Get ready, Baltimore-Shack Track and Field is Coming!

I am SUPER pumped to be sharing the news with everyone that Shack Track and Field will be starting in Baltimore next month!

What is that you ask?

Shake Shack is a delicious restaurant which serves burgers, fries, milkshakes and other yummy treats which I've previously raved about with numerous locations across the country. 

In cities including New York, Philadelphia, and DC there is a group called Shack Track & Field started by one of Shake Shack's awesome Operations Managers, Allan.  A group of people run together on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 PM usually 3-5 miles and then end up at a Shake Shack to enjoy a free beer. You could always just run the most direct route to Shake Shack though! 

It's open to anyone of any running pace.  It's one of those awesome community experiences because you know that at 7 PM in multiple cities, people are all running and ending up at a Shake Shack.   

Let's face it, people probably end up grabbing dinner there too because who could resist their yummy food?

I had initially read about Shack Track & Field in Runner's World  a few months ago (see article here)  and totally wanted to go to one of the DC or Philly runs. Lucky for me, I was invited to the demo run of the Baltimore Shack Track & Field last night.  I tested out the 5 mile route Charm City Run had come up with which included a nice run down along the Inner Harbor, through Harbor East, and into Fells Point before heading back towards the Shake Shack.  

Baltimore's Shack Track & Field will be starting next month in May (5/12) and continue at  7 PM on the second Tuesday of each month.  It's also great because Shake Shake has partnered up with my favorite running store, Charm City Run. The run starts from Charm City Run in McHenry Row at 7 PM with a 3 mile or 5 mile route, ending up at Shake Shack in the Inner Harbor at 400 East Pratt Street. 

Summer Snacking Tips with Kozy Shack® Simply Well® Pudding {Giveaway}

At least here in Baltimore, it actually felt like spring this weekend.  I'm putting away my winter coat and busting out my flip flops.  I don't believe in stressing out about the upcoming "bikini season", but I still think try to focus on better-for-you snacking. With spring and summer comes more events, parties, barbecues, and social activities.That means more cold beers, yummy party snacks, and less-routine food options. I never try to get stressed out about having lots of fun food and drinks, but I always try to at least keep my snacking smart.

 Check out these simple tips I follow for summer snacking below. 

A new lighter snack I've been enjoying is the Kozy Shack® Simply Well® rice and tapioca puddings. Now I'll admit I'm a fan of packaged puddings you can buy in any grocery store even though I sometimes feel a pang of regret for buying a packaged snack when I could make my own healthier batch of pudding at home. 

 I was excited to try the Kozy Shack® Simply Well® puddings because they are only 90-calories, gluten-free, and have no added sugar.  I found them right in the supermarket next to other refrigerated puddings in 4-packs. 

Five Friday Favorites:Trips to Take 4/10/15

I was going to post something else today but once I saw the fun  DC Trifecta Friday Five linkup of five trips to take I wanted to participate. It was really hard to narrow it down and decide between awesome places I've been versus places I dream of going. I There's a milltion places I want to go in the U.S. and nationally. Yes, I've got a serious case of wanderlust. Anyhow I ended up going with a mix plus some recent trips I will be taking thrown in! 

5 Friday Favorites: Trips to Take

1. Las Vegas, NV

I have never been to Las Vegas and as I said last week, am beyond excited to celebrate my friend's birthday and run the Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon in November. I'm not a huge gambler (mostly because I'm poor) but cannot wait to get dressed up, explore the nightlife, hang out at a pool bar, and eat some great food.  I definitely need suggestions on places to eat and things to do!

2. Paris, France

I know it's cliche to babble on about how Paris is one of the greatest cities in the world, but I think it's true! I went to France right after my senior year of high school with other French students and had an amazing time. I got to explore Paris freely, learn their metro system, and eat lots of delicious foods.  Even though all the skills I gained as a French minor in college are disappearing,  I really need to go abroad again STAT.  

Run for Another {Janji water for Haiti}

Disclaimer: I was given a complimentary shirt and pair of shorts from Janji for promotion purposes. Discount code is provided by Janji As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

One of the things I love about the sport of running is the widespread involvement with charities. Most of the races I run support a charity or fabulous cause not to mention all the amazing organizations like Team in Training and individuals who run races to raise money for organizations.  

Janji, a Boston-based running apparel company, takes it a step further. Why not include charitable causes into your everyday runs? I've seen Janji apparel in stores before but surprisingly had never tried their clothes. As I scrolled through their website I was immediately drawn to the bright colors and funky designs inspired by countries that they aid.  I was really excited when Janji said they wanted to send me a couple pieces from their new Haiti line.  

Janji means "promise" in Malay and reflects the company's commitment to fighting the global water crisis.  Every piece Janji sells is inspired by a country to which the proceeds help give one week to three years worth of clean water.  Countries Janji helps include Peru, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, the U.S.A., and now Haiti.  

Imagine coming back from a sweaty run and not having any clean water to drink.

That is a reality in Haiti where 3.6 million people lack access to safe drinking water. When I read about this crisis I was so moved. It made everything happening throughout my day seem so significant. Clean drinking water is a basic need and has become a global health crisis. 

I could certainly take time more often than during races to #runforanother. 

I'm not just helping spread the mission of Janji but also about their brand new Haiti shirt from their spring line which debuts today.  The purchase of each shirt gives ONE YEAR of clean water to someone.  Janji works with water.org there to supply clean water pumps-you can read more about it here.  

It was hard to get a clear photo of the amazing shirt as a whole. 

Besides helping an amazing cause, I loved how soft, high-quality, and colorful the clothes were. I love how soft and lightweight the women's Haiti shirt is. The light blue is one of my favorite colors to boot! The Haiti Anna Running shorts (MRP $36) were a little shorter than what I usually rock on the streets but had a really comfortable waistband and cute little zippered back pocket that fit my keys perfectly.  

These Haiti Anna Running shorts give 8 packets of nutritional medicine to a child in Haiti! 

If you are looking for a new, really cool looking shirt for your spring running as well as taking time each day to #runforanother and help end the global clean water crisis, check out Janji and their new Haiti line.  

You can check out the Haiti women's and men's shirts that just debuted on the website today, 4/8/15 at noon. 

Lucky for you, you can use the code "newproduct10" to get a discount on new Janji releases every Wednesday!  

Running for another in my new Janji gear

What's your favorite charity to support through running? Have you ever heard of Janji? 

This post was linked up with WOW Workout Wednesdays and Tuesdays on the Run.  

5 Friday Favorites: Good Things 4/3/15

Congrats to Leah on winning my MealEnders giveaway !

Since there's lots of be happy about right now, the DC Trifecta Friday Five linkup of five good things seemed perfect. My life has been super hectic right now, topped off with a late Friday work day (which should be illegal) so you're getting this late-night Friday Faves post.  

5 Friday Favorites: Good Things

1. Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas

The Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon has been on my bucket list race for a while. I mean who doesn't want to run on the famous Las Vegas strip at night and then continue the party afterwards? It didn't seem like it would work out this year,but with a few changes of plans I'm in and could not be more excited! My friend is celebrating her birthday that weekend so we're going to run the half and then celebrate. I'm a crazy runner lady so that sounds like an awesome birthday to me.

If you want to join me, register here !

 (Sorry you can't use my Rock 'n' Blog discount for Las Vegas right now, but use LAUREN15 to save on any other RNR half or full marathon in 2015!) 

2. Springtime Temperatures

Okay so those rainy day forecasts aren't fun, but seeing lows in the 40s and temperatures averaging in the 60s for the next few days makes me happy. See you next year, winter! I'm ready for shorts & flip-flops!

3. November Project

Photo courtesy of November Project Baltimore

November Project Baltimore is always a good thing in my book, but this Wednesday's workout was special. We organized a little Coaches' Appreciation Day and pulled a surprise off for our three fearless co-leaders on April Fool's by showing up as a group with masks of the co-leaders on. I ran there just in time for the big surprise! It was really great to give the co-leaders three big cards some of the members crafted and show how much we appreciate them! 

Momentum Jewelry Ambassador Discount and Wish Wraps

Disclosure: I am a Momentum Jewelry ambassador and receive complimentary products. This blog post contains my affiliate link. As always, all opinions are my own. 


I am really excited to announce that I'm a new ambassador for Momentum Jewelry! I love getting to a part of the teams of brands I love so it is exciting to support an athletic jewelry company that I've been a big fan of since I reviewed their products last year. 

I am completely obsessed with good vibes, positive thinking, and inspirational mantras. Having a reminder on my wrist or shoes while I'm working, running, or going about my day really helps me focus. 

Momentum's motivate wrap bracelets are my favorite with their cozy, tee shirt-like wrap material and great choice of mantras.  You can pretty much always find one on my wrist! 

If you use my ambassador link, you can save 10% off any order from Momentum!

I totally had positive energy during my awesome race at the Love Run Philadelphia half marathon this past Sunday and loved having that reminder on my wrist to glance during those tougher miles. 

You will be hearing and seeing more from me about Momentum Jewelry, but right now they are having an amazing sale to debut their new WISH wraps.  These beautiful leather wrap bracelets with little rhinestone studs are chic and inspiring.  They are available in brown or black leather with an assortment of sayings.  

I chose one that says "dream big" as a reminder to always reach for big goals and remember that I have the power to achieve anything that I want. I chose the brown leather and love how great it looks on my wrist, especially now that the weather is warming up and I'm able to show off my stacks when I'm wearing short sleeves. 

If you purchase a wish wrap through me as an ambassador you can save 25% (so they are only $30 instead of $40) through April 20th at midnight.  

Just click on my link, and click on suede & leather at the top of the website, and then click on wish wrap to order. 

These make a great gift, especially with Mother's Day around the corner!

Check out Momentum Jewelry on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or online.

Do you have a favorite inspirational saying or mantra? 

5 Friday Favorites: Five Favorite Spring Foods 3/27/15

Don't forget to enter my MealEnders giveaway !

Since spring is my favorite season, and I love food, the DC Trifecta Friday Five linkup of five favorite spring foods seemed to be a great match. Read what my five favorite springtime foods are. 

5 Friday Favorites: Good Things

1. Jersey Peaches

I grew up in South Jersey and was always around fresh produce and farms when I was younger. It may be surprising to you, but New Jersey is called the Garden State for a reason! I love all types of fruit year round, but there is something great about a fresh Jersey peach in season. Juicy, sweet, the size of a softball and absolutely delicious! 

2. Ice Cream 

I love ice cream in any weather-I heard they actually sell more in the winter! However as the weather gets nicer I definitely find myself enjoying it more. I love taking walks to grab some local ice cream in the city or visit a local shop in my travels. A childhood favorite is always a big soft-serve cone from Kohrs Bros. at the Jersey shore right before the summer is in full swing. I posted the photo on Instagram and apparently others thought it looked delicious as well! 

3. Huge Fresh Salads

Baltimore needs a SweetGreen for sure!

MealEnders-An End to Overeating {review & giveaway}

Disclaimer: I was given a complimentary 4 pack of  MealEnders lozenges for review through the Sweat Pink Ambassadors network. Giveaway was offered and is provided by MealEnders. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Through blogging and being a part of many networks, I receive products and reviews offers each week with most of them not being worth my while.  Initially I was hesitant to accept the offer from Sweat Pink to try out MealEnders lozenges which claim to help keep you from over-eating, but curiosity got the best of me. 

They are low-calorie, stimulant-free signaling lozenges which come in four different flavors: Cinnamon, Citrus, Chocolate Mint, and Mocha.  

These lozenges are gluten-free with 15 calories per piece and only 2 grams of sugar.
  
I have my degree in Chemistry and love learning about science. Naturally I was intrigued by the food science of how these lozenges work, especially with the plethora of bold yet ultimately false claims made by diet foods in today's world. 

Mealenders lozenges have two layers. The first is a outer "reward" layer that is sweet like candy and signals the end of the meal. It's a softer, sweet layer that melts away in your mouth. The second is a tingling "inner core's active-taste layer"  engages the trigeminal nerve or "taste" nerve to signal the end of eating.  It's harder, and the best way to describe the feel is that tingling from menthol cough drops but in a delicious flavor. 

Many times I have trouble waiting the 20 minutes for my stomach to catch up with my brain and end up overeating. Also as a huge sweet tooth, I always love eating something sweet after meals-especially after dinner. 

Friday Favorites 3/20/15 feat. LesserEvil popcorn and Hip Hop Spin

This week has been crazy busy and stressful so I'm just popping by to link up with my 5 Friday favorites from the week here , here, and here.  

Despite the fact that it's snowing and raining here today, I'm still celebrating the fact that spring is indeed here. I just want to be able to wear shorts without freezing, c'mon. 

1. Favorite Snack: LesserEvil Avocado-licious Popcorn

I'm really excited to announce I'm a LesserEvil Ambassador, a company I've loved ever since I reviewed their snacks last year. I am queen of snacking so having some crunchy snacks and popcorn on hand that are gluten-free, non-gmo, and full of nutritious ingredients is awesome. I was literally speechless when I came home from work one day this week to see three HUGE boxes of snacks waiting for me!

I'm been currently working my way through bags of their Avocado-liciousBuddha Bowl popcorn made with avocado oil and pink Himalayan sea salt which will be hitting the shelves soon. It's only 40 calories a cup so there's no need to feel guilty when I eat half the bag! The subtle flavor from the avocado oil is so unique. I will definitely be sharing more snacks from LesserEvil with you. 

2. Favorite Workout: Hip Hop Cycle with Shauna Harrison

This is technically from last week, but I got to try out Hip Hop Cycle at REV Cycle Studio with Under Armour sponsored Shauna Harrison. Shauna created Hip Hop Cycle in Baltimore which makes it even more special. The spin class was intense with lots of hill climbing, and her soundtrack  was awesome! You should be following Shauna Harrison on Instagram because she posts #Sweataday, an exercise to try each day.  She also has killer arms which put mine to shame. 

2015 KELLY Shamrock 5K Race Recap

After running Rock 'n' Roll DC this past Saturday (recap to come) I ran the annual KELLY Shamrock 5K in Baltimore. Since it's Saint Patrick's Day, it seemed appropriate to recap this festive 5K that I have run the past three years.  

It's really great but after doing a double header last year, I was not sure if I'd do it again. Of course, it was part of the Charm City Run B3 Race Package which included two other races I was planning on running so I figured why not!  

The KELLY Shamrock 5K is a big race that sells out every year and marks the start of spring racing in Baltimore. It is Charm City Run's largest race with 5200 runners but is always well-organized. The 5K happens right before the Baltimore Saint Patrick's Day Parade so it's awesome having everyone already lined up for the parade to cheer for the runners.Everyone is very festive and decked out in everything green!

After a night of drinking and a big Irish dinner, I got back from Washington D.C., with an hour to spare before the race started. I drank some water and Nuun since I was clearly dehydrated and got ready for the race. Partying the night before a race is not recommended! I was not as sore as I expected to be aside from some nagging calf tightness and a sore knot on my right hamstring.  

The weather was beautiful and sunny (unlike the previous day) but some strong winds had me wearing a jacket on top and shorts on the bottom.  The race ends at PowerPlant Live! so I wanted my jacket with me at the end of the race and decided just to run with it on, even though I'd probably be a little warm during the race.  

Rock and Roll DC Half Marathon & Shamrock 5K Weekend 2014 Recap

Just yet another reason I'm an awful blogger (but still a super awesome person) is that I get super behind on race recaps, etc. and have a bunch of posts just sitting in the drafts folder. Since I'm running the Rock 'n' Roll DC Half Marathon and KELLY Shamrock 5K back-to-back again this weekend, I thought I'd finally publish last year's weekend recap! 

Spoiler alert: it involves lots of sore legs and cold beers. 

 I had run the KELLY Shamrock 5K in Baltimore 2012 & 2013 and actually have my 5K PR from that race.  My winter running cabin fever got the best of me, and I signed up for the RNR USA half months earlier because there was a really cheap price deal on it.  Then I realized that the Charm City Run B3 Race Package which included two other races I wanted to run, included the Shamrock 5K so I was running it again!  That's how it happened that St. Patrick's Day weekend I'd be running races back-to-back. Talk about a way to jump-start spring running! 

The Friday before the race after work I took the train from Baltimore to the metro to another metro and hiked down to the expo at the Armory-yes it was really out of my way and no fun lugging all my bags with me. There was a line to get in because of Armory security which was added to my stress. It was nice to peruse the expo by myself and look at all the fun gear plus grab free samples of all the snacks I could find. I stocked up on salted caramel Gu and was really tempted to buy some of the cute St. Patrick's Day-themed running shirts for sale.  

My Big Fall Goal Race & RNR Brooklyn

It seems that everyone has running fever now that the weather is warming up. That means sporadically signing up for all the races #raceeverything! It's hard because with trips and events you have to sign up and book so early in advance. Sometimes it's difficult to plan for things you've signed up for 6 months out especially with commitments just popping up all the time. 

I am happy to share that Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series finally announced that the inaugural Brooklyn half marathon will take place Saturday, October 10, 2015.  Registration is open for only Tourpass holders until March 15, and the general registration will open to the public on Monday March 16. You can sign up for an email reminder about registration here. 

Check out the full details on the race here!

I really wanted to run this race, but I unfortunately can't because I'll be in Chicago getting ready to run the Chicago Marathon on October 11, 2015! 

Yes, it was quite lovely to see this email in my inbox this morning: 

Thanks to last year's Chicago Marathon time, I time-qualified for guaranteed entry this year.  I'm running Chicago again because despite being sick the week before, I had a really amazing race. I came only 1 minute shy of a 3:35 Boston-qualifying time for my age & gender group. I know in my heart that I can come back and get my goal time of 3:30 on it's fast, flat, energetic course.  Part of me wanted to re-type that and just say under 3:35, but let's be honest I'm aiming for 3:30. 

Goals are supposed to be big & scary, right?

Hopefully I can have a strong training cycle and show up to race day healthy and ready to run!

The 2015 Chicago Marathon lottery entry opened yesterday and closes Tuesday, April,21 so check it out if you are looking for a great big fall marathon!  Be sure to read my recaps from last year's expo and race.  

It looks like it's going to be another summer of #breathedeeplyandrunchitown. 

at last year's Chi Marathon expo. word. 

Do you have a goal Fall race picked out yet? Are you already planning big events for later in the year?

ZOOMA Annapolis Kickoff

Last week we had two snow days after getting a little over 6 inches of snow on Thursday. While I should have been productive, I mostly snacked, slept, and watched a lot of Netflix. Living that pajama life, you know. 

  Sometimes a break like that is necessary and refreshing.  After lots of takeout and eating out, getting my butt out of bed Saturday morning to head to the ZOOMA Annapolis kickoff run event at Charm City Run Annapolis was just what I needed.  

I showed up bright and early right after the free yoga class ended in the store. I've actually never been to this location, but the staff were just as friendly as they are at other locations.  It was a bit chillier than I'd liked but the turnout was still great!  Unfortunately it was a little icy around the Annapolis Towne Center, but run leaders made sure everyone was safe and we got in a nice 3 mile run.  It was awesome to chat to more of the other ambassadors. 

We're a fun bunch, if you can't tell! 

Charm City Run was offering a 15% discount on gear so I snagged a cute shirt perfect for Saint Patrick's Day and got a sweet ZOOMA bag and tech shirt from the race last year with my purchase.  

They also had Einstein's bagels, coffee, and the fixings for mimosas.  I was ever so grateful for the coffee.  

I got to spread the Feetures! love and giveaway four pairs of socks which was great. It was awesome to see a few people come out who will be running their first 10K or half marathon at ZOOMA in May with us.  

I'm actually really excited to get to run the beautiful course through Annapolis at the end of May. You should join me on Saturday May 30-it's going to be such a great event! 

You can still use my discount code LAUREN15 to save 10% on registration for the 10K or half marathon. 

Luckily on Sunday it hit over 50 degrees in Baltimore so that meant running outside in the sunny weather capris.  It was crazy because half of the harbor was still frozen. It's amazing how happy the warm weather can make me (unlike the cold). I ran into Sarah on my long run so we ran together for a bit which made the miles go by quickly.  I ended up slowly finishing the last few miles to make it to 13.1 miles for the day. Spring needs to stay! 

I don't feel prepared for Rock 'n' Roll DC this weekend at all, eek! 

 Have you ever run a ZOOMA race? What are you most looking forward this spring?

Dear Winter, It's time to go.

Dear Winter,

It's been real, but it's time for you to leave. I'm blaming you for my craptastic running this winter. I'll also be cursing you when I run a half marathon in less than two weeks that I'm wholly under-prepared for (I'm looking at you Rock 'n' Roll DC with those hills).  You forced me to struggle through a ten mile run on the treadmill yesterday morning that was only slightly bearable thanks to 3-4 episodes of Gilmore Girls on Netflix.

You're not all bad. I do like the beginning of winter and how lovely the season goes with the holidays. Bundling up around the fire with some hot chocolate is lovely.  A white Christmas always makes me smile too. Winter can be magical around the holidays. 

Not returning from a run drenched in sweat is nice. I can re-wear some of my layers because everything I wore isn't disgusting after a run. Having to put on 10 layers and bundle up before leaving the apartment is not so nice. I'd also like to be able to feel my fingers and toes again when I'm outside, thanks. 

Snow is pretty. It does make everything look like a winter wonderland. I'm all for having fun and building snowmen and making snow angels. Snow that causes a big mess and doesn't even get me ANY snow days off from work this year is not cool.  A couple measly two-hour delays are all you doled out to me this year which still forces to me to have a less than pleasant work commute.  I know Baltimore didn't get hit as hard as other cities, but it's just been annoying here. Slightly warmer and okay weather one day and then below freezing and an ice storm the next day. 

The main culprit lately has been ice. The devil of winter. I'll bundle up and take on the cold with minimal complaining. Taking a chance of wiping out and possibly busting myself up on a patch of ice? No thank-you. It was very unpleasant on Sunday to see the weather forecast as "ice pellets".