Orlando Run TEAM

I was a cyclist for many years. A friend asked me to run the inaugural Disney Princess Run in 09. That was my first half marathon. The Princess run is a great all women’s run. The costumes, photo opportunities and beautiful scenery make the event spectacular. My favorite running shoes are Saucony Rides with matching speed laces. I own 3 pair. My favorite luna bar is the chocolate dipped coconut. I’m still not convinced it is not a candy bar. My favorite thing to run with is a friend with a good story and of course my Garmin to track all of my workouts. I prefer cool weather running and depending on my schedule, I can run in the am or pm but am not fond of the predawn runs. My prerace meal is a pb&j sandwich and I always end my run with a luna bar refuel. When I first heard about the Luna Chixs I was intimidated to run with this group. I thought I could never keep up with this elite group. I was surprised to see the Luna Chixs are supportive, strong inspirational women athletes of all levels. This is a non-competitive group that allows me to work out, improve, grow and most important have fun. I get the chance to interact with pro athletes make new friends and strive for a healthy lifestyle while raising money for breast cancer awareness. The Luna Chixs offer something for every level of runner or walkers.

A little about me... I have been involved in running and sports most of my life. I was a tom-boy growing up. Some of my favorite sports/activities include: yoga, biking, golf, swimming and, of course running! Favorite running shoe: Brooks- Ghost. Do I run with, or without music? Without, but if I did run with music I would listen to rap! Favorite LUNA Bar- Lemon Zest. I love being part of the Team LUNA Chix program. It has been a wonderful experience! I have met so many inspiring women and made some very special friendships.

I am really excited to start my 4th year with Team LUNA Chix Orlando Run. Our team has grown into a very positive group of women. - I don't really remember how I got into running, I think it was more of I want to be part of the running club about 7 years ago. I have done a handful of running events to include 5ks and 10ks. I have completed the Disney Marathon and soon to be 7 1/2 marathons. - My favorite pair of running shoes is Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11 - I have 4 pairs - My favorite LUNA Bar flavor is the Peanut Honey Pretzel. - Something I can't run without is motivation...I need someone out there, not a solo runner. - I prefer cold weather running. As long as I can wear shorts and a long sleeve shirt I am happy. I really don't have a ritual, but pre-race meal would be 1/2 a Clif Bar about 2 hours before and a Clif Shot 15 minutes before, I always carry Shot Blocks with me. Being part of Team LUNA Chix makes me happy when I can motivate someone else out there that has never even tried running and seeing the end results and being part of that.

- How & when I started running was watching my older sister run in her first turkey trot when I was 15years old, but didn't actually start running until I was 17. - My first 5k was the Dallas Tx Turkey Trot. - Did my first Half Marathon at age 39 in Palm Beach,Fl and I recently completed the Space Coast Full Marathon. - My favorite pair of running shoes are Adidas. - Favorite Luna Bar is the Chocolate Peppermint flavor. - The one thing I cannot run without is my ipod & garmin. - I prefer running in cool weather. - I currently own 5 pairs of running shoes. - I prefer to run early mornings or early evenings - My pre-race meal & ritual is eating one luna bar & always a small prayer in silence before my run. - Luna Chix means encouraging women of all ages that you can accomplish any sport or activity you put your mind to and have fun, along with learning to live a healthy lifestyle.

I began running in grad school for two reasons, to keep me sane and to make sure I fit into my wedding dress. After both these things were over I began training for a 1/2 marathon on my own but luckily found the Luna chix, in the locker room of all places. The sisterhood and never ending encouragement has now helped me complete not only several 1/2 marathons but they also got me back in the pool and last year completed my first triathlon. I don't have a favorite running shoe just whatever feels right. My favorite Luna bar is the white chocolate macadamia but in a big fan of the fiber bars too! I don't listen to music when I run but talk radio instead. I can't wait to see what this year holds as I continue my journey with this amazing group of women!

I can only imagine the look of bewilderment on my face when Dar Kelly invited me to join her and Team Luna Chix Orlando (running team) for Saturday morning runs. I had just started jogging again, and was working my way back to being fun run 5K ready. Dar had to convince me that Team Luna Chix runs/walks are for every woman interested in getting together with friends who support being active, regardless of fitness ability level, and that is exactly what I found. With the encouragement, inspiration, and advice I've received from these amazing ladies, I started running 5Ks on a regular basis. I ran my first 10K in 11/11, and successfully completed my first half marathon in 2/2012; a distance I never even imagined running before I became a member of this team! I truly enjoy doing the Galloway, run-walk-run, solo with my favorite tunes and thoughts, and I love walking/jogging with my friends and chatting the miles away, too. I prefer to run in the morning or evening, in cool weather...Usually not an option in Orlando! ;) Some of my running faves are: my stylin' Asic Gel running shoes, Mint Chocolate Chip Luna Protein Bars, Peanut Butter Strawberry Luna Fiber Bars, Chocolate Dipped Coconut Luna Bars and feeling energized after a fun run.

Can running be an addiction or is it simply by choice a healthy living style? I am a seasoned runner who has run more than two thirds of her life. Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow, nor heat and humidity has ever stopped me. Trust me, I have encountered all of these elements in New York, Italy and Florida; all places I have resided in. The one constant in my life as a runner is that I am an early 4:45 am runner! I have run all race distances but find a half or full marathon to be my best performances. Exercise and marathon training is a personal love and an outlet that grounds me with my every day stresses. My favorite running shoe is the Cadillacof the New Balance line,1226. Something I would never run without is an under wire bra...need the support for running in more ways than one! Bananas and Clif shot blocks sit easily on my stomach and give me that nutritional pep to get started when working out! You can be sure that all of my running gear is laid out the night before, in an orderly fashion. No I am not one of those who sleeps in their runing gear. I am proud to represent LUNA and to be a chix who motivates and inspires others with my passion for running. I look foward to starting my third LUNA Chix year with the wonderful friendships that we have established!

I got into running late in life - only about 2 years ago. It started after I lost 65 pounds and was inspired to run while staying at the beach. I started small by saying I'm going to run 1 minute and walk 1 minute. The 1 minute of running turned into 2, then 3 and then 1 hour and 9 minutes when I completed by first 10k this past November. My first 5k which I ran all the way was in October 2010. Since then I've done numerous 5ks and the recent 10k. I'm now training for my first half marathon, the Disney Princess Half on 2/26/12. It is important to have a good running shoe. I went to Track Shack and was fitted by my Asics gels, which I love. It feels like I'm running on air. My favorite LUNA Bar is the peanut butter flavor. I love anything with peanut butter. I can't run without my comfortable running clothes and my awesome running shoes. I prefer to run in the cold, any day, over warm weather. Although a Floridian from birth, I have always favored the cold, especially when there is little to no humidity. I can breathe better and go faster. I own one pair of running shoes. Once I wear them down, I will replace the pair I have now. I enjoy running first thing in morning and watching the sunrise. It is an amazing feeling and when I am done, I feel accomplished. My mind is clearer to tackle the rest of my busy day. After going through some experimentation of what to eat and what not eat pre-racing/running, the best combination for me is a high fiber English muffin with natural almond butter and some blueberries. This combination of carbohydrates, plus the natural sugars in the fruit and the protein in the almond butter which also has healthy fats, gives me the fuel I need to keep running. The LUNA Chix mean a great deal to me. We are a group of women who support one another and raise money for an excellent cause. I am thrilled to be part of a group of such health minded and focused women. I look forward to hopefully inspiring someone else as the team has inspired me.

“ I run to breathe the fresh air. I run to explore. I run to escape the ordinary. I run…to savor the trip along the way. I run because it’s free therapy and because I can! Life becomes a little more vibrant, a little more intense. To me, a strong, positive mental attitude creates more miracles. Running is my training through my journey of life. I also like to compliment my running with various forms of exercise such as strength training, zumba, and spinning, but I must say, yoga is my favorite. A year ago, a group of dynamic women (Luna Chix) inspired, motivated, and challenged me. With their support and great company, I was able to train and run my first half marathon. Now I have 2 under my belt. I must say that I am hooked and looking forward to more. If I am not running at least 3 times a week, I feel something is missing. My favorite running shoes are Brookes PureFlow and after a long run,my favorte Luna Bar is the Mint. Aside from exercising, I teach 4th grade and look forward to sharing the benefits of a healthy balanced life with our future generation. One of the greatest rewards is passing the torch to my 14 year old daughter. She has joined me on some runs and now shares an interest as well. If you haven’t tried it, it’s time to start! Keep calm and just run!

Good, supportive friends can get you to do most anything, including those things that might seem a bit challenging at first. With the gentle nudging and encouragement of my Luna Chix friends, I began running two years ago and haven't stopped since! For me, running is the best way to start the day. It provides me with some social time in the morning (as I love to run and chat) and it helps me get grounded for the work day that lies ahead. Last year I ran my first half-marathon at the pirate themed Gasparilla race in Tampa (arrrrgh!) and I will run my first full marathon in March 2012 at the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach. Before then, you can spot me running in my Mizuno shoes in the Dr. Phillips section of Orlando - I generally keep two pair of running shoes on hand so I always have one set that is well broken in. The perfect ending to a great run: a Lemon Zest Mini Luna Bar, followed later by a chocolate banana protein shake. Come on out and join us for a run...the Luna Chix Team has been a great source of inspiration to me in developing my running ability and I look forward to passing that on to others!