Review & Giveaway: Sport Kilt {CLOSED}

This Giveaway has closed.  Check our most recent posts for other great giveaways.

Our nephew, Xavier LOVES his Sport Kilt!

I am a big fan of things that put a smile on DisneyBride's face.  It's even better when the thing in question is clothing fit for a warrior. 

The item I am reviewing today is a Sport Kilt.  I have run in a kilt a few times before, but the more I wear one on a run, the more I want to wear them on my future runs. 

Sport Kilt's tagline:  A Man in a Kilt is a Man and a Half!

Wow, you're telling me! It is amazing the response you get when you're out running in a kilt.  It is overwhelmingly positive! Sure you occasionally run into the random person who still can't figure out the difference between a skirt and a kilt.  (FYI- my canned response has always been: "Cross dressers wears skirts, warriors wear kilts")  An added benefit if you are a single male reader: the ladies - they looooove the kilt.  Kilts have some sort of magical power that makes women wish their man would wear one and makes men want to run out and get one.  Men, use this new found power wisely.

My Sport Kilt features

Sport Kilt was kind enough to send me a customized Original Sport Kilt in the Wallace tartan.  My kilt had four customized additions: (1) two hidden side pockets - super handy, (2) fringe - it adds a pretty cool look, (3) sewn-down pleats, and (4) belt loops. Another cool feature, the kilts are made right here in the USA.   



My loves of pockets is eternal and well documented.  The Original Sport Kilt comes with one standard pocket, but I had two extra hidden ones on the side.  The belt loops are useful for either a race belt, or for using a regular belt while wearing the kilt out and about.  The sewn down pleats keeps your kilt lying a little flatter and neater around the hips. Finally, the fringe adds a cool touch.   I do have an Original Sport Kilt without the bells and whistles, and while it is great to wear, these extras on my new Sport Kilt were very nice to have.

Running in my Sport Kilt

photo credit: Fred Decker

Awesome:  Mental and emotional boosts are always welcome on race day.  Immediately after I received my Sport Kilt, I wore it to my next race.  As expected, it was a big hit with other runners, and especially my bride.  Hey, I even qualified for Half Fanatics in a Sport Kilt!






Fabric:  I was quite impressed with the fabric.  Being a runner, we are always a bit obsessed about the fabrics that our running gear is made of.  A lightweight poly blend that dries quickly and doesn't get wrinkled.  What's not to love?  

X Racewear shirt, and Original Sport Kilt

Weight: The Sport Kilt was much lighter than one would expect. Most of the weight is in the waistband, as it contains velcro strips to keep it on securely.  But because the weight is on the waistband, you don't really notice it; it just feels like a belt across the front, with elastic across the back.   




Running for a great cause! And check out my sexy legs!

Length:  I have read that guys worry about the fabric hitting their knees.   Traditionally, kilts for men generally hit just at the knee.  I am tall, and I also requested a shorter length.  While I own two other longer length kilts for 'non running use', I intended this SportKilt to be earmarked for running.  So with my desired length, I did not have any issues at all with the kilt hitting my knees. I never quite understood this criticism of kilts, as shorts seem to have far more area to make contact with your legs.  Make sure you order the appropriate size and desired length and it wont be a problem. 






More of my Sport Kilt racing action

The 'Braveheart' Factor:  I also wore it for several training runs.  I am going to say that the shots are blurry because I was running so fast, not because my iPhone doesn't do action shots well. 

There is something primal about running on a trail in a kilt.

 

I found myself wishing I had blue facepaint and a spear.

 

Overall Comfort/Mobility:  A kilt does not bunch, ride up, or chafe.  It may weigh a few ounces more than shorts, but I'm not fast enough to care.  The convenience and comfort far outweigh any criticism of a kilt.  For those of you who run obstacle races, a kilt would be perfect.  No worrying about your ability to move your legs or climb.  If you are able to contort your body in such a way that a kilt inhibits your movement- send me a picture, I would have to see that to believe it. 

More Awesome:  Not gonna lie:  the random compliments, wolf whistles, and cat calls when I wear my Sport Kilt are great motivation to keep running.  I'm married, so it goes without saying that I need to put a lot of distance between myself and any would-be admirers.  But it is always nice to be noticed and appreciated by the wife.

The FAQ

The most commonly asked question I always get wearing a kilt is "What do you have on under the kilt"?  Well that's a question you'll just have to leave to your imagination.  DisneyBride is the only other person who knows the answer. 

Costume Ideas

Unless this is your first time visiting our blog, you already know how much DisneyBride and I obsess about dressing up in costumes for races.  Perhaps I'll dress as William Wallace? And for our runDisney races --- pretty much any character from Brave!  Guess it will depend on if I feel more like yelling "Freedom!" or "Feast Yer Eyes"!

And now that you have a very powerful visual that will linger with you all day...



Discount and Giveaway!

Yep, you read that right.  The wonderful folks at Sport Kilt are allowing us to giveaway one Original Sport Kilt to a lucky reader!  Read the terms below and use the rafflecopter to enter.

And to let you know about yet ANOTHER chance to win, Sport Kilt is hosting a "Put the Sport in Sport Kilt" photo contest on their site. So check out that one, if you already own a Sport Kilt and want to win another one!  I'm pretty sure I'll be entering that one!

If you can't wait for the giveaway to end and gotta have your Sport Kilt right now, use the code:  RunHappy  for 10% off of your order. Coupon is valid through June 30, 2014.

Until next time!

-DisneyGroom

Terms of the Giveaway

1) No Purchase Necessary.

2) Giveaway begins Friday May 23, 2014 and ends Saturday May 31, 2014 at midnight. Winner will be announced on the Facebook page and this blog post.  He or she will be notified Sunday June 1, 2014.

3) Must be 18 years or older to enter. Must be a U.S. resident. 

4) One (1) winner will be selected. the winner will receive one (1) Original Sport Kilt. Retail Value: $59.50

5) Sign in through Rafflecopter below to enter. With your first entry, the app will capture your e-mail or facebook name. This is so we can reach you if you win, in accordance with sweepstakes terms. Your contact info will ONLY be used to contact you if you win.

6) There are additional opportunities for multiple entries.7) The winner will be chosen at random using the rafflecopter app below. Odds of winning are determined by the number of eligible entries received.

8) In the event winner does not respond to contact attempts via e-mail or facebook name provided within a one week period, another winner will be selected at random.

9) Void where prohibited.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received. We each received one Sport Kilt from SportKilt.com in exchange for this review and promotional giveaway. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will be good for our readers. All opinions stated on this blog are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Review and Giveaway: Gone for a Run {CLOSED}

This Giveaway has closed.  Check our most recent posts for other great giveaways.

Race season in Florida winds down in the early spring, so with not many races near us above a 5K, we have both let the training slide a bit.  But we've definitely got racing 'on the brain', if not on the immediate calendar.   I figured before I got too deep into planning our fall/winter events - I should do a little retrospective - sort of a 'this is where we've been'.   Not all the races we've done give medals, but they do all provide bibs.  So that is where I started - by going through all our bibs.

Previously, we have been keeping them like this, on a loose binder ring.  Simple - but not very neat, and not very pretty.  Plus, it didn't protect the bibs.

Enter the bibfolio we received from Gone for a Run. 

What is a bibfolio, you ask?

from their website:

The BibFOLIO is made from hand-finished wood and printed using our proprietary high resolution printing process. The twist cable rings easily unscrew as you add your race bibs. Simply slip the holes on the top of your race bib through the rings to add your bibs. You worked hard for those race bibs and they should have a BibFOLIO - a special place to be kept, shared and remembered.

I couldn't resist the castle themed one.   Also, since there is a customization option, I requested that our blog name be printed on the front.

Here is a Before and After pic.  Yep, I like our nice neat bibFolio much better.

Here are a few of my bibs stored (and displayed) individually in the clear protective sheets.

Obviously this one suited our style and our needs, but if you do a search for bibfolio on the Gone for a Run website, you will get 498 results.  With that many options, you are sure to find the right one for yourself or as a gift to a fellow runner.

Even if you don't save your bibs, you should still check out the site.  There are thousands of unique gift ideas for yourself or your runner friends.

Our friends at Gone for a Run have very generously allowed us to do a giveaway.

The winner will get a $20 gift certificate, good for any purchase from the GoneForARun.com website.

Check out the terms below and enter via the rafflecopter app. Good luck! and Run Happy!

~DisneyBride

Terms of the Giveaway

1) No Purchase Necessary.

2) Giveaway begins Friday May 16, 2014 and ends Thursday May 22, 2014 at midnight. Winner will be announced on the Facebook page and this blog post.  He or she will be notified Friday, May 23, 2014.

3) Must be 18 years or older to enter. Must be a U.S. resident. 

4) One (1) winner will be selected. the winner will receive one (1) $20 gift card from GoneForARun.com.

5) Sign in through Rafflecopter below to enter. With your first entry, the app will capture your e-mail or facebook name. This is so we can reach you if you win, in accordance with sweepstakes terms. Your contact info will ONLY be used to contact you if you win.

6) There are additional opportunities for multiple entries
 

7) The winner will be chosen at random using the rafflecopter app below. Odds of winning are determined by the number of eligible entries received.

8) In the event winner does not respond to contact attempts via e-mail or facebook name provided within a one week period, another winner will be selected at random.

9) Void where prohibited.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received. We received one bibFOLIO from GoneforaRun.com in exchange for this review and promotional giveaway. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will be good for our readers. All opinions stated on this blog are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Meet our new BRF (Best Running Friend)

We have some happy news to share.  Meet our puppy!

He is a rescue from the Tallahassee Animal Shelter.  Everything we know about him is here on this card.  He was a stray found on April 15.  They believe he is an English Pointer - Lab.  

Approximately four months old, he is a big lovable boy and so very sweet. Check out the big paws and his beautiful green/gold eyes.  

We've been planning to adopt a dog for over a year.  But with a lot of race travel and family-related travel, it got pushed back again and again.  On Saturday, we were at our local animal shelter to donate blood.  They had a promotion going on, and we got a 'certificate' that would waive the customary adoption fees.   

We walked through the kennel area and this little face caught our eyes right away.  

We asked to play with 'Gunther' (the name shelter  staff gave him) and ...  I am almost positive I actually heard "So This is Love" from Cinderella playing out loud...    It was love at first sight for all three of us.

So this is love, Mmmmmm
So this is love
So this is what makes life divine
I'm all aglow, Mmmmmm
And now I know
The key to all heaven is mine
My heart has wings, Mmmmmm
And I can fly
I'll touch ev'ry star in the sky
So this is the miracle that I've been dreaming of
Mmmmmm
Mmmmmm
So this is love

We put in an application for him that same visit.  But he wasn't 'fixed' yet - so we've had to wait until his surgery was done, before we could bring him home on Tuesday.  

Of course we went back to visit him the next day, Sunday.  While the puppy had been a bit shy the day before, you can see he is coming out of his shell more and more.  (DG looks grumpy here for some reason - so don't mind him.)

Yesterday, this little guy was neutered.  And the shelter is closed on Mondays, so we couldn't see him.  Sad day all around.

But, today he says Good-Bye to this:

and HELLO to his new Forever Home.  

The days have been very long waiting for this little guy.  But we had a chance to puppy-proof the house, and to pick up all the things he needs:

• Food
• Bed
• Crate
• Leash
• Bowls
• Treats
• Rawhide and other chewy things
• Toys and more toys
• Shampoo
• Doggie sunscreen
• Toothbrush/paste

His first vet appointment is tomorrow - so he can get all checked out. But I can't believe how big he is already, to be only about four months. His teeth are so tiny and just coming in, so I know he is still a baby, but I'm having difficulty lifting him due to his sheer size.  I mention this because, I had every intention of recreating the Simba and Rafiki scene from The Lion King, but he is too big for me to handle like that, over my head.

BAAAAAAAAAA SOWENYA MAMABEATSEBABAH!!!!

Maybe I can convince DG to stand in as Rafiki.  I think he'll do it.

We are both really looking forward to taking Magnus out for walks, once he is healed from his sterilization procedure. And as the months pass, we'll be gradually adding distance little by little with some jogging.  With his high energy level, long legs, big feet, and slim athletic build, our pup has all the makings of a endurance runner - so we anticipate many happy years enjoying the trails with our new BRF.

Run Happy!

-DisneyBride

p.s.  DG and I debated names for three days. Winston, Angus, Lancelot, and Buzz (of course!) were contenders.  In the end, Magnus won out. It means "Great One" in latin.

Do you run with your pet?

Have you rescued a shelter animal?

If you don't believe in Love at First Sight - run to your nearest animal shelter.  They will make a believer out of you.

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2015 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Registration! Are you in?

Today is the day.  The day registration for runDisney's 2015 Walt Disney Marathon weekend opens up to the general public.   

DisneyGroom:  

It has been said that "Pain is Temporary and Pride is Forever". 

It must be true, because it looks like I will be running the Dopey Challenge once again. 

Remember this guy?

Me neither.

I finished the Inaugural Dopey Challenge (5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Full Marathon) this January.  I was tired, but injury-free, so naturally I immediately began thinking about Dopey in 2015.  However, this does mean another summer of long training runs, weekends devoted to back-to-back runs, and weeknight training sessions.  It also means the longest and toughest training period will peak around Christmastime. 

Last year I created my own training plan. But this year, I'll be following Jeff Galloway's Dopey Challenge plan.  Note: Jeff Galloway’s training plans are already available for WDW Marathon Weekend.  They have never failed me - so whether you are a newer or experienced runner, the plans are worth checking out.

Next January, I will try to spend more time enjoying the Disney Parks in between races.  I'll be the first to admit, I was dull and boring during Marathon Weekend this year.  I was just focused on finishing Dopey.   Now, with one successful Dopey under my belt, this time around I plan to spend more time enjoying the parks, restaurants, and meet-ups. 

Early registration (for Annual Passholders and DVC members) opened up this past week for the 2015 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.  DisneyBride got us both signed up.

Looking forward to seeing my runDisney friends in January.  Perhaps this time, Buzz Lightyear will make an appearance.  If you haven't read my Dopey Challenge blog posts, they are available here.

DisneyBride:

With so many races available in Florida year-round, it gets difficult to choose.  Not this time.  I just loved the Inaugural Walt Disney World 10K this year, so coming back in January was a very easy decision to make.  Plus, I have to be here anyway to support my Dopey!

The temptation of another Minnie medal proved too much to resist.  This past January, I only ran the 10K, but for 2015, I've signed up for the 5K as well.  This is because I've convinced a friend to make the WDW 5K her very first running event, and I'm really happy to be able to run it with her.

I've not committed to running the Half Marathon as of yet.  Volunteering at the half has been such an amazing experience these past two years, I feel inclined to go for a third time.  DG is still hoping I'll sign up for the Half, so... maybe.

January 2015 seems like such a long time away, doesn't it?

Will we see you at Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend?

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MyOatmeal.com review {sponsored post}

 

 

I prefer a hot breakfast. But the time crunch of a typical weekday morning often prevents this.  Hot breakfasts require time to prepare.  They also demand to be eaten and enjoyed slowly.

 

 

 

We all know oatmeal is a wholesome, filling, and heart healthy option.  And flavored instant oatmeal packets are easy and convenient, right?  They are convenient, but there are only a few flavors, and they are often much too sweet for my taste.

 

Enter MyOatmeal.com.  With dozens of ingredients to choose from, there are endless combinations - and something for everyone.  We got to make our own custom oatmeal blend. 

 

The flavors I chose were Horchata and Dulce de Leche.

 

Chalk it up to my latina roots, but I am a big fan of Horchata (a rice milk type drink) and of course, Dulce de Leche (a caramel-like confection made from sweetened condensed milk).  My oatmeal arrived and smelled AMAZING!   I opted for unsweetened oatmeal, so when I made it, I added a light drizzle of honey.  Very tasty. Definitely did not have the bland 'instant oatmeal' flavor I've come to expect from the bigger commercial brands.

 

 

 

The other product I selected was PB Lean.  PBLean is a powdered peanut butter.  However, it is 85% lower in fat and calories than traditional peanut butters.  There are many ways to use your PB Lean:

 

-add water to make peanut butter

-replace flour as the ingredient in your favorite baked treats

-mix into smoothies, yogurt

-sprinkle on food

-add to cooking sauces, e.g. BBQ

 

I was all set to order plain, when I spotted the German Chocolate Cake flavor. 

 

Yep.

 

 

 

 

When it arrived, I was not disappointed. 

 

The first 'treat' I made with it, was adding a heaping tablespoon to a half cup of low-fat ricotta cheese.  Then I added a drizzle of some local organic honey, and a few pieces of dark chocolate chips.  I know - it sounds weird - but I often put weird combinations together and discover that it tastes really good.  Yes, it was good.  So good, that we polished off the tub of ricotta and I never got a photo!

 

The next treat I made was a simple smoothie.

 

1 cup of vanilla rice milk

1 1/2 tablespoons of PB Lean

1 drizzle of agave nectar

2 tablespoons of cocoa powder

1 cup of ice

 

Blend until frothy.

 

 

 

What will you come up with?

 

 

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received.  RunningHappilyEverAfter.com received product from My Oatmeal via partnership through Fit Approach, in exchange for this review. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will be good for our readers. All opinions stated on this blog are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Apera Bags Review & Giveaway {CLOSED}

This Giveaway has closed.  Check our most recent posts for other great giveaways.

We each got the chance to try out our own Apera bag.  Apera Bags have six styles to choose from, and we both found the perfect one to suit our individual needs.

DisneyGroom on the Duffel Pack

I have spent the last month using the Duffel Pack.  This bag is perfect for all my running needs.  It conveniently fits like a backpack and has all the versatility of a duffel bag - as it lays flat and you zip it open.  This thing has tons of space (35L).  This is a great bag to take on a weekend runcation.  The side pockets for shoes easily fit my size 13 running shoes.  The shoe pockets have external access, but are hidden and separate from the main compartment of the bag, keeping any mud or odors from getting on my nice clean clothes.   Check out this video that shows many of the features and pockets of this bag.

Speaking of odors, each Apera bag comes with a washable insert.  They show it with swimming gear, but I used mine to separate my sweaty gym clothes from the rest of my clean clothes.  I often run at lunch and then meet DisneyBride for a post-work run.  In the past, I would end up making my clean clothes dirty by having them in the same bag.  This is a problem no more. 

The Duffel Pack has plenty of internal and external pockets to hold all your running gear.  The water resistant front panel protects your gear  as you place your bag on the ground (or floor of the gym locker room).  The antimicrobial protection helps keep the bag free from all the nasty things that seem to take up residence in my gym bag.  This bag kept my clothes smelling fresh and that is a true feat. 

The bag is functionally large, yet fit easily behind the door of my office.  No longer was a grungy gym bag taking up space on the chairs in my office.  I use my bag for workout clothes during the work week and on weekends to bring a clean change of clothes to a race. 

It would also make an excellent day pack for a hike. Here I have two 32oz water bottles.  Yep - the water bottle pockets will easily carry a gallon (64oz) of water, your daily allotment.   The bag even has a chest strap to help keep things steady if you head out for a nice long trek. 

Let me also take a minute to mention the other bag I gave serious consideration to getting: the Active Pack.

If I traveled by public transit and/or regularly carried a laptop, I would have chosen this bag in a heartbeat.  I actually saw this bag in person, and it would make a great daily use bag for a professional that needs their electronics and workout clothes.  Further, the Active Pack has a sleeve to secure the bag onto your suitcase.  Very convenient when you fly.

DisneyBride on the Performance Duffel

All the Apera bags feature the following:

• Anti-microbial fabric
• wipeable linings
• vented compartments
• washable insert (zip pouch for wet items)

Why are all of these important?  Well, just having one or two of these would be nice, but having all of these features = a healthier bag.  Your gear stays cleaner, more hygienic.

I've been enjoying my Performance Duffel for a few weeks now.  And I find that I use it nearly everyday.  Here is Apera's video that goes over the features of my bag.

I may not have the love affair with pockets that DG has, but I do appreciate all the separate compartments to keep everything organized, especially the smaller padded pockets for sunglasses and mobile devices. 

The shoe pockets are ventilated (mesh).  There are two shoe pockets - one on each side of the bag.  Each shoe pocket will hold either two pairs of my dress shoes or one pair of running shoes.

I'm also trying to remember to drink more water every day, so I really appreciate having not just one, but two mesh water bottle pockets.

Here each pocket is holding a 1 liter bottle of water. 

This bag is incredibly spacious, with a internal volume of 35L.  I can easily carry gym clothes with me for the day and have plenty of room to spare.  My Apera bag has also turned into my 'weekend bag'.  And it will travel beautifully with easy access to the many zipped pockets. 

Like DG, I too debated which bag to get.  I almost got the Sling Tote.  A slimmer profile, but still very roomy, I could see that easily turning into my everyday office tote.

But overall, I'm glad I got the Performance Duffel, as it is nice having plenty of space to carry my gear.  I'm very happy with this bag, and the lovely shade of fuschia always makes me smile.   So much prettier than my previous boring old gym bag.

THE GIVEAWAY

There are two opportunities to win. 

The first:  Apera Bags will be giving away free bags every month throughout 2014.  You can find more info  here: http://aperabags.com/win

Second:  Our friends at Apera have allowed us to giveaway this adorable Sprint Pack.

So much better than a run-of-the-mill cinch sack. The Sprint Pack has the Anti-microbial fabric, wipeable linings, and vented (mesh) compartments seen in the other Apera bags.  Plus there are three separate areas for your gear.

Another cool thing about the Sprint Pack, these are the same bags donated to the Special Olympics by Apera. For every three bags sold, one bag is donated. Awesome, right?

Terms of the Giveaway

1) No Purchase Necessary.

2) Giveaway begins Friday April 4, 2014 and ends Thursday April 10, 2014 at midnight. Winner will be announced on the Facebook page and this blog post.  He or she will be notified Friday, April 11, 2014.

3) Must be 18 years or older to enter. Must be a U.S. resident. 

4) One (1) winner will be selected. the winner will receive one (1) Apera Bags Sprint Pack.  Retail value: $20

5) Sign in through Rafflecopter below to enter. With your first entry, the app will capture your e-mail or facebook name. This is so we can reach you if you win, in accordance with sweepstakes terms. Your contact info will ONLY be used to contact you if you win.

6) There are additional opportunities for multiple entries
 

7) The winner will be chosen at random using the rafflecopter app below. Odds of winning are determined by the number of eligible entries received.

8) In the event winner does not respond to contact attempts via e-mail or facebook name provided within a one week period, another winner will be selected at random.

9) Void where prohibited.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received. We each received one bag from Apera Bags in exchange for this review and promotional giveaway. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will be good for our readers. All opinions stated on this blog are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Read more