The Mudderella Training Program and the Final Countdown to Mudderella 2016!

Thus far, 2016 hasn't been my year in terms of making the best decisions for my health.

While I haven't taken up smoking or gone down to two hours of sleep per night, the tiny sliver of willpower that I used to have against eating every bit of chocolate in sight or snacking at all times of the day seems to have disappeared. On top of that, the modest amount of exercise that I used to get seems to have dwindled down to mowing the lawn, an occasional stroll over to my kids' school, and... well, walking in and out of the kitchen for more snacks.

However, with Mudderella 2016 less than four weeks away, I'm pleased with the way that I've been kicking myself into gear lately. If I'm going to take on this course and "Own Your Strong" for myself, then I want to be as ready as possible!

If you didn't see my post last month, then you missed hearing that three of my amazing friends and I have decided to take on Mudderella Chicago for the second year in a row. Last year the rain and cold temperatures put a damper on the event, but this year I have been willing Mother Nature to take it easy on the Midwest on June 4th.

Instead, I can't wait to lace up an old pair of tennis shoes and hit the trails for this incredible 5- to 7-mile muddy obstacle course for the second time. We'll be running, climbing, crawling, balancing, jumping, and more through grass, over walls, and, of course, in mud. Bring it!

But let's be real, my excitement over getting to participate in Mudderella 2016 is only going to get me so far and then I'm going to need some actual muscles and endurance in order for me to not end up passing out, right?

Fortunately, that's where the Mudderella Training Program comes in.

I love the way that this exercise guide is broken down into six different workouts that are designed to get you up and moving (while also mixing things up enough to keep it interesting). No special gear or tools needed, simply find an open spot and follow the instructions to perform a few circuits of each of the moves (which are shown in videos in case you aren't sure or don't recognize the names).

Planks, squats, mountain climbers, jumping jacks, lunges, rocket jumps, and more — I find that each of the steps are definitely challenging, but that's the point, right? If I think that my legs are burning doing step ups, I just have to remind myself that each exercise is making me just a little bit stronger for taking on the full challenge of Mudderella!

Along with their Training Program, however, I also love that the Mudderella blog has a Weekly Training Program that currently has 12 weeks worth of day by day training cards that are perfect for downloading onto your phone, printing and bringing to the gym, sharing with friends, and more.

Much more detail is listed for each day on the blog.

While I can't claim that I have been 100% following Mudderella's Training Program each and every day, I am happy that I've made much more of an effort to get myself physically ready for event day.

Even though my inner lazy voice still wants to stay put, what better inspiration than knowing that I'm soon going to be surrounding myself with a group of my closest friends while conquering a muddy obstacle course?

Have you signed up to spend a day overcoming personal challenges, giving your fitness goals a boost, and filling your soul with feelings of empowerment and support yet? There are six Mudderella 2016 events planned (so far), so be sure to head over to find the one nearest you:

• Grayslake, IL - June 4, 2016
• Englishtown, NJ - June 18, 2016
• Epping, NH - July 30, 2016
• Kitchener, Ontario - August 27, 2016
• Whistler, British Columbia - September 24, 2016
• Melbourne, Australia - December 3, 2016

For an even better reason to sign up soon, Mudderella is offering a Buy 2 Get 1 Free special right now so that you and two (or more) of your friends can save a bundle of money when you register to take part!

Visit Mudderella.com to find out much more and be sure to connect with this incredible event on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. Mudderella 2016, here we come!

I have been provided with Mudderella registration codes in order to facilitate my review, but all of the information and opinions shared are 100% honest and my own.

Mudderella 2016: Own Your Strong!

Last spring I spent weeks (months, actually) planning, preparing, worrying, anticipating and exercising as my friends and I counted down the days until we were able to participate in an athletic event unlike any other: Mudderella.

Were there times that I thought that we might be crazy? Absolutely. Who voluntarily puts themselves through a 5- to 7-mile muddy obstacle course — particularly if you're me and you're, well, lazy?

But the more that I visited the Mudderella website; read about their incredible support of Futures Without Violence (a national nonprofit that is working to prevent and end domestic violence); and learned about how these events are the first and only full-day athletic event series designed for women, by women; I knew I had to try.

When else could I challenge my all-around strength, balance, endurance, and agility in a team environment with friends that would be there to encourage me along the way? Before we knew it, we were lacing up our (old) tennis shoes and (literally) jumping right in!

Sometimes I still can't believe we made it mile after mile, but we really did.

From sloshing through mud up to our ankles to crawling in it under cargo nets to working together to conquer and climb obstacles that we never would have thought possible, it was a day that I'll never forget.

I was pretty grossed out at our first obstacle!

Unfortunately spring weather in the Midwest is unpredictable and Mudderella Chicago 2015 happened to fall on an extremely cold, blustery, rainy day, putting a damper on the entire event. But even with all that? It was still very easy to see that Mudderella truly provides a way to be strong, have fun and enjoy the day with your girlfriends all at once — no solitary workout here!

From start to finish, groups of friends (no duo is too small! No gang is too big!) completed and conquered the course together. The feeling of crossing the finish line is one of empowerment, laughter and overcoming a challenge with other amazing women by your side helping and cheering you on!

I can honestly say that whether you take part in a Mudderella event with a partner or in a huge group, the experience of togetherness and strength while having fun is pretty much indescribable. The laughter and camaraderie and eagerness to lend a hand between friends as well as with complete strangers really does make this event stand on its own.

Which is why my rock star team of four has decided to take on the Mudderella course once again!

I'm most looking forward to new obstacles such as Stunt Double...

Leap from a 10’ high platform and onto a large inflatable below!

...as well as having the chance to complete a handful of classic course obstacles that were closed last year for safety due to the high winds and freezing rain. This year it will be a beautiful warm day on June 4th, 2016 (I just know it!) and we will be ready to conquer Mudderella Chicago once again!

Are you with me? If you would like to spend a day overcoming personal challenges, giving your fitness goals a boost, and filling your soul with feelings of empowerment and support, then Mudderella is for you! There is no incorrect definition of "success," as ALL women are welcome to participate to discover just how possible it is to Own Your Strong.

Right now Mudderella has six events planned for 2016 (be sure to check back as they add more!), so it's easy to find the one nearest you:

• Grayslake, IL - June 4, 2016
• Englishtown, NJ - June 18, 2016
• Epping, NH - July 30, 2016
• Kitchener, Ontario - August 27, 2016
• Whistler, British Columbia - September 24, 2016
• Melbourne, Australia - December 3, 2016

Visit Mudderella.com to find out more and sign up in your area — remember that even if you aren't feeling all that physically fit at the moment (me!) that the Mudderella Training Program can help you get there!

You can also feel your own motivation build by visiting Mudderella.com and connecting with this incredible event on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram.

I have been provided with Mudderella registration codes in order to facilitate my review, but all of the information and opinions shared are 100% honest and my own.

What I Learned From Mudderella {#Mudderella2015}

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Mudderella. I received complimentary admission to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

Back in March I was introduced to an athletic event that, while I knew it would be extremely challenging and strenuous, I was also excited to attend. After all, how often do we have the opportunity to push ourselves to our limit (and beyond) physically while receiving the support, encouragement and company of our closest friends?

It was time to lace up my (old) shoes and hit the road for Mudderella!

As I previously mentioned, Mudderella is the first and only full-day athletic event series designed for women, by women, to challenge all-round strength, balance, endurance and agility in a team environment. It isn't a race or a competition, it's a way to "Own Your Strong" and prove to yourself that you can tackle the course and the obstacles.

At the same time, whether you take part with a partner or in a huge group, the experience of togetherness and being strong while having fun and enjoying the day is pretty much indescribable. The laughter and camaraderie and eagerness to lend a hand between friends as well as with complete strangers really does make this event stand on its own.

That being said, however, after completing Mudderella Chicago last month, I did find that there were five aspects that I had strongly underestimated and ended up standing out in my mind:

Mud. Mud everywhere.

Yes, it's called Mudderella and yes, I knew that the course would involve mud. But thanks to Mother Nature deciding that we needed rain here in Midwest specifically on the day of this event, the amount of mud that was absolutely everywhere was immeasurable.

From the moment we began walking up to the check-in table, the mud squished up over our shoes, right through our socks and in between our toes. When it came to actually attempting to run, I found that I had a difficult time just keeping my feet underneath me, let alone then being able to move quickly as it raised higher than my shoes.

At the same time, how often as adults do we get to play in mud? It was squishy, oozing, a little gritty, very slimy, obviously dirty and more... but hey! It was also fun! The very first obstacle that we encountered was titled Down To The Wire, requiring participants to crawl through mud under a set of wires and wooden planks set close to the ground.

I love this photograph that was captured of me, because I think my face perfectly captures my combination of complete disgust mixed with hilarious disbelief!

The power of friendship and laughter.

Life is busy and we all know that it can be difficult to juggle everything and still work in time to get fit. Add in that getting in shape is typically a solitary event and it's no wonder that a lot of women crave something that is more social. As Mudderella makes fitness a full-day athletic event in which you are surrounded by thousands of other like-minded women, it instantly makes you feel like you're part of a community.

Even though there were plenty of moments during the hours that we were trudging through mile after mile of mud that I felt as if I couldn't go on, the encouragement from my amazing friends made it possible. We helped each other over 10-foot walls, across a waist-deep river, up and down rocky terrain or simply up out of the mud when we slipped and fell and I couldn't have been happier to have them there alongside me.

One of my amazing friends putting up with me almost pulling her down into the mud while pretending to do a piggyback ride during the I Got Your Back obstacle.

How cold we would be.

I've lived in the Midwest all of my life, so I know cold. But even though I had been checking the forecast for well over a week before Mudderella Chicago and I had dressed warmly (compared to my original plans), the temperatures progressively dropped during the time we were on the course and ended somewhere in the 40's before we finished.

When you combine that with the fact that we were soaked to the bone with mud and water and that there were freezing winds, the situation ended up actually a bit dangerous. I truly can't remember the last time that I was that cold throughout my entire body. Which leads me to number four...

That Mudderella would be more prepared for the number of people and the weather.

Mudderella organizers cannot control the weather and planned this event assuming that participants would enjoy themselves and the experience from start to finish. Unfortunately, it seemed that even they underestimated just how cold it would be by the late afternoon and the state that participants might be in by the time they completed the course.

It seemed that the majority of staff, photographers and volunteers had disappeared; there weren't enough warming blankets (the silver crinkly sheets that you see marathon runners draping over themselves at the end of their races so that their muscles don't go into shock); the "warm showers" that had been promised were dripping hoses; the bag check area (which cost extra) was unstaffed and completely unorganized; and, worst of all, the line to get on a shuttle bus back to the parking lot was dreadfully long and directly out in the freezing wind.

Again, I do not blame Mudderella for the weather. But I do blame them for the number of participants that needed medical attention when there weren't medics to be found and for not doing far better planning to help combat the cold temperatures.

That all being said...

Mudderella is for everyone, no matter your fitness level.

Considering the length and difficulty of the event (and my feelings of intimidation by the Mudderella Training Program!), I have to admit that I had assumed that I would be surrounded by top athletes who would be able to do far more than someone like me.

However, I absolutely loved that throughout the day there were women (and a small percentage of men) in ALL shapes and sizes and levels of fitness. I conversed with women that were very physically fit as well as those that were just starting their journey to better health and wanted to do so in a way that was much more fun and social and involving human connections than simply getting on a treadmill.

In the end, I have to agree that Mudderella is more than an event; it's an attitude, way of life and way of thinking that is far more positive, encouraging and fun than a solitary workout. Assuming you live somewhere where it won't get down to 45° at the end of May, I would highly recommend this incredible experience for anyone and everyone, no matter how in shape or out of shape you might be. The feeling of accomplishment at the end makes it all worth it!

There are still upcoming U.S. and Canadian Mudderella events this year, so be sure to check out their schedule to find the one nearest you:

• Vallejo, CA – June 27, 2015
• Kitchener, ON Canada – July 11, 2015
• Clarksburg, MD – July 25, 2015
• Snowmass Village, CO – August 22, 2015
• Slippery Rock, PA – September 12, 2015
• Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler, BC Canada – September 26, 2015
• Thompson, CT – October 3, 2015

Ready to Own Your Strong? Head over to Mudderella.com to find out more and sign up for your local course and be sure to connect with this incredible event on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and through the #Mudderella2015 hashtag.

Preparing to Conquer the Muddy Mountain Known as Mudderella {#Mudderella2015}

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Mudderella. I received complimentary admission to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

While I have already admired many of my friends for their intelligence, generosity, kindness and more (let's not forget their incredibly good taste in having me in their lives), many of them have also added a level of fitness to their lives that I cannot help but envy.

Get up and workout at 5:30 in the morning before heading off to a full day of work? Participate in weekly boot camps that consist of nonstop push-you-until-you-drop exercises? Where do these ladies find the time, energy and motivation that I don't have?

Fortunately for my health, however, I'm now going to have no choice but to get out of bed and stand up from the couch much more often. Because if I want any remote possibility of a chance of keeping up with these friends of mine, I'm going to have to get myself in gear with some major training in time to participate (and not pass out) in the one and only Mudderella in less than two months!

The first and only full-day athletic event series designed for women, by women, Mudderella challenges all-around strength, balance, endurance and agility in a team environment. We all know that working out and getting fit can often be a solitary experience, but what if there was a way to be strong, have fun and enjoy the day with your girlfriends all at once?

That's Mudderella! The actual event is a 5- to 7-mile muddy obstacle course, but the experience is so much more than that! From start to finish, groups of friends (no duo is too small! No gang is too big!) complete and conquer the course together.

Yes, there is a finish line, but Mudderella isn't a competition or a race, it's an attitude. A feeling of empowerment and laughter and overcoming a challenge with other amazing women by your side helping and cheering you on!

I dare you to watch this video and not want to immediately sign up to participate!


Am I excited? Absolutely, 100%.

But am I also a bit scared due to the fact that I have fitness buffs as friends while I myself get winded after two minutes of playing tag with my kids? Definitely. I know that Mudderella is all about teamwork, but that doesn't mean that I want my three teammates to have to literally carry me through the majority of the course!

Thank goodness Mudderella also offers a training program that is designed to help users get ready to take on their challenging course. The program is broken up into six different workouts that are clearly explained and have a short video to demonstrate the moves. Simply start at your own level and work your way towards better and better fitness!

I have until May 30th to be able to not only complete "the basics" but get myself physically prepared for Mudderella, so you can bet that I've been dusting off my tennis shoes and getting to work!

Even though my inner lazy voice still wants to stay put, what better inspiration than knowing that I'm soon going to be surrounding myself with a group of my closest friends while conquering a muddy obstacle course?

Are you feeling like you would like to spend a day overcoming personal challenges, giving your fitness goals a boost, and filling your soul with feelings of empowerment and support?

There is no incorrect definition of "success" at Mudderella, as ALL women are welcome to participate to discover just how possible it is to Own Your Strong.

Right now Mudderella has nine U.S. and two Canadian events planned for 2015 (but may be adding more!), so be sure to check out their schedule to find the one nearest you:

• Englishtown, NJ – May 9, 2015
• Richmond, IL – May 30, 2015
• Vallejo, CA – June 27, 2015
• Kitchener, ON Canada – July 11, 2015
• Clarksburg, MD – July 25, 2015
• Snowmass Village, CO – August 22, 2015
• Slippery Rock, PA – September 12, 2015
• Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler, BC Canada – September 26, 2015
• Thompson, CT – October 3, 2015

My friends and I are hitting the road to attend Mudderella in Chicago on May 30th, so if you are in the Midwest and want to come join us, please register and become a part of our team!

If not, make sure to visit Mudderella.com to find out more and sign up in your area — remember that even if you aren't feeling all that physically fit at the moment (me!) that the Mudderella Training Program can help you get there!

Feel your own motivation build by visiting Mudderella.com and connecting with this incredible event on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and through the #Mudderella2015 hashtag.

Mudderella, here we come!

#WeShine at The Happiest 5k on the Planet: The Color Run 2015 Shine Tour {Promo Code!}

I've never hidden the fact that exercising... isn't exactly my thing. I wish I was one of those people who woke up itching to get to the gym or out for a run or to pick up a set of weights, but I'm just not. It's in my genes that I'd rather sleep in, I guess.

However, back in 2013 Big Sister E and I were introduced to a different kind of exercise that would forever change the way that I viewed "running for fun."

Instead of dreading the idea of dragging ourselves through mile after mile of a 5K, we have been counting down the days until it was time that we could return to the magic, happiness and craziness that only The Color Run can provide.

The Color Run, also known as the Happiest 5k on the Planet, is a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality. Now the single largest event series in the world, The Color Run has exploded since their debut event and even hosted more than 300 color-filled, excitement-inducing events in 50+ countries in 2014.

If you've never experienced this event, you just haven't lived. It's truly that incredible! We have photos upon photos of the fantastic times we had participating the last two years but this one has always been my favorite for the way that it showcases just how much Big Sister E and I loved it!

However, this year The Color Run has added a few new twists and features to the mix that have had both of my daughters and myself even more jittery with anticipation ever since we received our first heads-up email months ago.

Because 2015 isn't just going to be filled with laughter and paint, now it is going to SHINE!

I mean come the heck on. Now there's glitter?!

The girls and I watched this video over and over and over, squealing a bit more each time! If you can watch the whole thing and somehow not be over-the-top excited to participate in the 2015 Shine Tour, then you might want to check to be sure you have a pulse.


Right? Right?! We're pumped!

Plus, along with the addition of the glittering, shining, metallic awesomeness that will surely be everywhere, The Color Run has pumped up the course, finish festival and participant kit as well. There will be a unique Sparkle Zone and photo ops throughout the race course while, at the finish festival, confetti cannons, shimmering clouds of color, and more will fill the air!

Participants in 2015 will receive a custom race tee, tricolor headband with silver stitching, brand-new glitter packet, shiny tattoos, and, the one that has my kids most excited, a gold finisher's medal! How cool is that?

This is 5K magic like only The Color Run can do, so head to their website right now to see if/when it is coming to your area! If registration is open, sign up now before the next price jump! And, if your city isn't yet open for registrations, make sure to put your name on their VIP list so that you will get reminders, upcoming dates, information about special discounted pricing, and more!

But, wait! Everything is better with a coupon, right? When registering to take part in The Color Run, use the promo code MLC583990 until February 15th and you'll receive $5 off (this code is valid for ANY city but not in combination with other sales or promotions)!

I can't recommend The Color Run enough! Head over to TheColorRun.com today so that you can be a part of this unforgettable run/walk/dance party, too!

I was provided complimentary registrations by The Color Run in exchange for sharing this information, however, all opinions are completely honest and my own. We love, love, LOVE The Color Run!!

Motivating Kids to Be Active with LeapFrog LeapBands and CLIF Kid Zbar Protein Bars {#FitMadeFun}

One quality I have always been happy to see in both of my kids is their joy of being active.

Take them to a playground and they'll run, slide, climb and swing until it is time to leave. Set them loose in the yard and they'll jump on the trampoline or run laps around the house (don't ask me, it's something that they came up with) until dinnertime. Sign them up for tennis or soccer and they'll happily (although not extremely skillfully) participate as much as possible.

However, as my girls have gotten older, it has become clear that getting enough daily activity is more and more of a challenge — did you know that it is suggested that children 6 - 17 should do 60 minutes or more physical activity each day?

Whether because of the increasing amount of hours devoted to school and schoolwork or simply because life is busy, finding the motivation and the time for regular exercise can be difficult. But knowing that healthy, physically-active kids are more likely to be academically motivated, alert, successful, have strong muscles and bones, get better sleep, have a better outlook on life and have an increased self-esteem... well then, let's make time!

Most recently, we had that opportunity with our Fit Made Fun party sponsored by LeapFrog in honor of their new LeapBand...

...and CLIF Bar, creators of the CLIF Kid Zbar Protein bars.

Together, these are the perfect tools to create an interactive experience that makes kids want to get up and get moving!

My daughters were instantly intrigued by the LeapFrog LeapBands, as these cool wearable activity trackers do much more than simply count steps. Instead, after only a minute or two of setup, LeapBand users are able to customize their own virtual pet pal — and the more that the wearer moves, the more points they earn to unlock virtual rewards for their pets and get to new levels!

At the same time, CLIF Kid Zbar Protein are made with 70% organic ingredients, offer an excellent source of calcium and are a good source of vitamin D, iron and zinc. As these protein bars are made specifically for kids' growing bodies, CLIF Kid has paid close attention to the portion size and the elimination of things like high fructose corn syrup, synthetic preservatives, artificial flavors and more.

All that's left is to invite a few friends to join in on some Fit Made Fun party time!

When it comes to motivating kids to stay active, I'm a firm believer that the most important factor is to choose the right activities. If they aren't age-appropriate and enjoyable, kids will soon be bored, frustrated or lose focus. Instead, when an activity is fun, kids want to do more of it! Makes sense, right?

Therefore, we kept our Fit Made Fun party relaxed and informal, allowing the kids to dictate how much structure was involved. As school has just been getting underway around here, it worked out that a bunch of our friends were at our elementary school for a weekend program, backpacks and all!

However, as soon as the LeapBands were spotted, everyone forgot about school-related topics and were clamoring to pick out an animal friend to play with and wanted to immediately get active in order to take care of their new virtual pet.

These LeapBands are so much fun in terms of getting kids up and moving while letting them act goofy and be silly at the same time. If I was to simply tell my kids to "wiggle like a worm" or "waddle like a penguin," they might question my sanity... but as soon as the LeapBand prompts them to do the same thing, they're all for it!

Waddling like a penguin and jumping like a kangaroo!

When the kids weren't engaging their bodies and imaginations with the LeapBands, being able to stop and refuel with the CLIF Kid Zbar Protein bars provided just the right amount of flavor and nutrition.

I am often eating protein bars myself, so my kids were especially excited about getting to have these Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Chocolate and Chocolate Mint bars for themselves!

All in all, our Fit Made Fun party ended up being just as fun and low-key as I had hoped. The kids all had a great time wearing the LeapBands, climbing on the park equipment, refueling with CLIF Kid and simply running around being kids while they laughed and played.

With the weather already starting to cool off here in the Midwest, I have no doubt that we'll be reaching for our LeapBands and some CLIF Kid Zbar Protein to keep us moving as we continue into fall and throughout the long winter!

How do your kids stay active?

Find out more about the new LeapFrog LeapBand (MSRP $39.99 in stores, from LeapFrog or on Amazon) by visiting LeapFrog.com and connecting with them on Facebook and Twitter.

More information about CLIF Kid Zbar Protein (MSRP $4.99 for a 5-count box in stores and on Amazon) can be found by visiting ClifBar.com and connecting with them on Facebook and Twitter.

I received free products in order to host the LeapFrog and CLIF Kid sponsored MommyParty. The opinions shared here are honest and my own.

It's Time to Join the Balance Bar Summer Shape Up Challenge! {Walmart Gift Card Prize Pack Giveaway}

Although I have always accepted that I struggle a bit with following through on dieting and exercising on my own, even I couldn't stand myself at the start of this summer.

After spending far too much time not moving while we hibernated last winter and then proceeding to eat huge meals day after day on a cruise this spring, it was time for a change. My clothes didn't fit, my body didn't feel like my own and I was out of breath from doing just about anything (which was mostly just changing positions as I laid on the couch).

Ugh.

Fortunately, just in time to help boost my motivation and inspire me to add healthy food and physical activity to my life, I was introduced to the Balance Bar Summer Shape Up Challenge.

The Balance Bar Summer Shape Up Challenge is all about looking and feeling your best all summer long. Featuring daily workout ideas, healthy eating tips and fitness challenges to help reignite anyone's summer fitness routine, it is a quick and easy way to find inspiration to feel your best this summer... as well as entering to win Summer Shape Up Challenge prizes every Friday!

If that isn't enough, the Balance Bar Summer Shape Up Challenge also features weekly workout videos by expert trainer Holly Del Russo that are designed to target trouble zones. From developing awesome arms to getting your glutes toned and ready to flaunt for the rest of summer, you're going to want to head over and find your motivation now!

What more could I ask for?

It didn't take long before the kids and I were on our way to Walmart so that I could pick up a few boxes of Balance Bars so that I could get started on my own shaping up for summer.

Ack! So many decisions between the delicious flavor options!

As well as providing the balanced energy that comes from Balance Bar's 40-30-30 nutrition principle (40% of calories come from carbohydrates, 30% from quality protein and 30% from dietary fat), Walmart has plenty of exercise equipment, DVDs, mats, gear and more to help just about anyone get in shape.

The combination of my delicious and nutritious Balance Bars from Walmart, lacing up my tennis shoes for exercise in and out of the house, the great tips from the Shape Up Challenge, and a little determination and willpower have already gotten 10 lbs off of my body, which makes me pretty happy!

But even with the end of summer on the horizon, that doesn't mean that my own personal Shape Up Challenge will come to an end and that it is too late for yours to begin! Head over to visit Balance Bar on Facebook to see all of their helpful information (and enter to win prizes) so that you too can get up and get moving.

You'll also want to visit Balance.com to find out more about the huge variety of flavors of these power-packed bars. As well as at your local grocery store and health food store, you can also find Balance Bars at ShopBalance.com and on Amazon.

Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will soon be on their way to starting their own healthy journey as well, because...

One lucky person will win a Summer Shape Up Challenge Prize Pack*!

 

*Prize pack includes a $10 Walmart Gift Card and a variety pack of Balance Bars.

Entry-Form

I received a Walmart gift card and additional product as part of a sponsored collaboration with Balance Bar, however, all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own. If you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

The Happiest 5k on the Planet: The Color Run Kaleidoscope Tour 2014 {Promo Code!}

I've never hidden the fact that exercising... isn't exactly my thing. I wish I was one of those people who woke up itching to get to the gym or out for a run or to pick up a set of weights, but I'm just not. It's in my genes that I'd rather sleep in, I guess.

However, last year Big Sister E and I were introduced to a different kind of exercise that would forever change the way that I viewed "running for fun."

Instead of dreading the idea of dragging myself through mile after mile of a 5K, I have been counting down the days until it was time that we could return to the magic, happiness and craziness that only The Color Run can provide.

The Color Run, also known as the Happiest 5k on the Planet, is a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality. Now the single largest event series in the United States, The Color Run has exploded since their debut event and hosted more than 170 events in 30+ countries in 2013.

If you've never experienced this event, you just haven't lived. It's truly that incredible!

But not content to just sit back and stick with what what works (running, jogging and walking while being covered with paint), this year the 2014 Kaleidoscope Tour is hitting cities across the U.S. like never before.

Along with fun, fresh music and crazy race attractions, there is also amazing new participant gear given to everyone who is registered. I can't wait to see these great new t-shirts, headbands, wristbands and awesome sling bags in person!

This is 5K Magic like only The Color Run can do, so head to their website right now to see if/when it is coming to your area!

But, wait! Everything is better with a coupon, right? When registering to take part in The Color Run, type in the promo code COLOR5OFF and you'll receive $5 off (this code is valid for ANY city but not in combination with other sales or promotions)!

Last year Big Sister E and I had the time of our lives and this year I fully expect it to be just as awesome... except increased now that Little Sister B is going to join in as well! What a painted mess we will be, but with memories that will definitely last a lifetime!

I can't recommend The Color Run enough! Head over to TheColorRun.com today so that you can be a part of this unforgettable run/walk/dance party, too!

I was provided complimentary registrations by The Color Run in exchange for sharing this information, however, all opinions are completely honest and my own. We love, love, LOVE The Color Run!!