I’m sure some of you already know, but sadly I did not end up running the Brooklyn Half this weekend. There were two reasons: first, I was sick all week and not feeling any better when Saturday rolled around. And second, my hip is still hurting. It just wasn’t meant to be but CONGRATS to everyone who competed, including my sister who had another PR! She’s a rockstar.
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This post is sponsored by Under Armour through Fitfluential. All opinions expressed are my own.
While I battle concerns about a possible stress fracture in my hip, I am happy to be diverting my attention elsewhere. Namely, I have joined an amazing challenge for the female athlete with Under Armour called What’s Beautiful.
About the Challenge:
According to the website, “Together we’re redefining the female athlete by setting epic goals and pushing past where we’ve ever been and where we thought we could go. Join us.” To join, you sign up and make an account, set a personal goal, and then through your page post photos/videos whenever you achieve one of the challenges UA posts.
This is a forum to showcase your journey to reach your goal. You can also support others’ goals as well as you go along, join teams to help you achieve your goal (and meet challenges there), or even change your goals as you meet them!
There’s also a nice video describing the challenge and how to sign up here.
The Competition:
Not only is What’s Beautiful a way to track and achieve your personal goal, whatever it may be, but its also a competition. And we all know what usually comes with competitions.. PRIZES!
Every week until June 21, UA will give away swag bags full of gear to women who are doing a top notch job and “getting it.” They also feature profiles on the top performers section and, after 8 weeks, they will announce 10 finalists to be entered into the prize.
The Prize:
THREE winners will be flown to Costa Rica (my dream vacation!) for a 4 day yoga and surf retreat.
“Three winners will be flown to Costa Rica to attend a four-day yoga and surf retreat. In addition to the lessons led by world-class instructors, winners will be treated to transformative massages, spa treatments and healthy, locally-sourced meals prepared by personal chefs. All while staying in plush accommodations looking out at the ocean. A retreat worthy of the women who earn it.”-UA
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Ultimately though this challenge is about setting a goal, working towards it, and hopefully achieving it. It is about being a female athlete. It is about owning and being proud of that. It is about becoming a better you and obtaining those things you set out to get. As I’ve seen through all the challengers I am following, this means so many things to many different people. Each of the challenges I’ve seen have been incredibly unique and inspiring in their own way, so this is a great place to be original and just be you.
My goal:
So what is MY goal? Well, at first my goal was to run a full marathon healthy and happy. This was a great goal and still is one of mine. But through all the injuries and frustrations I realized that was too superficial. There are other things I need to do as a female athlete to get myself stronger physically and mentally.
As you can see, my goal is: “I will push my body only to what it can handle and be happy even if I have to make some sacrifices. I will focus on being HEALTHY and active in whatever way I can.“ Yes, this may mean taking time off from running if I have a stress fracture. Yes, this may mean trying other types of fitness. And yes, this may mean I have to limit my running to smaller distances for the time being. But it is something I need to do. All these injuries are telling me something and how I respond will determine so much for me.
So, that is my new updated What’s Beautiful goal. It may not be what I wanted, but its what I need. If nothing else, what I love about this challenge is that is makes you think: what do I want vs what do I need? Think about it.
So, please JOIN ME in setting a goal and supporting one another in achieving them! You can follow my profile here as I complete challenges for my goal. We can interact through the message boards, commenting on posts, and constantly motivate one another!! I know I need it 
I also had started a team that I will continue with even though it reflect my old goal. The team is Team Fall Marathoners and aims to support those on their way to 26.2 this fall!
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Also, I wanted to announce the Zee Bee Threads Giveaway winner. It is..
Carrie Capps Hughes
CONGRATS! Email me at runlikeagrlmegan [at] gmail [dot] com within 48 hours!
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I am so excited about this challenge! Tell me about your goals.
What’s beautiful to you?
