This week I've been back to my normal self. Feeling healthy and ready each morning to take on the day. That has not been the case for the past few weeks as my body was fighting some sort of respiratory infection. But with a little help from some medication I've kicked that yuck to the curb and am back to normal. Phew. Being sick was getting old. Now that my energy levels are back up here are a few things that are on my radar: Back to Basics: I took all of last week off from running in an attempt to ditch the cough and cold that have been dogging me for nearly a month. It worked. I'm back feeling 100%. But I'm also getting back to basics. Coughing for three weeks to a little toll on my pelvic floor strength so I've been making all those things I was doing at the beginning of my postbaby comeback a priority again. Which means getting out the Hab-It DVD and the Sleek Technique DVD to work on pelvic floor strength.

Spandits!: This great little, Maine-based company was one of the sponsors at Rise.Run.Retreat and provided each of us with our choice of style, print. I chose the 3/4 tight in "Galactic" and I'm loving them. The tights themselves fit really well and are true to size, the don't slip down while running and the 3/4 length means they don't ride up to "the armpit of your knee" as my daughter likes to call it. Sometimes longer capris tend to ride up and bunch right at the knee, which can be kind of annoying. These do not. These capris don't have a wide waistband like so many running bottoms have these days, but I actually don't miss it. I think it's one of the reasons that they don't slip down. They also have a normal rise, unlike some running bottoms which seem to be "low rise." All around they are a great running bottom, I feel like the only drawback is that the fabric isn't thicker. It's a simple spandex fabric, which is light weight and perfect for fall running. For winter runs their thermal tights would be perfect. And I did the see-through test, nothing shows when bending over or squatting. I think that is in part due to the patterned fabric, I'm not sure if that would be true of a solid color. But if you want to add something fun and different into your running wardrobe you really need a pair of these.

Dr. Cool Instagram Giveaway: I use Dr. Cool recovery products frequently for icing and recovery after a run. But I've grown to love their cooling headbands and their activewear as well. Right now I'm living in their Chillband Studio headband since my hair is doing that funky postpartum thing where it all falls out, leaving me with these really weird patches of no hair. Yeah. Let's hide that. But the headband isn't just for hair emergencies, it's also made of their patented cooling material so it wicks sweat and keeps you cool. I'm giving away two headbands and two recovery wraps on Instagram. Be sure to check out @runfargirl to enter!

Fundraising: Today is the deadline for fundraising for the CHaD HERO Half Marathon and 5K. I'm shy of my goal, but I still want to have the biggest impact possible. If you haven't donated please consider making a donation, even $5 makes a difference to help fund care and services at the hospital for sick and injured children. Please click HERE to donate.