After my recent two eventful runs – bug attacks and lost keys – I determinedly set out for an uneventful run this morning. For my seven mile long run of the week I visited the running trail (to avoid the bugs - which is ironic, huh?), wore my Spibelt (to avoid key fiascos), and had my music all charged up. Talk about a feat for me!

I even stopped my belly aching and got myself up earlier in the morning to eat my standard pre-run fuel so I could be out the door by 7:30 am.

Is there anything quite as delicious as the peanut butter and jelly combo? Wait. Hold that thought. There is. Peanut butter and chocolate. What were we talking about again? Oh! My run! Although peanut butter and chocolate would certainly a great conversation make.

With all the components aligned properly, I did in fact manage to have an uneventful, calming, and good long run for the week.

7 miles. Average 9:20 pace. Check week # 3 off the training plan! 

I celebrated with my still cold drink awaiting me for when I got back to my car!

Under Armour has joined forces with Thermos for a stainless steel water bottle (they call it hydration bottle, but I’m not quite so fancy). Friends joke that I always have a water bottle attached to my hip because its true. I love having water with me. But my water has to be cold. I can’t do lukewarm water. Blech. Apparently that’s a good thing, because according to some studies cold water helps keep core temperature down so athletes (or fitness freaks like myself) can keep up performance.

I don’t know if cold water really affected my performance this past week, but I will say I love the bottle.

It does keep my water really cold for a long time. It also lives up to another important standard of mine – large enough to hold a decent amount so I’m not constantly refilling the thing but still fits into cup holders in my car and in my strollers.

Don’t laugh. That is quite important and the biggest issue I have had with most quality water bottles I find that actually hold more than 2 cups of water without leaking. It’s a big deal to me. So, thanks Kristin and Thermos and Under Armour for a great product!

• What item do you always have on you?
• Any features you look for in a water bottle?

** I received the Under Armour hydration bottle from Thermos free for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

You all have so kindly poured out the love for me recently with your Fitfluential Ambassador support and your kind comments on my recent Body After Baby update. I think this afternoon needs to showcase where I get my inspiration from – you all! Time to check out some more amazing women and their strengths out loud. It never ceases to amaze me the fabulous bunch of women that inhabit the blogging community. Thanks for motivating me each and every day. Love to you all and happy Friday! 🙂

Lisa @ I’m An Okie

I've developed a new strength over the past two years. I've learned to listen to my gut and go out and achieve the life I want. I'm hardworking, dedicated, and always striving to life the like I want whether that's in relationships (broke up with someone only to get back together and have a WONDERFUL relationship), education (finally was able to go back to school for Nursing and start a second career), fitness (challenged myself by running two half marathons this year), or just simply enjoying life and living the moment.

Robyn @ The Ranch Wife Chronicles

I am a ranch wife who is raising healthy, high quality protein to feed America.  I am organized, dependable, and caring.  I put my whole heart into the projects I take on and strive to autograph my work with excellence.  I believe in and practice life long learning.

Emily @ Operation Emily

I am a mother who adores my smart and confident daughter Olivia and proud to be raising her to be that way. I am a loving and supportive Wife who encourages my husband. I am a Nurse who is strong for others when they are not able to be. I am proud of who I am.

Kat @ Living Like the Kings

I will always make time for myself through exercise - a happy and healthy mommy yields a happy and healthy baby.

Danica @ It's Progression Not Perfection

I'm proud of the respectful, kind person I am to all people.  I work hard to achieve all of my personal goals--about 1 year ago I committed to making a healthier lifestyle for myself (more exercise, naturally/fueling foods, growing in my relationship with God, etc.), and I've truly stuck to it.  I feel better than ever, and I'm really proud to be a great role model for my younger siblings!

Krys @ Musings From Mom School

I am a GREAT mom because I love to get dirty with my boys. I love to do things that are good for the planet and I believe that children learn to respect nature by learning to love it, and they learn to love it by getting out there in it and playing in it. Even if it's chilly or raining, or if there are mosquitoes, snakes or *shudder* ticks, or if I'm baiting fish hooks or whatever. I believe that the dirtier my kids are at the end of the day, the better of a day they had, and that goes for me, too.

Paige @ Running Around Normal

I am decisive, passionate, driven, and impulsive. Combined, this leads me to take action on successful projects and ideas in life that wouldn't have come to fruition if I'd second guessed myself or had been wishy washy about them. Of course, it's also lead to some dead ends or "failures" *ahem, learning experiences,* but I'd say the former outweigh the latter 😉

Karen @ Health In Real Life

I am a wife and mom that loves her family unconditionally.  I have a strong body that allowed me to carry twins for 36 weeks.  I am a passionate, kind, loyal, patient and honest woman.

Carolina @ Peas In A Blog

I'm a lover, daughter, sister, friend & life aficionado. I'm a runner & a heck of a cook. I'm a artist & a world traveler. I have a huge heart & love others well. I believe everyone has something to contribute to this beautiful life -- we should live well & live fully!

• What is one way blogs inspire and motivate you?