Sunday, January 7, 2018

Running Over Challenges

Disclaimer: I was sent a One Up Band non-slip headband in exchange for my honest review.

It's a new year with new goals and new challenges as well as new opportunities! Starting today, I will be joining Holly as co-host of the Weekly Wrap. I'm sad to see Tricia go and I know I've got big shoes to fill. While many of the WW regulars already know me, I'm looking forward to reading some new training recaps and getting to know some more runners. There's a new badge at the bottom of this post that you can use for the linkup. If you are unfamiliar with the rules of the road, I've copied them from Holly's blog and you can find them under the Weekly Wrap tab at the top of my blog. Please let Holly or me know if you have any questions.

So how was your week? I know that a lot of us have been challenged by the weather. Most of us have been trapped in the deep freeze for the past couple of weeks. Then there was that bomb cyclone out east, which made my cold weather seem a little less awful. I'm hoping everyone is safe, dry, and warm right now.



Speaking of challenges, this week I kicked off the Strava/Lululemon 80/40 km challenge. I needed to up my miles to prepare for my February half marathon, and this was the perfect challenge to kick start my abbreviated training cycle. While the cold temperatures made for some tough runs, we had bright sunshine all week and that really seemed to take the sting out of my miles. Steph and I ran 5.5 miles on New Years Day, but those miles didn't count for the challenge. My total miles this week were 31+. No wonder my legs are tired!

Steph pre-flu
The rest of my runs this week, as well as my CrossFit workouts, were solo. Steph came down with the flu. You know, the real flu. Influenza. She's really sick. It's gearing up to be a bad flu season. I've been seeing a lot of patients in my clinic who are testing positive for the flu and I'm prescribing Tamiflu like water. I am washing my hands like crazy in the hope of not contracting this thing.

My solo Saturday run
I'm kind of getting tired of this ensemble. And the face mask.
With the start of the new year, my work hours changed. This week I was only able to get in one CrossFit workout, which was a strength session. Sammy Jo challenged me with deadlifts, and I maxed out my 5 rep series with 155#. Oooh, it was heavy! I also did KB swings, lat pull ups, and dumbbell rows.



Up next week: more miles to conquer for the conclusion of the Strava/Lululemon 80/40 challenge. While it is supposed to warm up, I am hoping that doesn't mean ice! Because treadmill miles don't count for the challenge. I'll also be back to twice weekly CrossFit. Bonus points if Steph is well enough to join me!

Sunday's 8 mile run brought out my inner warrior!

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One Up Bands

I was contacted by Courtney of One Up Bands and asked to try out one of their non-slip headbands. This past week, I was able to test it at my CrossFit workout (as you can see in the weightlifting picture above). I've used similar bands in the past and I always struggled with keeping my wayward layers in place. I am happy to report that all my hair stayed tucked into the band and the band did not slip, as promised! While I haven't been able to test it out on a run--it's been too cold and my hair has been tucked into a hat, I'm optimistic that it will perform well no matter what activity I do!



The band she sent me was really cute and on the website, there are hundreds of different designs. The non-slip headbands retail for about $12. You can also order custom designs. They also sell polar fleece bands in a variety of cute patterns--I could use those now-- as well as wide stretch bands, which is what I like to wear in the summer. There's a One Up FB group where you can find special offers if you are interested! On the company website, you can sign up for emails and get 20%. There's an affiliate program as well. I had never heard of One Up Bands before trying them and I'm glad to know about them!


How was your week of training? Are you participating in the Strava/Lululemon 80/40 challenge? You know it's not too late to join in! How's the weather by you? Everyone healthy? 




93 comments :

  1. Congrats on your new "job" as WW hostess!! As you know, the Iowa weather has been about as butt-cheeks freezing as in the Chicago area. It's crazy when a 20-degree feels-like actually feels warm. (no complaining on that! LOL)

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    1. I felt no warmth today. In fact, I would have preferred sub-zero and sunshine to 25 and wind! Sigh....

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  2. Welcome to the first day of co-hosting duties, my friend. I was so bummed when I found out my NYD mileage (10!) didn't count toward the Strava challenge. I was tempted to throw some extra in today...but I get in trouble that way. Very nice mileage this week! I'm a headband girl. It's very cool they make custom ones! Let us know how they work on a run when you get that chance.

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    1. If it ever warms up, I'll take that headband for a spin. For now, CrossFit will have to do.

      Thanks for the opportunity to co-host!

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    2. HoHo Runs, glad to hear you are a headband girl! If you want to check out One Up Bands Wendy reviewed we have fantastic specials in the VIP FB page: http://www.facebook.com/groups/oneupbandsvip
      Check it out and happy running :)

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  3. That is awesome you are taking over WW! I am also doing the Strava/Lululemon Challenge but doubt I’ll do 80k.

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  4. Yes, my husband has been sick since Christmas break. What is this tamiflu you speak of?
    I'm always on the hunt for cute non slip headbands. I asked for some different "holiday themed" ones for Christmas but I guess Santa forgot (or didn't think I needed them)!

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    1. Tamiflu is for the flu--but you have to take it within 48-72 hours of onset of symptoms. Sorry to hear your hubs has been sick. We all suffer when that happens!

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    2. FairyTales and Fitness---One Up Bands has tons of themed bands--even a grab bag of surprise goodies, plus join the VIP page and get free shipping code :)
      www.facebook.com/groups/oneupbandsvip
      Enjoy!

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  5. You will be a great co host for the WW! Look forward to participating more often this year. Wow you racked up a lot of outdoor miles this week despite the challenging conditions. I am hoping I make it to the 40K! Have a great week

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    1. Yeah, I kind of surprised myself. It was do or die this week. One week to go and I'm praying that I don't have to deal with ice like last year. What a winter!

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  6. I'm so glad you're going to be the new co-host! Good job getting your runs in in the snow! I'm really impressed! Have a great week!

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    1. Well thank you! I don't mind my winter runs, but it has been really cold. Hoping for some moderation!

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  7. So you can ignore my twitter comment saying that I couldn't read your blog. Not sure what was going on earlier! Thats some awesome outdoor mileage for this time of year. We are supposed to get warmer temps this week but are expecting some ice tomorrow. Glad to see you will be the new co-host of the link-up!!

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    1. I had some issues with the linkup but all is well! I'm excited to be cohosting with Holly!

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  8. Congrats new Weekly Wrap co-host!

    Great job getting out there this week for a lot of runs. Here's hoping that the weather next week will be warmer!

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  9. Good job on all of that mileage! I'm injured right now, so I did lots of yoga and a bit of strength work. We did get snow here (which never, ever happens - none since 1989) and I had to at least try a short run in snow. Welcome to co-hosting! :-)

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    1. Did you like the snow runs? I think you guys got more snow than us. So crazy!

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  10. Congrats on your new hosting gig! You're going to be a great host. Hong Kong has some cold weather coming in starting today - I might actually have to run in capris soon ;) Nothing as cold as you've been dealing with!

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    1. Oh, I'd love to run in capris! It was nice to not wear my face mask today. How far we've sunk...

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  11. I saw Purell today at Target and almost bought some. I'm getting paranoid since people are out sick, but I did buy disinfectant wipes. If I need to, I'll wipe down everything in my office.

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    1. The best defense is to wash your hands. And wash them again. Oh, did I mention to wash your hands?

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  12. Congrats on taking up the WW as the new co-host! You will do an amazing job! I need to get in on this strava/lulu challenge! Who would pass up the free gear, right? The weather here has been dreadful.....hello cyclone bomb or what evert that was lol. It was negative without the windchill yesterday. Best of luck to you with avoiding the flu!

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    1. Good luck to all of us! This has been one wacky winter so far. I hope I finish the challenge. I can't wait to see what they come up with for prizes this year!

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  13. I'm doing the Strava/Lulu challenge too. I'm curious what prize they're going to give this time!

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    1. Did you do it last year? I couldn't believe that I got shorts and a shirt. I wonder if it will be the same?

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  14. Welcome to the linkup as co-host!! We're so happy to have you. Wow, dead lifts always intimidate me but you look awesome doing them!!

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    1. Thank you! I just know how effective that heavy lifting is for me when I'm on the road!

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  15. Congratulations Miss Co-host and welcome! What a great week of mileage especially in the dreadfully cold weather you guys have had ....those shorts must've been awfully cute! Lol

    Impressive weight there on those deadlifts! Thanks for hosting!

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    1. They were black but they are Lululemon. :p I just needed something to push my butt into gear for this half marathon training!

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  16. Much of my family and soooo many of my students have been battling the flu already. I'm trying to hold my breath because I want nothing to do with it!!

    Look forward to catching up with you every week! :)

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    1. I come home from work every day hoping that I dodged the flu bullet. Keep on washing those hands!

      Thanks for linking up!

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  17. Happy to hear you are the new co-host! Great week of training, hopefully the whole country gets a bit of a warm-up this week. :)

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    1. Thank you! It's already warmer this morning. Feels like a heat wave at 30F!

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  18. I know you’re going to be an awesome co-host! Maybe you can clear things up on the flu - the real deal is respiratory not stomach, right? We escaped the east coast just in time! I was comparatively balmy in Utah,

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    1. Yes, the respiratory flu, caused by the Influenza virus. Those GI bugs are usually caused by enteroviruses or noroviruses, and there's no vaccines for those. Too bad. No one's got time for that!

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  19. Congrats on being the new WW co-host! You had some great mileage in the cold this week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we get a little break so I can get back outside!

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    1. It's already a little warmer--ok, a lot warmer today, so it's coming your way!

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  20. Great to see you as co-host for the weekly wrap! I have a co-worker that currently has the flu and actually had a hard time finding tamiflu. My boys were sick (not the flu) one before and one after Christmas. I'm knocking on wood that I don't get sick. Lots of bugs going around so I am like you and washing my hands like crazy especially at work. I too am doing the Lululemon challenge. I don't want to miss out like last year in case they give out neat prizes.

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    1. I wonder what will be the prize this year? Last year was such a surprise!

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  21. Congrats on being the new co-host! I started the 40/80 challenge but might not get it done due to being sick. The weather over here isn't too bad, low of 38 and high of 46 but it is rainy.

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  22. CONGRATS ON THE NEW GIG!!!! And the headband? my 12 year old is addicted to those. She adore me forevah if I bought her one or 3 :-)

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    1. Carla, glad your daughter loves One Up Bands! Make sure to join the VIP FB page and get awesome specials!
      www.facebook.com/groups/oneupbandsvip

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  23. That is a super cute headband! I need to get some more, my daughter likes to borrow mine and they disappear! Congrats on being the new co-host, will miss Tricia but I know you will be an excellent host in her place.

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  24. Oh no! Not a bad flu season on top of all this cold and snow?? Ugh!! I've been washing my hands like a maniac but, with littles in school, it's hard to stay ahead of the germs!!
    Looks like you killed it outside running and did what you could with weights! Another step closer to another race! You GO!!

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    1. I'm hoping that we have seen the worst of the weather and the flu!

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  25. I cringed when I read about the bad flu season. Knock wood, we don't get it here very often but ugh. The schools are like petri dishes. Right now I'm digging CrossFit way more than running. Help.

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    1. You know I love my CrossFit! Enough to go 2x/week. What is happening to me?

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  26. Congrats on cohosting the Weekly Wrap - the new badge looks great! Knock on wood, but I've been able to stay healthy so far. We had such COLD weather here in Philly, but I've embraced it and still got my runs done! Those headbands look cute - I'm always looking for some that will stay on my head.

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    1. I have the same issue with headbands always sliding off. So far, so good!

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    2. Janelle,
      One Up Bands are so great for staying on! Make sure to check out the VIP FB page for exclusives including an adorable PR band FREE :)
      www.facebook.com/groups/oneupbandsvip

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  27. Nice running week! I’m doing the challenge too, for the first time, and my mileage’s was right around 30ish. I looked at the challenge page the other day and that puts around 10,000th! Out of more than 100,000 though, so there’s that.

    If that headband would stay on my head I would definitely buy it. I haven’t found one yet that doesn’t slip right off my head.

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  28. Congrats on the co-hosting gig.

    You are doing great with this cold weather. Me...blah.

    And today we are getting snow.

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    1. I'm so sorry. Hopefully the warmth we're having is coming your way. Quickly.

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  29. Welcome to the weekly wrap and congrats on a great running week. I was doing that challenge, but we had a big snow here and I'm just not comfortable running in it, especially with my injury. It stinks because normally this is a great time to run in SC and I did the challenge last year to get the free clothes. Now I just want to recover and a free shirt isn't worth it.

    I love that headband! I love finding fun things like that to look cute when racing or working out.

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    1. Agree. You have to let your injury heal and a free shirt is not worth risking it.

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  30. I signed up for the Strava 40/80 but haven't run at all :( I'm just dealing with some pain and haven't been able to bring myself to run. Plus it's been nasty storm weather here.

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    1. It's been tough to get motivated this year! I sure hope you feel better. And this weather needs to just leave.

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  31. I am just thrilled you are joining Holly to co host the Weekly Wrap! It is bitter sweet as I really hated to step down but I know that you two will continue this great link up we started over two years ago! I'll be around in some form trying to stay active and see as much of this world as I can!
    Wishing you great things for 2018 my friend! Hope to see you soon!

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    1. I won't lie, I felt a little guilty and a lot sad that you were stepping down and I was stepping in. I'm really excited to follow all your adventures this year and hopefully meeting up with you for a race or 2. You know I love coming south! Maybe you'll come north and visit me in the big city?

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  32. With how much flu is going around, I'm regretting not getting a flu shot this year (I know, I know, it's not too late).

    I could use a challenge to get me running more - I think it IS too late for me to hit the 40 km goal, but maybe I can shoot for 20 :)

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    1. Don't regret it too much--this year, the flu shot wasn't very effective. Although it is our best defense against the flu. I'm recommending handwashing to everyone!

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  33. Oh yay- glad you are the other co-host! It's been an interesting start to January for sure. We're all battling something- not the flu, but I think our bodies are working hard not to get it as we've been extra tired, coughing a bit, etc.

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    1. Yep, this has been a tough month so far! Hoping everyone stays healthy!

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  34. Do you remember the temperature on your Saturday run? The picture where you have the balaclava pulled up over your face? I'm asking because as a Marylander hit with the bomb cyclone over the weekend and unused to the kind of cold you Midwesterners are used to, I never know when I have to put something over my face like that. I hate breathing through cloth but I really don't want my nose to turn black either! At what temp do you actually have to worry about face frostbite?

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    1. In fact, I consulted my Garmin which tells me it was 7 degrees for that run! I don't cover my face often but it was really cold that morning! As far as face frostbite, I use Vaseline on all my exposed skin. It's truly an amazing product. I read somewhere that football players use it on their exposed skin and I figured if its good enough for the NFL, it's good enough for me.

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  35. Welcome to your new role as linkup host!! I signed up for the Lululemon Strava challenge but forgot about it! I need to see how I'm doing. ;) I've also tried one of those headbands and I was impressed it actually stayed in place. I have so many that I have to bobby pin in place. Have a great week!

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    1. I don't think it's too late to join the the challenge! You can still get 40km!

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  36. Congratulations on your new co-hosting position!!! You'll be amazing!!!

    I have seen and heard so much about that Strava challenge but haven't joined myself! I've heard it's pretty awesome though!!

    It's still cold here in Arkansas, but not near as cold as it is in other places!! is it bad that I actually want some snow here? HA!

    Happy Monday!!!

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    1. You know what? I want some snow too. We haven't had much at all!

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  37. My challenge with this cold weather running is dressing warmly enough, but not over dressing. So far I've been pretty good, but that extra layer of a Buff around my neck makes the back of my neck sweat. Not gonna lie though, when I round a corner and feel that blast of a headwind it's nice to be able to pull it up over my face.

    Congrats on your new gig as Weekly Wrap cohost with Holly, and thanks for the linkup!

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    1. It was interesting to me that the sub-zero temps in the sunshine were much more tolerable than yesterday's windy, cloudy 25 degree temps!

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  38. 155 pounds?!? You're a bad a**! Way to go girl!

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    1. Gotta keep those glutes firing so I can conquer hills! At least that's what I tell myself.

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  39. ummm you are a crossfit badass!!! My week sucked, time to get back on track. My running has been painful with itb issues and i have a big race Sunday......fingers crossed it will be better.

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    1. I've got my fingers crossed for you too. I've had those ItB issues. not fun.

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  40. Bad ass!!! Way to go!

    My week went well! Started a squat challenge which has been fun (and challenging!).

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    1. There's nothing like a squat challenge...lol! We do a lot of squats at CF, so I'm well acquainted with them...

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  41. Yeah, today was really slow at work. I think the break helped slow the spread of the flu. I hope.

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  42. This week is shaping up to be so much nicer for us too. Mid 40s by the end of the week. WTF?!?!? I'll be wearing shorts and a tank on my runs!

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  43. These headbands look super cute. My hair is so fine, I always am on the lookout for headbands that don't slip, but also ones that won't tear out my hair. Stupid postpartum hair loss/regrowth is the bane of my existence right now! Lol. At least no flu...

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    1. I'm hoping to dodge that flu bullet too. Going to wash my hands again...

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  44. Congratulations on co-hosting the Weekly Wrap! Fortunately I am fit and well (and your advise to use a foam roller yesterday really helped my knee!). Unfortunately, we are in the middle of a heat wave. Keeping my kids well-hydrated and out of the sun. My hubby is a vet and sadly has seen so many dogs come to the clinic suffering from severe dehydration and heat-related issues.

    Shathiso from www.thegaboronerunner.com (can't seem to log on using my wordpress account. I will keep exploring what may be wrong!)

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    1. Isn't it crazy--you have terrible heat and we are suffering in the cold. Such extremes! Stay safe.

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  45. I had a great week! I do love a good headband too. when I had bangs I needed a headband and now that my hair has grown out, but not completely, I still need a headband. So I would have loved to test those out (I haven't checked, but I'm guessing they are US only). The weather was stormy, windy and then SUPER COLD but sunny. Typically Dutch for this time of year!

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  46. What a week! Way to get out there with the runs. I know for sure if it wasn't for the Lululemon challenge I wouldn't have been out there! That head band is cute. I usually just pull my hair back in a pony tail but when my bangs are shorter I like to use them.

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    1. I'm glad for the challenge because I probably wouldn't have run much at all last week.

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