Hey hey hey!!! How goes it? I’m doing well…although about ready to face plant into my pillow. I think I just may do that too. I have a long run tomorrow and we all know that busy life I lead needs some good rest. PS – Did you catch the giveaway in that busy life post? Hint hint. Wink wink.

Now onto the tough questions of life running etiquette. Yesterday afternoon I ran three miles. Whenever I run in the afternoon, my fuller bladder wants to go into overdrive on me. Towards the end of my run, I passed a gas station and really considered stopping in to use the facilities.

But then it hit me – I would only be stopping in to potty. I didn’t plan on buying any gas to go (have enough of that already) and didn’t even have any money on me.So, I told myself to keep it (the pee) to myself for another five minutes and wait to go at the end of my run. I had to stop in the store anyways to pick up some baby formula for B (that whole stopping nursing thing – which your comments blew me away over, so thanks!).

I almost faced a dire situation with my bladder bursting like a water balloon by the time I made it…but I made it. And felt reassured that I took advantage of a bathroom break where I planned to shop. Side note: You have no idea how good this wall of hydration looked after that run…

So, the dilemma – running etiquette: what are the parameters to using a public restroom? Help a girl out!

I do find it odd though that I worry about using the bathrooms but could care less about walking in to a public place smelling like a giant pit stain and looking like Clifford the Big Red Dog slobbered all over me.

I will force my overly rank state of body on you, but don’t worry – I will be polite about using your potty. Ha! Now, come to think of it, these places probably wish I would either a) not come by at all or b) use the bathroom…as long as I use the sink for a quick wipe down. You should have seen the cashier’s face last night when I walked up. I truly think he grimaced. Perhaps I should start thinking of that running etiquette too?  

On the bright side, I didn’t look completely like a drowned rat! I wore another piece from the Champion line of workout clothing I’m reviewing as part of their Shape Your Life program. You saw me hanging out in the clothes a bit earlier in the day, when I went to the park to play with the family.

The Champion Double Dry V-Neck T-Shirt worked so well for me. I love that it contoured in all the right places for a flattering fit. It also felt extremely light and breathable, which I greatly appreciated both while playing with the kids at the park and when on my run in the afternoon heat. And I can say without a doubt that the moisture wicking capabilities are top notch! I love not having to run with a heavy, soaked cotton shirt. I now kind of want one in every color – Acid or Sequin Pink, please!  

You also see me wearing the Smoothing Knee Pants in the above picture. I can give you my review of these real simply.

Favorite. Workout. Pants. EVER!!!!! They make the booty look gooood with a little smoothing and lifting action. They move so well with the body and are tremendously comfortable. They fit at just the right height for me in the waist – enough to tuck things in and keep things smooth….but without feeling like grandma. The pants do come in a bit thicker material, which can make them a little more warm (I didn’t wear them on my run, for example), but for in the gym or when it isn’t Hades outside, I can’t go wrong with these. I have to keep myself from not plucking them out of the dirty laundry! But that doesn’t surprise you considering earlier parts of this post, does it? Ouch.

• Running etiquette - what are the parameters to using a public restroom?
• Will you go in public places sweaty after a workout?

The review in this post is sponsored by Champion and I received monetary compensation for my participation, but my review and opinions are my own. I only ever participate in programs that I see naturally fit my blog and that allow for honest feedback. Thanks!

Last night I posted ten of my “running tips” that helped me get started running. You all dove right in there with some other awesome tips to share! Some favorites:

• Get out of your head. Don’t think. Just Enjoy. Heather @ Where’s the Beach?
• Just get up and do it. And it’s ok if you have to stop and walk party of the way through. Amanda @ Fancy Oatmeal
• Every runner has a bad run now and then. Don’t let that discourage you! Holly @ The Runny Egg
• Compete ONLY with yourself.  Heather @ Running With Sass
• Don’t think “I’m so BAD at running!” because, really, how can a person be bad at running? Carly @ Swim Run Om
• Don’t hesitate to ask questions about products, techniques, how you’re feeling….ask your running friends, running bloggers, a local running store – don’t be embarrassed! Cathy @ 1970s Kiki Project
• Remember how great you feel when you are done.Take a photo of you with a smile of your face to remember that feeling. Sierra @ Posh Meets Pavement
• FUEL PROPERLY! Kinley @ Better Off Barefoot

Yep. You all are AWESOME! And I have to add here too – in no way do I think running is the only path to fitness or that if you don’t run, you’re like the ice baths and bite monkey butt. I love a variety of fitness and truly believe that if you do something active that betters your health – you’re killing it. And if you do run, at any pace, you’re a runner. Plain and simple.  

I had to take some of these running tips on the road with me this morning. Let’s just say that a six mile tempo run did not sound like the most welcoming idea this morning. I had trouble getting to sleep last night and didn’t sleep all that well. Plus, I have yet to have a tempo run longer than five miles and that extra mile just seemed daunting. I decided there was nothing to do but get out there and go for it. It would be a challenge, but I can rise to the challenge.

Well, that went much better than expected! I did a one mile warm up and then my four tempo miles – 8:37 / 8:33 / 8:21 / 8:15 – and finally finished with a mile cool down. My body never ceases to amaze me.

In my panel discussion on the The Numbers Game (did you catch Part 1 of the recap?), we discussed a lot about choosing which numbers work the best personally as a motivational tool. I definitely find great use in numbers with my fitness related goals. Each workout gives me some feedback on my progress and when I look at the overall trends, I can see progress in my health. I can see how far I have come and think “yea…it’s pretty baller that I can run six miles!!”.

Fitness related numbers always inspire me. I believe it’s because when focusing on things like mileage, pace, sets of exercises, number of workouts accomplished or spin classes attended, the emphasis lies in what my body can DO. Not what it looks like or how much it weighs. That distinction opened up my ability to love and appreciate myself so much more. The body is a pretty cool thing when you really stop to think about it. God did a pretty good job working it all together, don’t you think?  

I hope you get the chance to witness your powerful body in action today and think of every accomplishment it has helped you make. Rise to any challenge and believe in yourself. And now tell me…

• “It’s pretty baller that I can ___________”.
• PS – Don’t forget to enter the Love Grown prize pack giveaway! Ends tonight!