Guest Blogger Time!!!! Jonette from This Princess Runs

Hi! My name is Jonette and I blog at This Princess Runs. I was asked to do a post for my fellow #sweatpink sister's birthday month! Happy Birthday girl! I wanted to tell you a little more about me and my journey from a girl who is more curvaceous. I started this journey, again, and I say again because I have been down this road many a time and quit before. Why did I quit? Frustration, and just tired of fighting it I guess. But this time, it has to do with my daughter. I realize that I don't have pictures with her, because I hate pictures of myself. I look back at my childhood and there are not that many picture of me with my mom. My mom passed away of breast cancer almost 13 years ago. I wonder if her weight had something to do with it. I don't know if we will ever know the answer to that. So I am trying again. I want to be around for my husband and my child. I want them to be proud of me and I want to be excited to be in pictures again. My weight is something that I have fought as long as I remember. But when I was pregnant with my daughter, it got out of control. Ladies and gents, I grew a whole other tush. Yep, one that shows up about 15 minutes after I leave. Ok, it isn't *that* bad, but close. Left is post preggers, and right is where I would like to be!   As a girl on the larger side, I have learned a few things that I hope to share with you.
     1) It's ok to start slow, just start! My journey started with the purchase of my fitbit. Yep! Love my fitbit. I made it a goal to try and get 10,000 steps a day! It's harder than it sounds. I encouraged people who wanted to have meetings with me at work to walk around the outside of the buildings. That worked great until it got really hot! Since it has gotten hot, I have worked getting my steps in through other ways. Going the long way to the bathroom, etc.
      2) Nutrition is a key to your success! This is true, and the hardest thing for me. I have done Weight Watchers in the past. So, I am back on Weight Watchers and I am using eMeals. eMeals rocks. No seriously! They put together menus for you for a week, they send you the shopping list, and these recipes are EASY and QUICK. There are so many choices for you to choose from. After a busy day at work, and trying to get the child in bed at a decent time, it is important that this is something that I can do quickly and it's tasty. My hubbie only wants meals that are quick that he doesn't have to think about. If it is fast food or a microwave he loves it. The fact that my child and my hubbie love these meals, is such a bonus. I feel so much better about being a mom when I can put something on the table that is good for both of them to eat. I am using the Publix low fat plan. I wish they had Weight Watchers points with the recipes. The only other improvement would be more spices. I am from Louisiana, we don't do bland food. Running is my time alone. It is the time I have for me. Here is what I have found that works for me with running. When you are on the more curvaceous side, I have found that there are certain things that I am doing that are really keeping me healthy.
 1) Shoes - I went and got fitted at a running store for shoes. When I was using my regular tennis shoes I was having bad knee pain. My new shoes really helped.
 2) Get over the fear of exercising in front of others. This was one of the hardest things to me. But what I have found out over the past few months is that no matter what the size we all have issues about body image It is crazy to me that that is true, and it has empowered me to continue on.
 3) Nutrition on your run - I really love Island Boost and Nuun. I like that neither is icky and super sweet. That I don't have to choke either down, like gels. Island Boost is all natural and that is the best. I am working hard for this new body and I don't want to add chemicals in it. Like any nutrition, make sure you practice on your runs with it. See what works best for you.
 4) Use a foam roller - I have a love/ hate relationship with my foam roller. But it has helped with my knee and my IT band issues. It really helps out after a long run. I make sure that I use it religiously.
 5) Stretching - Make sure you take the time to stretch well after a long run. If you don't, you may regret it later.
 6) Ice, Ice Baby - Not just a catchy song from the '80s. Ice your knees and ankles! It really helps.
 7) If all else fails, get a cute outfit. I show a new race outfit every week on my blog. I try to focus on race wear that can be purchased in all sizes!   Thanks Aph for this opportunity to share what I have learned. Have a GREAT birthday month! I hope that I will see some of you over at This Princess Runs soon!   Sweat Pink Ya'll! Jonette

What is in The Camel Back Game Winner!

Okay this game was fun. Not that many people entered but oh well. Made that easy for me to go through the entry's to get a winner.

I took these pics the day I packed the pack so I would remember where to find everything lol. The only thing not in the picture was my camera. *I needed to take the pic with it lol* Bellow is the pictures taken of what was inside my pack. I gave an extra point to those who said phone and laces cause I honestly forgot they were in their *blushes* What? They were in the small compartment and i didn't think to look their lol! So here is what was in my pack!

Running sleeves, Shoe laces, Cell Phone, Knuckle Lights, Compression socks from Pro Compression, I-pod, Camera and NUUN Hydration tabs. 

With that being said.... The winner who guessed 5 right is......

Peggy Please contact me via email at aphalicious@gmail.com With your mailing address and info so we can get your prize sent to you as soon as we can :)

Split them up just a tad bit!

Yep I am gonna spread these out into 2 separate posts! In this post, I will announce the winner of the color me rad race. Then I will post pictures of the whats in my bag game and announce the winner of that as well! So first off Today is my birthday and as all my readers know, I love helping others and seeing people smile. So for my birthday I held 2 giveaways. It has been a success! So I will be adding more giveaways that will end at the end of this month! Oh Yes It's my party and I will giveaway if I want too :) *try saying that without singing it*

As I bet you have read up, or at least I hope you did, I have had the honor to give away a free Color me Rad Race entry to one lucky reader. I was shocked to see only 4 really signed up :( Oh well it just made the winner a little more predictable :)

Up next though I will have more prizes that you will not want to pass up! I have some Knuckle Lights and a little gift package for a pair of Injinji Socks! Woop Woop!

So without further delay .....

The Winner of the 2013 Aphalicious Birthday Blog Bash Race Ticket Giveaway Is.............

Congrats Jon Hughes for being the winner of My race ticket giveaway! Please message me at aphalicious@gmail.com so I can pass you your entry code!

Race recap! Color Up 5k

Okay as some of you know, I participated in the color up Temple a few weeks ago. It was fun and I really enjoyed it. The only thing I really didn't like is their wasn't many water stations. I mean with it being the Texas heat, I got dehydrated very quickly.  Other than that, I loved it. I honestly can say I did the whole 5k course (unlike a lot of people who I witnessed skip a huge strip of the course)

It is definitely something to do with friends. I was with a group of awesome people in a team called the Maniacs. Yes the team leader is awesomely RAD in every since of the word so it is a fitting name :) We arrived a little early and waited in line getting ready to run. Unlike the other race I have done, their wasn't a wave line up. EVERYONE waited in one long line till the announcer at the front let people go. Little by little. Till it was our wave (which was about half of the people all going in one huge wave) So it did make the already warm day even a little it hotter but it was worth it. I mean wow the view and the stations were amazing! We got to have so much fun and view the scenery and shoot, our party started before the race. when we arrived to line up, we were already covered in color lol. (yes people where looking at us funny cause their are all these white shirts and then us maniacs already colored up) That's another reason why the name is so fitting lol. It was definitely a race I would do again. the after party was so wickedly awesome! I mean they where firing shirts and goodies at everyone with a shirt launcher. Their was color everywhere and the DJ and staff, kept the party going! They even had the kids of the 5k go on stage and dance and such so they weren't trampled on by the adults.

They had bottled water, pixi sticks and color packs at the finish line. If you got their quick enough you were also able to snag a snow cone! I walked out with 3 beach balls, a shirt, 3 color packs. (which I am saving up to put in a shadow box along with my bib)

This chic was awesome at keeping the crowd going! The DJ was a hit as well!

The only thing I really think that would have made this a little better would be more water stations or at least a recommendation to bring your own water container to fill at the stations. Other than that I LOVED it and looking forward to the next race I go to :)

 Race PICS!!!!!

Clean canvases!

Me before the race. Sporting off my Zola Shades!

This lil one is so cute! I had to snag a pic of him! (with his dad's permission of coarse!)

Maniacs!

Is what you don't see is my blue teeth!

She looks like she lost a battle with a smurf! But had fun doing it!

Mellow Yellow Angels!

Yes I am being a goof and dancing in the color!

Pink Bomb!

Let it rain Yellow!

The awesome Staff!

The finished canvas!

It's My party and I'll Dance if I want to!

Yep I am gonna let the last minute entries for the guess bag to come in and I will announce the winners at 12pm CST. so that means u have 2 1/2 hours left to get your guesses in. Then as apart of the Festivity, I am going to throw in 2 more giveaways. That is right. WE will have a total of 5-6 giveaways this month for all of my loyal readers. So keep your eyes peeled on what other goodies I have up my sleeve.

HMMMM.... So you think it is almost over huh?

Not even close! LOL Due to such a high demand for more fun, I am going to extend this till the end of July! This means More goodies for you all! Yes call me crazy but I am the kind of person who loves to help others and loves to make people smile. So this is my time to do that :) So keep on watching cause I am about to have a few mystery giveaways coming up really soon!

Lets play a game!

What is a birthday bash without Games? For this game I thought I would do a little something different! We are gonna play guess whats in the pouch :) I have taken the lil bladder out of my husbands Camel back and have put some goodies in it! The winner of this will receive a  Zaggora Coola bra  from their website. Oh yes sounds awesome huh. While you wait to see the picture, watch this awesome video that was put together by one of Zaggoras Very own. The soundtrack and all was constructed by them and trust me you really don't wanna pass this up!

Ok here is how this is going to work, I will show you the picture of the bag and the first person to guess, in the comments, what is in the bag wins! Get creative. If you don't know, guess. If no one wins this, I will hold a rafflecopter after my birthday for a week to get a winner. So Invite your friends over. You could be the lucky winner!

A little info about the Coola Bra's are that: The Zaggora Hot line of clothing was tested by ETScience based at the University of Southern California in the US between September 2012 and January 2013 and at The University of Brighton in the UK between September 2011 and August 2012. The line, which is made with our patent pending Celu-Lite technology, was shown to:
• increase the metabolic rate during exercise by up to 18% vs. a standard garment when Zaggora clothing was worn for at least 30 minutes during exercise
• be safe during high-intensity aerobic exercise since core body temperature did not exceed acceptable exercise-induced elevations 
Key Product Features
• Fast-drying material to wick sweating and keep you cool and fresh 
• Removable cups to protect your bust
• Odor-neutralizing sports mesh
• UVA and UVB protection shields
Fit & Feel
• Four-way stretch creates a softer, lighter and more flexible fit 

The best thing too is that
The Zaggora Hot line of products has been extensively tested in both the US and UK for effectiveness and safety.

So you know they are good. So lets get this game started!

PRO COMPRESSION HAS A SALE FOR YOU!!!!

Thats right I said sale. For the month of July you can receive 40% off anything at procompression.com! Don't beleive me? Well here is their add!

Huge Summer Savings from PRO Compression

Get 40% off ALL merchandise at procompression.com, including their brand NEW Neon Calf Sleeves and Team PC Gear such as hats and running visors!

Simply enter coupon code JULY at checkout. You'll save 40% and get free US shipping. Click here to stock up today:

http://www.procompression.com/products/

Hurry, coupon code JULY expires August 4, 2013.

So? What are you still doing here reading? Head on over and snag you some gear!  I know I don't do any race or running without mine.
Insert about Pro Compression from their site.


PRO Compression socks are designed specifically to deliver both maximum comfort and speedy recovery times. The science is complex, but benefits such as improved blood flow, stability and comfort are universally understood.  The moment you put these socks on your feet and incorporate them into your game, you will feel and understand the difference.
PRO Compression socks are noticeably tight and require more effort to put on than standard socks in your drawer. But it’s that extra effort and much-needed compression that make all the difference. Be patient and your feet will thank you.

Design

PRO Compression socks are the result of years of innovation. We started off with a unique design, used by endurance athletes for years, and added golf-specific enhancements for maximum comfort and performance. This sock was designed to keep you ahead of the competition. A better footwear choice is simply not available.

Materials

Our world-class design is complimented with specialized materials. Without them, it would be impossible to create revolutionary performance footwear. Cotton and wool  simply aren’t going to cut it in a world where the best athletes rely on the highest-quality gear. PRO Compression uses a proprietary blend of nylon and poly materials, optimized for performance, benefiting both amateur and professional athletes.

Your still here? What you waiting for? I know I am heading over their right now to get me some marathon socks for my Color Me Rad Race! Hope to see you their ;)

IT'S RACE GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!!!!

Okay now I have a little giveaway for you all that I think you would like. I have 1 free ticket to the Color Me Rad! oh yeah!

For those of you who don't know anything about the Color Me Rad Race, it is a 5k race that allows you to get all colored up and get away with it. LOL IKR How cool is that? Here is a little ABOUT info from the Color Me Rad website. (as you can tell from just reading it how awesome these guys are!

About
When Zoloft and balloon animals can't seem to raise your spirits, the best way to brighten your life is to run Color Me Rad 5K. 
Historically, running has only been acceptable when trying to escape the law, personal responsibility, the truth, and grizzly bears. 
Instead of running FROM something, get ready to run FOR something at this year’s Color Me Rad.  Run for the Hell of it.

Color Me Rad is coming to a town near you with a tsunami of color that'll make colored tears of joy run down your cheeks and will renew your will to live.
After 5K of color bombardment, we guarantee your outlook will be brighter, your boyfriend will be more affectionate, your girlfriend will be less needy, the hair on your head will grow back and the hair on your back will fall out, your black and white TV will turn into 720p HD (I know you were hoping for 1080, but we organize races, we're not miracle workers), and your gray outlook will turn green like a spring morning.

You’ll start off with a shirt as pure and white as your grandpa's dentures and you'll soak up enough color while running to change your skin tone forever.  You'll wind up looking like a pack of skittles – just make sure not to “taste the rainbow.”
So cast your DYE and get red in the face from Color Me Rad, and not from the embarrassment of passing up on the run of a lifetime.

How it works:

Start out as clean as a newborn babe, and throughout the run, you'll coat your chaffing thighs with Color Bombs of blue, green, pink, purple, and yellow until your face, shirt, and body come out silkscreened like a tie-dyed hippy on the other side.

Each section of the run adds a new explosion of color to your clean, painter’s palate until you cross the finish line into a final blitzkrieg of color. 

What is the “color” in Color Me Rad?

You’re probably asking yourselves, “Is this really color being thrown at us or are the rainbows we’re seeing just God’s signal that it’ll never flood again?”

Well I’m glad you asked.  This isn’t just smoke and mirrors.  This is non-toxic, non-rash-inducing, Kroger branded, colored corn-starch.  Subsidized by the government and processed in the good ol’ US of A, these blasts of starch will change your color, and your demeanor, but never your level of wellness.

Their are 79 locations in the U.S. that this race is offered in so their is no shortage on where to be able to run.  They are getting sold out fairly quick though so you may wanna hurry up and get signed up before the opportunity has past. I have done a color run recently and trust me, it is a TUN of fun. I do recommend to make 100% sure you have your mouth closed during the color stations though. My teeth were blue cause the group i was with made me laugh during the blue station lol. It isn't toxic or anything it just looks really funny to have bright colored teeth lol. My team is the Maniacs and we are running the Austin Nov. 9th race and so far we have 8 on my team so I am super excited about that :) (this also includes my kids which have been training with me for this race for a few months now)

so without any more hesitation..... Here is your opportunity to win a ticket of your own!!!!! It ends on my Birthday so make sure you get you and your friends signed up before then. Stay tuned for the mystery bag guessing game I have in store for you next!

To Join a race near you, If you look on your left you will see a button that says color me rad. You can either click that or just slide on over to COLOR ME RAD and get signed up!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Come on! What are you waiting for? 

Guest Blogger post from Running4Rescues

For my birthday bash, I have had the honor of a few guest bloggers for you all to enjoy. The following is of an awesome woman named Christy who blogs over at Running4Rescues. These guest bloggers have been carefully hand picked for all of you due to their encouragement and motivation. All these women inspire to help others and Christy is one of those bloggers You can't help but enjoy reading about. So without further delay, here is a little guest blogger post from Running4Rescues.
        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  Guest Blogger Post ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If someone had told me a year ago I would run 1/2 marathons I would have said “You’re Crazy!”  Besides my absolute abhor of running I’m not exactly the picture of health, between the hysterectomy, appendectomy (complete with cancer) and a kidney surgery or two thrown in for good measure, suffice to say I’m not the healthiest kid in class.

What brought me to running is what Jimmy Buffett would call “Changes in Latitudes Changes in Attitudes.”  Being a pilot’s wife I get the aviation terms of latitudes and Attitudes, and of course the concept of when you move your perspective changes.  This idea concept is how I hooked up with running.

I found myself in a new home, in an area I had grown up in but not lived in a while, and was feeling somewhat like a useless lump when checking facebook I saw on the Disney page they had a link to their Princess 1/2 Marathon.  Maybe it was fate that I saw it that night, but I signed up for it right then, thinking this would give me a goal I so desperately felt I needed.  Keep in mind it was Oct when I signed up for a race in Feb and I hadn’t run more than 100 yards (and that was chasing a dog!) in a few years.  Everyone I knew thought I was slightly crazy.  Then when I managed to squeeze into the Tinkerbell 1/2 marathon at Disneyland in January in order to get a coast to coast award everyone was sure I was crazy!

Fast forward to now, having completed two  1/2 marathons in a month of each other and only training for 3 months (not something I recommend), all I could think of is “What’s next?”  Sure I can do another RunDisney event (and probably will) and I can find different races all over the country, but which one?  While looking I came across the St. Paddys Day 5k & 8k Run/Walk  which benefits PAWS, Pets Are Worth Saving.  I instantly decided to run this because it was for a fantastic cause, saving animals!

Ever since I can remember I have always loved animals, and thanks to my awesome parents we were never without a dog (or two or three) in the house.  As I grew up that love of animals never changed and I majored in Equine Management.  Throughout the years I’ve worked as a vet tech and have a “zoo” that is comprised completely of rescue critters; dogs, cats, and horses.  With the dawn of the internet age, facebook and all, the world has become smaller and it is easier to see how many animals are abandoned and discarded.  Approx 3-4 million dogs and cats are euthanized every year simply because they have no home.  Being an animal person this breaks my heart, and while I have rescued as many as possible I don’t have the facilities (or money!) to rescue them all.  This is where running comes in.

I decided after finding the St. Paddys Day Run that benefits animals that I should combine my new found love of running to benefit animals!  I have decided to try and find races that benefit all the wonderful shelters/rescues/animal controls that I could find.  When I started looking I was happy to see quite a few across the country.  So that’s what this page is for,  I search and find as many rescue runs and walks (and sometimes other animal rescue fundraisers) from around the country and put them here, so hopefully they are easier to find.

  I also have some tips and tricks of running that I have found throughout my journey.  One thing I have learned in running is what works for someone else may not work for you.  This is by far the best advice I can give, I don't have a magic list of things to do and don't do.  For instance   before a race I always drink  a Diet Coke ALWAYS.  It works for me but I have had more than one person tell me how awful it is that I drink that, its not good for me and so on, but it works for me, would I recommend it? No, but you have to find what works for you, be it related to running/eating healthy, or anything!  The only thing I can tell you for sure is don't give up, no matter how bad a run is or how much you don't want to get off the couch

So that is me in a nutshell, and you're more than welcome to come say hi over at Running4Rescues,  http://www.running4rescues.com/

We are okay just shakin up!

As most of my friends know, 3 nights ago some idiot kids tried to break into my home with me and my family inside. We are all okay and a police report was filed. WE are still kinda shaken up and today has been the first time since it happened that my computer has been out for me to use. (we boxed it up and hid it) So with that being said, I am coming back with force to get these back up and going and I promise, their are lots of goodies in store for you you! Including a race ticket, socks, a bra and much more!

Guest Blogger Post. All about Cassie!

1. What made you want to get involved with fitness?
Honestly, my kids. I have struggled with my weight forever it seems like and after they were born I was at an all-time high. I hadn’t ever really taken working out seriously before and just went when I felt like it and some years not at all. Finally, I realized that in order to be here for my kids I needed to do something. Here I was drilling healthy eating and exercise habits into them but had yet to follow through with that completely for myself.
2. What has been your motivation?
In addition to the kids I would have to say losing weight and just becoming more healthy for me. I want to live a long healthy life and be able to run around the yard with grandkids someday.
3. What are some of the struggles you have faced and how did you overcome them? (this question is to help others out that may have the same problem)
The main struggle that I have faced (and still do sometimes) is being so disappointed in myself when a run isn’t exactly what I want it to be. Those days that every step feels like a struggle, you feel like even one mile is too far and you can’t seem to find your “groove” are really hard on me. It is hard for me to be happy after a run like that, but I have to remind myself that I got out there and did it. That beats sitting on the couch any day, no matter how “terrible” that run was!
4. What are a few tips that you can give to people who are just starting out? Like what are a few things that you have learned that work and things you have learned are flukes?
Don’t be hard on yourself because you are just starting. Do your best and be proud that you are doing it! What has worked for me is setting a goal and then working toward it. Having a race scheduled is what keeps me going. I have noticed that when I don’t have something coming up it can be difficult for me to keep a good schedule for my workouts.
5. What made you start blogging about your fitness?
I really just started it to remember these races, the fun we have had, training, etc. I have always loved to write and get my ideas out on paper. I had a family blog awhile back that fell to the wayside but writing about running seemed to be a good fit. I love to look back to see how far I have come in such a short time. It will be a nice record to have in a few years!
6. Tell us a little about your blog.
I mainly blog about training runs, struggles and victories in my weight loss journey, and soon I will be blogging about meeting my goals of running 35 half marathons before I turn 35 and running a half marathon in each of the 50 states!
7. Can you please state a few do's and Don'ts when it comes to fitness that you have learned? Almost like a fitness fact or fiction.
Do not push yourself too far too fast. It will lead to injury. Do try your hardest and don’t let your brain get in the way. You are stronger than you think!
8. Can you please provide a picture and link to your blog?
http://channellingmyinnerrunner.blogspot.com
9. What is one thing you have found absolutely helpful in reaching your fitness goals?
Support from my family! I wouldn’t be anywhere if it weren’t for my awesome husband pushing me toward my goals even when I am kicking and screaming.
10. If you could go back to when you first started your fitness journey and change something(s), what would it/they be?
Not falling off the wagon so many times! I saw one of those quote/pictures on pinterest that said something like “If you are tired of starting over, stop giving up!” I find that to be so very true!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more info on Cassie You can follow her here and she has a giveaway going on to win some lock laces!!!!
http://channellingmyinnerrunner.blogspot.com/2013/07/lock-laces-review-and-giveaway.html  

Interview with Becky Stifter. Must Read!

the social media manager

the social media manager

the social media manager

the social media manager

the social media manager

the social media managfrom Fit Approach. I honestly love being able to talk to these wonderful well educated women and they are such an inspiration. Bellow is some Q and A from our interview. 

I recently had the honor of being able to do an email interview with Becky Stifter. The social media manager for Fit Approach. It is an honor to be an ambassador for Fit Approach/ Sweat Pink and to communicate with these ladies. They are such an inspiration. They are very motivated people and love to motivate others. Which it is why as a special to all of my readers, I am honored to post a little information about one of the groups that has kept me going when the going got tough. So without further delay, here is a little something from Becky.

Becky Stifter @goldenbearbecky @fitapproach #Sweatpink

1. What made you want to get involved with fitness? What has been your motivation?

My fitness aha-moment happened during my sophomore year of high school. I had played volleyball for most of my childhood, as well as gymnastics and cheerleading. I realized that I wanted to expand my fitness level outside of team sports - I wanted something for me, and so I began to run long distances and attend yoga classes. Endurance running was hard for me at first, it took me a really long time to break the two mile marker - but I am so happy to say that I have now completed a half marathon and will be attempting my first 20 mile trail races, and marathon this Fall. Yoga, on the other hand, was extremely easy for me - or so I thought. I could do all of the cool, flexible moves because of my gymnastics background, but it took a few years of practice for me to really find the mind / body connection with yoga, I am by no means done searching either. I am motivated to exercise because it ultimately balances my life by giving me an hour or so of daily “me time.”

3. What are some of the struggles you have faced and how did you overcome them?

One of my biggest struggles is waking up before the crack of dawn to go for a run, my bed is just so comfy sometimes. ;) I find having a running buddy holding me accountable for waking up early is one of the only ways to get me up and out.

4. What are a few tips that you can give to people who are just starting out?

A few tips that I would give to people who are just starting their fitness journeys is to not give up - there will always be obstacles, and once overcome you will only be stronger, sexier, and ultimately happier!

5. What made you start blogging about your fitness?

I am fairly new to the blogging world. I write content for Fit Approach, and starting fitness blogging once I became a part of the team in August 2012. I am inspired daily by all of our ambassadors ‘fitness aha-moments’ and stories - which you can find on our blog (www.fitapproach.com/blog). Stay tuned for my personal blog...coming soon!

Fitness Fact or Fiction

Diet fads are FLUKES, do not think that you can fix all of your problems with a ‘magic’ shake, pill, or deprived diet. I used to believe that measuring everything out, counting calories, and depriving myself was the answer, but it isn’t. Eating healthfully is all about moderation and finding what works best for YOUR body. If you want a cupcake - have a cupcake, just don’t eat five of them.

Can you please provide a picture and link to your blog?

You can find the Fit Approach blog on our website: www.fitapproach.com/blog

What is one thing you have found absolutely helpful in reaching your fitness goals?

I have found that having a friend to hold you accountable is extremely helpful. Having a running buddy to get me out of bed at 5:30AM to hit the road motivates me to not leave her in the cold. Also, having someone to help talk you through a plateau or provide a little extra boost of motivation for the work week is a great idea. I recommend finding an inspiring blog or person to follow on social media, engaging in twitter chats, and learning more about people who may be going through similar circumstances.

Who are your fitness role models?

My fitness role models are 1) Jillian Michaels - she is a beast! I love listening to her podcasts and completing her workouts is a triumph in my book. 2) Bethenny Frankel - she is the ultimate business woman / mind & body advocate. I have read all of her books, and can’t wait for her show to re-air in the fall. If there is someone I would aspire to be - it would be her! 3) Jamie Walker - I have so much respect for this CEO / ultramarathoner. :-)

What made you want to start up the organization? When was it created?

Fit Approach co-founders and cousins Jamie and Alyse have been working together since we’ve been old enough to tie our shoes. They have been swimming, dancing, and sweating together for what feels like forever, and always dreamed of building something all their own. One late, wine-soaked evening, the two innovative ladies finally figured out how to bring their entrepreneurial and sweaty interests into a happy union. The result is Fit Approach: a healthy community we’re building, one pair of pink shoelaces at a time.

What has been the inspiration?

As our community has grown - 2,000+ ambassadors in the past two years, we have noticed that our ambassadors run the community. They are engaged and communicating with each other, all day every day. We believe that they are the heart and soul of this community and really connect us all as a family. Our mission statement is: “We believe that kicking ass is best done in pretty shoes. We’ve learned that real women sweat, and sweat hard. We know that assertiveness, strength, and ambition are the ultimate feminine qualities. We concede that sometimes it takes hours to get ready, but we’re also no strangers to just rolling out of bed and going. We’re convinced that we run faster in pink shoelaces. We believe in pushing ourselves, and we believe in giving ourselves a break, too. We’re all about the rush of endorphins and the thrill of the challenge. We’re all for looking great and feeling even better. We’re committed to finding our best fit, and making it stick. We sweat pink.”

Is there anything special that is offered?

The SweatPink community offers a place for no judgment, motivation, and lasting friendships, and we think that is extremely special. Each ambassador also receives a badge for his/her blog, and a few pairs of SweatPink shoelaces, but that does not even scratch the surface for the things they gain from each other.

Can you say a little bit about the Ambassadorship program?

Of course! That is our favorite part. Sweat Pink Ambassadors live the Fit Approach mission every day: they sweat hard, play hard, and inspire those around them to achieve their best selves. There are no requirements to become an ambassador, except to want to live out the SweatPink mission. We review each application carefully and put a lot of thought into who we accept into our community. All of our ambassadors sport our SweatPink laces and that is their first commonality - but definitely not their last. Some of our ambassadors are just starting their fitness journeys, and others have been at it for years. They are able to inspire and even educate each other about fitness, health, and happiness because of their different experiences and perspectives. It is really a welcoming place for everyone, and we are so excited for what the future will bring for the community!