Instagram Photo Challenge, DietBet, Free Skora Running Shoes and Go Rays!

There is quite a lot going on this week!  

We have the fun Instagram Challenge going on with a fruit package valued at $65 from Parkesdale. See the contest here: http://www.mindysfitnessjourney.com/2013/09/october-instagram-challenge-and-win.html

Join my Dietbet! We can lose weight and make money! No sense waiting til 2014. Let's get on it now! http://www.mindysfitnessjourney.com/2013/10/dont-wait-for-new-years-to-lose-weight.html

There is also a giveaway on my blog for a pair of Skora Running Shoes. Make sure you get entered! http://www.mindysfitnessjourney.com/2013/09/skora-running-review-and-giveaway.html

And my favorite baseball team is playing in the wild card playoff! I am so nervous!!!

What is your favorite sporting event? Do you have a team you watch?

October Instagram Challenge and Win Skora Running Shoes!

Disclaimer: This Instagram #Octogram #Parkesdale photo challenge is a sponsored collaborative effort between the Tampa Bay Bloggers and Parkesdale Farm Market.  Other than prizes to be awarded as giveaways for the Instagram photo challenge, the Tampa Bay Bloggers did not receive any compensation for this campaign.

I absolutely love instagram! It's such a quick and fun way to get a glimpse of people's lives. Starting on October 1, I am co-hosting the October Instagram Challenge with the Tampa Bay Bloggers.  Follow each of these talented bloggers on Instagram and the hashtag #Octogram #Parkesdale.

The #Octogram Hosts – Blogs and Instagram IDs

Me from Mindy’s Fitness Journey - @mindyartze

Parkedale Farm Market - @parkesdale
Tampa Bay Bloggers - @TBbloggers
Denise of Run DMT - @Run_DMT
Scotty of Dads Who Change Diapers - @diaperdad
Life as Dad - @lifeasdad
Haley of Running with Diapers - @runningwithdiapers
Caroline of My Fascinating Life - @carolinecalcote
Tara of Everyday Ramblings of My Life - @tfunair
Jenny of Metamorfit - @metamorfit
Nanci of This Crazy Life of Mine - @auntnanci
Jina of Behold the Turtle - @behold_turtle
Stacey at Artsnark’s Artifacts - @Artsnark
Crystal of Thrifty and Frugal Living - @Latsyrc728
Beth of Making, Baking and Creating - @anasilan
Lydia of Running Wild(er) - @Wildlyd
Raffi of Running Betty - @rafdarrow
Carlee of Frugal and Fun Mom- @frugalandfunmom
Bonnie of Not So Modern Housewife - @notsomodern
April of Pixiedust Savings - @pixiedustsavings

But we don’t want you just lurking at our photos!  We’re dying for you to play along too!

To join in the freaky October Instagram Challenge photo fun, add your Instagram ID to the linky collection below.  Then each day in October, snap a photo using the suggested photo prompt for that day and upload it to Instagram with the hashtag #Octogram #Parkesdale.

Everyone who Instagrams and plays along will be entered for a chance to win a gift fruit basket from Parkesdale Farm Market valued at $65.90.  TWELVE lucky winners** entered in linky tool below will be randomly selected  on November 1.

**Only eligible to USA and Canada residents.

I love what the girls from Two Broke Girls (the sitcom) say... "Twitter is stupid and Instagram is twitter for people who can't read!" Or something like that! Yep, I love Instagram! I can't help it. Even if it makes me stupid :)   And I follow-back! 

We’ll be watching for your photos from the shadows of Instagram.  Muhahahahahaha

Don't forget to enter my Skora Running Shoe Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Moving on and moving forward!

Time to Get Back to Normal...and Refocus!

This picture was from Crazy Motivational $h*t

The tragedy in Boston really did a number on me. I did not run the race nor was I anywhere near Boston when it happened, but I do think I over-did it on the news coverage (this is something I tend to do.) I also found out that same day that someone who used to be a good friend ended her life. Truthfully, even writing that makes me feel guilty because I don't really know the details, but that is what I heard. Then the Texas explosion happened, and all of that put together really made me stop!

I have not felt like blogging in the last week. I have used my time to take care of my son, my house and myself. I think seeing that they caught suspect #2 (I will never use his name btw) was good closure for the news for me. I stopped watching and letting it consume my world. That helped. I went for walks and talked with my son instead of just going about our normal routine of homework, him playing outside, dinner and bed. That was huge in making life better.

This weekend, I lived a normal life. I went to a baseball game Sat. and I hung out with someone I really enjoy on Sunday, and then I got to spend a great day at Busch Gardens with my son on Monday. I guess what I am saying is I lived my life. I think sometimes I forget to do that. I hate that it takes tragedies to open my eyes sometimes, but I am glad that I got the chance to refocus.

My refocus also consisted of getting back to running often. I have struggled with committing to a distance because since I run alone, I end up stopping. I have thought a lot about it. I am going to run where I used to run and not in the neighborhood. Then I know that I will get at least 3 miles in since that is my route. I feel good about that. I want to run at least 12-15 miles a week. I am not trying to be a marathon runner, I just want to be healthy and fit. So, there you have it... my refocus plan!

What are you doing to keep your mind off all of the bad in the world? I would love your ideas! Please feel free to comment and share! Thanks.