Hello October! For this week's Friday favorites, I'm teaming up with SweatPink and Aftershokz to talk about my Friday Five-- five things that motivate and keep me feeling empowered.
SweatPink and Aftershokz have teamed for Breast Cancer awareness this month. Aftershokz will donate 25% of proceeds from their Trekz Titanium Pink headphones sold between now and October 31st to Bright Pink – a non profit that focuses on breast and ovarian cancer awareness and education. (This week/month I'm all about the pink. But the reality is that breast cancer doesn't just happen in October. Breast cancer also doesn't discriminate based on race, age, sex or gender identity. Chances are at least one person you know has been impacted by breast cancer in one way or another.)
Music That Makes Me Move
I have a few playlists that I use for my runs-- they're all a compilation of various genres. The songs are all chosen based on my current moods and what I'm trying to get out of that run. Some are designed to make me run faster while some are designed to encourage me to go farther. Regardless of each playlist's purpose, they all include the following three songs:
Garth Brooks' "Ain't Going Down ('Til The Sun Comes Up)". I'm a country music girl at heart and this song is my jam. No matter where I am or what I'm doing, if this song comes on, I move.
Giving Back
As we focus on breast cancer awareness this month, it's easy to question, "what am I doing to make a difference?" The easy answers are to make a donation or to participate in a local race/event supporting the cause. Those events are fun and the donations make a difference, but there are other ways to help, sometimes in ways that will make a bigger difference.
Here are a few of my ideas:
Encourage every woman you know to get a mammogram. (if you know someone who can't afford one, there are agencies in most cities that will provide them for free.) Some will say the recommended age is 40-- if there is a family history, most doctors will do it earlier.
Learn how to do a self exam-- this may seem uncomfortable at first, but you truly know your body better than anyone. If something doesn't feel right, see a doctor.
If you know someone going through the breast cancer experience, offer a ride to chemo, make a meal or simply be there to listen.
Find a support center and volunteer.
New Running Gear
I won't lie-- new running gear makes me happy. And motivates me to get out there and run more. This week was a major score for new gear-- I got new Asics Kayano shoes and an Orange Mud Hydra Quiver Vest. I've gone on a couple runs with both and I am in love!
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| Aren't they pretty?! |
Momentum Jewelry
Inspiration comes from everywhere and I get mine on a daily basis from my Momentum Jewelry Motivational wrap bracelets. They are the simple reminder that I need to get through my runs or just through my day. I have several different sayings and will pick based on my mood. And you all know I like to #RunMatchy so I have several different color wraps too!
My Grandmother
For as long as I can remember, my grandmother was the strongest woman I've ever known. I spent a lot of time with her growing up and the experiences I shared with her are cherished. She grew up in Chicago and I heard so many storied about the city growing up, I felt like I had been there. (In fact, that is a big reason why I went there in 2015) We would listen to Cubs games on the radio for hours as we watched the clouds in her backyard. She always made me my favorite meal of plain spaghetti with a milkshake. And without fail, there would always be a bag of bite-size Snickers in her freezer. She helped me learn to read, taught me how to crochet and most importantly, loved me without a doubt. She wasn't perfect but she taught me that not being perfect is okay. I'm blessed that I had her for nineteen years and I miss her everyday. On the days that I struggle, whether on a run or in general, I remember the conversations we had and quietly whisper to myself, "It's okay not to be perfect."
For as long as I can remember, my grandmother was the strongest woman I've ever known. I spent a lot of time with her growing up and the experiences I shared with her are cherished. She grew up in Chicago and I heard so many storied about the city growing up, I felt like I had been there. (In fact, that is a big reason why I went there in 2015) We would listen to Cubs games on the radio for hours as we watched the clouds in her backyard. She always made me my favorite meal of plain spaghetti with a milkshake. And without fail, there would always be a bag of bite-size Snickers in her freezer. She helped me learn to read, taught me how to crochet and most importantly, loved me without a doubt. She wasn't perfect but she taught me that not being perfect is okay. I'm blessed that I had her for nineteen years and I miss her everyday. On the days that I struggle, whether on a run or in general, I remember the conversations we had and quietly whisper to myself, "It's okay not to be perfect."
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| My grandmother's Army picture-- it's my favorite picture of her! |
What are some of the things that empower you?
Until next time, happy running!
Jenn13.1
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by AfterShokz in an effort to spread awareness about their new Pink Trekz headphones, in partnership with Bright Pink to support and spread awareness around breast cancer awareness. All opinions and words are my own. I truly appreciate all of the brands the support the Sweat Pink community.
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