Anyone who is not following the rules, may be deleted from the hop.

**Feel free to Email me with any questions.

If you agree to the terms, we'd love to have you join up with us!  Sign-Up in the Linky below:

Motivational Monday & Blog Link Up

Monday's are the day I enjoy sharing with you some of the up's and downs in my life.  This past week has been full of what in my opinion are lots of ups.  So I thought I'd share some picture's of the camping trip I have been on.

Obviously since I am in this foot boot, I can't actually go hiking (which is my 2nd favorite sport to running.)  But thankfully there is fishing:)  I do enjoy fishing, and since you don't actually have to use your legs much to do it, this is something I get to keep on my "still can do" list.
Another thing on this list is reading, and I brought lots of books so I could catch up.
This is also something I can do to keep my mind off the fact that it is fall marathon season (my favorite time of year.)

One day I woke up to 8 inches of snow

Additionally, I have a little countdown going on in my mind.  4 weeks down, 4 weeks to go and no more boot:) YAY  I have a Dr. Appt. next week to find out my progress so far, which I am excited about too!  I am hopefully expecting some great news!

The next day the snow was about all melted and the fall leaves were starting to change

That's kind of the fun thing about Utah, they say if you don't like the weather just wait 10 minutes.


Monday's I also do blog link-up's so if you are interested just click on the Linky below and add your blog to the list.  If you have time visit 1 or 2 other blogs in the list and share some love by leaving a comment:)  In return if someone leaves a comment on your blog, make sure you take the time to come back to theirs and return the favor:)  HAPPY MONDAY ALL!!!

Motivational Monday & Blog Link Up

Hope everyone had a great weekend!  If you were running races, I hope you had a great time and finished in the way's you had hoped!!!  Today is a Blog Link-Up you'll find the link up below.

I am now 2 1/2 weeks into my 8 weeks of wearing a huge boot to help heal this injury.  The swelling hasn't gone down much, but on a good note its become slightly less annoying than it was at first.  Since I have to wear it at night, I've finally gotten used to sleeping with my foot elevated, so I consider that success!
My motivation is purely just getting through this, this is what has to be done so that I can begin PT in 6 weeks and then if all goes well, I'll be able to get back into running by December...

I've struggled with how to incorporate fitness into my life now that I am in the boot.  Many may disagree with my answer, but I have decided there isn't really a way to do it.  I'm not supposed to be walking much, and absolutely no running or jumping or activities on my feet.
It just doesn't leave me with many options.  It even makes working hard, as I have always been a very hard worker.  But its teaching me to have patience and be okay letting others help me out...

So what have I been up too?  Well fall is my absolutely most favorite time of the year to be up camping!  The weekend or one time a year campers aren't up there, the people who come up to play loud music aren't there.  Its just hunters, and mostly people who just love the outdoors.
So I was camping up a week ago, loving the cooler temperatures and the peaceful outdoors.
All the pictures here were taken while up camping.  But I didn't bring my regular camera, the quality isn't the best because I took them all with my phone camera:)

We received quite the set of storms this past weekend, so the colder temperatures and the snow that pretty much dropped all over the place even the lower elevations around 5,000 feet received snow, so this should bring on our fall foliage this week!

Which is why, I am going to be taking off again and heading up into the mountains again this week.
The other great thing about fall camping are the campfires, they feel soo much better when it's chilly outside!

So what fun things have you been up to lately?  Do you enjoy camping in the fall?  
Anyone have some fall race posts they'd like to share?


Today is also a BLOG LINK-UP, so if you have a post you'd like to share, I'd love it if you'd link up!  If you join the link up, try and visit another blog as well.