Put a little "Spring into your Friday / Everyday" with PrAna

Misty Knickers by PrAna (bluesign®)

Versatile, light-weight, creative, and beyond flexible.... No, I am not talking about my yoga abilities, although I would like to think I am beyond flexible. I am talking about an incredible company that produces stylish and sustainable clothing and accessories that you can wear during every activity, every adventure, every single day.  
PrAna takes pride in their production of men and women's wear and accessories. 
They seek their own adventures, from which, they can base their own designs off of.  
Once those designs are produced, you and I can make a purchase from their store to our very own closets. 

I love when I look into my closet and see all the yoga leggings and active-wear I get to choose from each and every day. I get to pick what I want to wear and in that moment it will express who " I Am." Each pair of leggings, feels like it, was designed specifically for me. Each top hanging from the hanger, made for me. I guess that's what makes one company stand out more than another: the way the article of clothing looks, feels, and adapts to my own personal needs, makes it feel like it was made exactly for me. 

"When you reach into your closet, there should be something there that reflects who you are, how you feel, and what you value most. There should be something that you can put on in the morning and confidently wear all day long. Something you can throw in your bag and know will work for whatever your journey brings." PrAna

 

In 2012, PrAna began a partnership with bluesign® systems to ensure that the fabric they were using would meet the highest environmental and human safety standards. Do you know what this means? For the individuals who love those bright colors, you can now wear them without the fear of polluting the air and water with harsh chemicals. Thank goodness because many of my yoga adventures lead me near the ocean. And quite often I either fall or jump in... Check out the PrAna website for more details in regards to their commitment to making beautiful and sustainable and functional product they love, I love, you love, we all LOVE.

With Spring just around the corner, now is a great time to revamp your closet! 
Shop @PrAna and use my discount code now: PSSS16BB for 15% off! Ready, Set, Shop......

#PrAnaSpringStyle #sweatpink #Fitapproach



Have a beautiful weekend ~

Brooke Myers
@breathebrooke via Instagram and Twitter

H2 OH Really

Do you Drink Water? I sure hope you answered Yes!
Whether you are a fitness junkie or couch potato, you should know the importance of hydration. If you don't, well you better head on over to Kona Deep (they know whats UP.) Within your first sip, YOU Will Know WHATS UP! No Second thought about it!!

This year, 2016, is a new year for me with big and bigger dreams that I am planing every single day. I want to make sure that my journey consists of and contains, the best of the best, as I train for my first 100 mile run. I have been running marathons and practicing yoga and into the fitness lifestyle for years. I have experienced fitness from all angles (healthy, not healthy, forcing fitness, to loving and enjoying fitness.) You don't have to be an expert to know what makes your body feel better. I by no means am any kind of expert: I learn from experience and listening to my own body. You probably can tell when you eat or drink something, how your body responds or doesn't respond to that food or drink. You just have to pay attention to your body and listen to its needs. I started to incorporate Kona Deep into ALL aspects of my daily lifestyle only weeks ago after I took my first sip. I have already noticed by using Kona Deep, my body is performing better. Keeping it well hydrated, is important for my performance in my running shoes or on my yoga mat. With Kona Deep - You no longer have to choose between purity and performance. Unlike the other engineered performance waters that add their electrolytes artificially, Kona Deep has NOTHING ADDED and NOTHING ARTIFICIAL. Kona Deep is the delicious blend of naturally pure and performance-driven deep ocean water.

Great! Exactly what I want when it comes to living a healthy hydrated lifestyle!!! Exactly what I want while training for my very first 100 miler!!! Exactly what I want for all of you!!!



Electrolytes are crucial for hydration and body balance. Kona Deep is naturally rich with deep ocean electrolytes due to the fact that it travels the globe along the ocean floor. On its journey, it collects electrolytes and other trace minerals. The purity of this water results from prolonged cold and darkness from far below the ocean's surface.

Kona Deep^® contains:

• Deep ocean water sourced 3,000 feet off the coast of Kona that’s brought to the surface, desalinated, and bottled at the source
• Naturally-occurring electrolytes essential to life and health
• Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) count of 250
• Natural pH of 6.7, close to the human body’s own levels
• Nothing added

I have witnessed in some of my Heated Yoga classes people feeling like they are about to pass out; their immediate reaction to the feeling is to blame the heat (which yes it could very well be a little too much depending on how the body is feeling), but at the same time it could have nothing to do the with heat and everything to do with an electrolyte imbalance. Have you yogis thought of that? If you are one who tends to fatigue or feel light headed in a heated yoga class or even a non heated yoga class, why don't you start incorporating electrolytes into your practice. Again, may I remind you with Kona Deep there are no artificially added anythings to the water. Rest Assured.

How lucky am I and many of you living right here on this very island to be able to pass by the Kona Deep cooperation on any given day if we would like. Whenever I run or head to the beach (down by the Energy Lab area) for a little rest and relaxation after a day of training, I am reminded by the cooperation to hydrate. Hydrate with our very own Hawaii based bottled water (Kona Deep) company founded by locals themselves.


If you believe it's time to RETHINK YOUR WATER and try Kona Deep, well then you are in luck because it is now available at a variety of local Hawaiian retailers, including grocery stores such as Foodland, Safeway, and KTA, convenience stores like Minit Stop, natural stores, such as Down to Earth, and military exchanges like AAFES, in 500mL and 1L bottles. Consumers can also purchase 12 and 24-bottle cases of Kona Deep in store or online at www.amazon.com. The brand will begin to roll out into other mainland U.S. markets in 2016. Keep your eyes open in a store near you.
For a full list of retail locations, and more information, please visit www.konadeep.com and the brand on Twitter @konadeep

Whether you are running, practicing yoga, riding your bike, surfing, competing in a triathlon, skiing, playing soccer, weightlifting, or splashing in the waves, you need to hydrate. Your body deserves quality! Your body deserves Kona Deep...
Be sure to click the link and get your Kona Deep coupon today: http://bit.ly/1RMg8SN
 



Listen to this: As a part of my partnership with Kona Deep, I get to pick one of my wonderful followers to WIN a 12 pack of bottled Kona Deep water - I'll be choosing only ONE lucky follower on Instagram.  Please follow me @breathebooke on Instagram for all of the details on this #contest

*** This contest will only be open to USA residents, must be 18 to enter. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO WIN. *** This promotion is in NO way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with Instagram!

    
       

Here's what two Kona kids have to say

About Kona Deep (All words came exactly from their own little mouths)

MOTIVATE. HYDRATE. and FEEL GREAT with Kona Deep®
#ReThinkYourWater
#KonaDeep
#Fitfluential 






Brooke Myers
@breathbrooke  Instagram









This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Kona Deep.

I am going to Run a 100 miler...

I want to run 100 miles and nothing is going to stop me! There, I said it and I have been saying it since I woke up on January 5, 2016. 

I woke up early that morning and could barely contain myself. I could feel this insane, intense feeling in my chest. That type of feeling that makes you question whether you are okay or not. I knew I was okay, I was better than okay. The thoughts about running a 100 mile race were so strong in my heart and in my head like never before. I felt more alive than I had felt all last year. I wanted to talk about it, I wanted to write about it, HELL I wanted to sing about it (but if I sing, no one would want to listen unfortunately :)

In 2014, sometime after running my first 50k, I felt like I wanted to go more. do more. run more. The thoughts about long distance running would pop in and out of my mind, occasionally. I think I even talked with a couple of people with experience in this area. I talked with a couple of people with a lack of experience in this area (which may not have been the best idea at the time, as those few individuals tried to talk me out of it. They tried to convince me that it was too much on my body, too intense.) 

At that time, I didn't realize I wasn't ready. It wasn't until later in the year, that I had come to recognize that I wasn't. As I look back, I see how I allowed those few individuals to talk me out of running ultras. Even worse, I allowed myself, to talk me out of my own dream. 
Honestly, if you talk yourself out of your own dreams or you allow someone else to, then you might want to question whether you were ever really ready in the first place. I was never ready until NOW!

I can tell its different this time around, because I want to share my thoughts and my ideas with my friends and my family. I want to read everything I can and learn everything I can about Ultra Running. I am seeking advice and opinions from other ultra runners and I find it so motivating. I feel driven to continue on this #100mile journey no matter who is there to support it or not. Whether I am alone or running with hundreds of other crazy beautiful runners such as myself, I am going to accomplish 100 miles...

An Ultramarathon, also called ultra distance, is any footrace longer than the traditional marathon length of 26.2 miles. From 2007-2015 I have run and completed (not always with pride or a sense of good feeling)but completed every race I have entered. I have completed a total of 11 marathon distances and run and completed 2 50k ultra distances. The majority of these races that I have completed took place after giving birth to my son in 2010. 

I mention my son, because after having him, my running changed. I changed. Running for me prior to having Whistler, was more about my Eating Disorder than about having passion for running. I would force myself to run in order to become this "skinny" female I so desperately wanted to become. I allowed my Eating Disorder to control me. When I found out I was pregnant, I changed. I began seeking a healthy lifestyle that would no longer encourage my Eating Disorder to come along with me. Once Whistler was born, we began a new running adventure together. Well, I would do the running and Whistler would either sleep, eat, cry occasionally, or play toys while kicking back in his chariot. He became my very favorite running partner I have ever ever EVER had! In 2012, he and I trained for my first marathon since 2008 (my first marathon since giving birth); yes he would be pushed a full 18 miles during training runs with me, as I trained to go run the 2012 Honolulu Marathon. Whistler was my motivation and my reason that I FELL IN LOVE WITH RUNNING. If I could, I would still be pushing his 5 almost 6 year old butt, with me on my training runs. 

Whistler taking a break during one of our many runs together back in the day. (Highly recommend for mothers/fathers to purchase the Chariot! Greatest investment!!)

2012, when I wore K-Swiss running shoes, bought my first Garmin, and ran many of my miles with Whistler. Training for Honolulu Marathon 2012.

My first experience running something longer than a marathon took place January 2014, as I ran the Hilo to Volcano 50k, climbing from sea level to 4,000 ft elevation. It was an emotional run that was a little sloppy best put. None the less, I finished. I returned to run this race once again January 2015 with more experience and more knowledge of what to expect. The race was incredible both mentally and physically. I ran myself into finishing first female with a time of 4:38:05. I was and still am proud of that moment in my life. Unfortunately, I was not able to return this year for a 3rd go at the HTV50k. With our new business ( Velofix Hawaii ) and changes in our life, I thought it was best to prioritize financially. 

Which leads me into the discussion of which Ultra distance race will I be choosing for my first 100 miler. To be quite honest, living in Hawaii, is yes an incredible opportunity that I do not take for granite, but it has its cost. If I am going to run my first 100 miler, I want Nick and Whistler to be with me cheering and supporting me along the miles. Flying from Hawaii to the mainland is a not a cheap flight individually, let alone a family of three. Depending on our financial status this year I may or may not be able to travel far, but with that said, I wont give up on my dream of running 100 miles. HURT 100 Endurance Run, is on Oahu near the middle of January, so I could train and plan to run Hurt 100 in 2017 (that would also depend on if I get in or not, as HURT 100 is a based on a lottery) or.............. I had thought about doing this race back in 2014, but was convinced its the most dangerous and crazy race. I was told not to think about doing HURT 100 as my first 100 miler. The thought of running in HURT, has never truly left my mind. Deep down inside of me still holds a little piece of interest, curiosity, and "oh I still, really want to do it." 
I will keep you posted on how this plays out and fits in or not with my plans.

Here is my idea: an idea I am very set on and completely content with announcing. I want to organize my very on 100 mile run right here on the Big Island. Why not? Our Island is beautiful and full of crazy beautiful adventurous runners/athletes. The Big Island is home for the Ironman World Championships and the Ultra Man World Championships. This island is full of adventurous athletes that do endurance like training every single day. Here is what I am thinking: I will plan out my distance from start to finish, I will plan the time frame/month I would like to accomplish my 100 mile run, and I will invite anyone to run with me if they would like. But it gets better, I want to run for all of those beautiful individuals that have or had or know someone who has an Eating Disorder. I want to run for everyone of you. I will dedicate my run to my dream of healing this ridiculous and painful disorder. I want to run every mile for all the years that an Eating Disorder destroyed my life. I am stronger than my Eating Disorder and so are all of you (who have or had an ED.) I want to get in touch with NEDA and organize a fundraiser in honor of Eating Disorder/ Mental Health Awareness. Last year, I was trying to organize a NEDA Walk on the Big Island and kind of freaked out with a bunch of nerves. Needless to say, the idea fell through. I continue to get stronger, so I'll do my best to get something in the works and keep all of you posted with all of my ideas in regards to this too. (Ideas be like...EVERYWHERE!)

I don't need to go spend a ton of money to travel to a race just to run. I can throw on my shoes and pack my goodies and run on my own. Or take turns by having family or friends run some miles with me if they would like. I have never been one of those athletes that chase the medals. I don't run for medals. I run to better myself and challenge myself. I run to see how far I have come and what I am capable of accomplishing. I do not need a medal at the end of the finish line to tell me I finished. All I need is an incredible thought in my head that says - I did it!!!

Training is already in effect and I am feeling stronger than I thought I would be. I was already prepared for another 50k distance, so I have continued my training based off of that. I have collaborated with two/three different training plans: one that prepares you for a 50 miler and the next that is a continuation of the 50 miler in prep for the 100 miles. By the end of this training and of course a continuation of educating myself along the way, I should be both mentally and physically prepared to run 100 miles OR lets hope I am. I know some of you might be laughing at me right now for this idea of mine (I have laughed at myself too), but I don't care. I feel confident knowing some pretty incredible people right here in Kona, that are willing to give me guidance along my journey. Better yet, I feel comfortable talking with them about my ideas and listening to them about their ideas they have had too. Listening to these individuals that tell me what is next on the list for them (like one individual who recently mentioned to me he is getting ready to go do a Double Ultra Man.) Now that is Freaking Awesome!  It Inspires me to DREAM/plan more. We all have ideas that sometimes work out and sometimes not so much. Without a DREAM, without some kind of goal, I would continue to do the same thing I have always done year after year. I want this year of 2016 to be different; I want 2016 to have more meaning, more life, more fun, more Happy, more inspiration, more motivation, more ideas, more more more more more more.......................................not just for me, but for all of you too!

This #100Mile journey I am on, is a learning experience or rather an Experience of so much more. Learning how to train my mind and body for something I consider so incredibly EPIC! I bought my first Ultra Running book Relentless Forward Progress (still waiting for it to arrive), educating myself, practicing nutrition so I can get it dialed in even better than I already have (Thinking of taking a some pickle juice with me this weekend on my back to back training runs) and making sure to rest and recover when I can. I finally ordered a new Garmin that lasts longer than 4.5 hours of training. Yippy! Although, I am waiting for that to arrive too (the Garmin Forerunner 230 - 16 hours or battery life in training mode.) And then of course I will continue to run in Mizuno's that I purchase from Big Island Running Company because well, I trust Jason's input and advice and knowledge. 
 

In my heart, the best part of planning my own 100 mile run, is that Nick and Whistler get to be a part of it with me. My support system, my support crew. And my friends, if they so wish to join in for a mile or two (run or walk), will surely be invited too. You are more than welcome to train with me if you wish! My long miles, slower pace could use some good conversation. (thank you to those of you who have already accompanied me for a few miles already - you know who you are.)

I want this adventure to be fun. When running doesn't feel fun anymore, that is when I will question why I do it. Running is supposed to be fun and full of challenges and experiences that light you up like a thousand fireworks.  And I'm ready to shoot across the sky :)

"Cause baby, you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, oh
As you shoot across the sky

Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go, oh
You're gonna leave 'em falling down"

Katy Perry

May this journey continue to grow and inspire. May you continue to follow & motivate me along the way. Keep an eye out for more details and ideas that come up and please share your ideas with me this year too! (Ideas you have for yourself, or even thoughts that you want to share about my ideas.)
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Much love to all of you,

Brooke Myers

How Deep? Kona Deep!

"A deeper, more effective way to hydrate for your healthy lifestyle"

Hawaii is known for its infinite beauty. People from all over the world, travel far and wide to visit this incredible location. Each Island has its own amount of beauty: beauty that goes far deeper than we can even imagine. Many of us, including myself, can not even begin to understand the amount of "AWESOMENESS" that truly resides.

Regardless of which Island you choose to locate or visit, we know the importance of hydration. Living on the Big Island of Hawaii and being a part of this active lifestyle day in and day out, I know my body needs more than simple waters to hydrate. I need something deeper than faucet water for my training of marathons and that's why I incorporate the use of Kona Deep.  Have you heard about Kona Deep? Some of us living right here in Kona have never even heard of Kona Deep.

Kona Deep Corporation
73-275 Makako Bay Dr.
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Kona Deep is Deep Hydration from the Sea. "A pure and refreshing water from the deep ocean waters of Hawaii." Take a look at their website to educate yourself further. It's an epic journey in which this water becomes available to all of us. It comes to us as a source of natural, no added ingredients, deep sea water with natural electrolytes ( electrolytes and trace minerals that come directly from the ocean. These include: Potassium, Magnesium, Sodium, Chloride, Calcium and numerous trace minerals.)  "Along the way, it travels over underwater volcanic fissures, soaking up beneficial electrolytes and minerals before arriving at the Island of Hawaii." No need to add ingredients when nature has taken care of it all within itself.

Kona Deep - Beach Days

On some of our Islands cooler days, which we don't get very often, but I have felt the cooler weather within the last couple of days, I still make sure I'm getting enough plentiful hydration. Hydration filled naturally with electrolytes and minerals that are essential to the function of cells and organs in the human body. As an athlete (Runner, Fitness Instructor,Yogi Practitioner,) I want to keep my body as healthy and injury free as I can. The proper functioning of my body often requires a little more than I can do for it alone. And so, that is why I trust and rely on using Kona Deep as a daily part of my training and active lifestyle. Kona Deep has a unique blend of "naturally occurring deep ocean electrolytes and trace minerals that help keep your body deeply hydrated, balanced and performing as it was meant to". Kona Deep Sea Water is easily accessible and bottled ready to go with you on your own Epic Adventure!

Even my son loves bringing Kona Deep with us on our adventures (He said to me "mom make sure the cap is on tight, so no sand gets inside.")

I would love to offer each of you a bottle of this "AWESOMENESS" however that might be a little out of my budget unfortunately. With that said, I will be offering each of you an opportunity to win yourself Kona Deep product with a GIVEAWAY/CONTEST sponsored by Kona Deep themselves.

To enter >>>Please follow me via Instagram @ BreatheBrooke
(all you need to do is post a picture of you and your active lifestyle - telling me why you need Kona Deep in your life. Use the Hashtag #KonaDeepPlease ) You have until the end of February 2016 to post your pictures. I will then pick a lucky winner maybe winners!!!!



            





As I continue my fitness/healthy lifestyle I will be sure to bring Kona Deep sea water with me everywhere I go. Even more so now than before, I am incorporating it into my training as I begin my journey towards running my first ever 100 Miler. I hydrate extra before my longer runs and you better believe I fill my camelbak and water bottles with it too!

Drinking From my camelbak never tasted so good - all because of Kona Deep!

Kona Deep truly knows whats up! If you would like more information about their Deep Sea water visit them at  info@konadeep.com or feel free to give them a call at 808.327.1400. 



Please let me know if and when you incorporate Kona Deep into your Healthy/Fitness Lifestyle and how. I would love to hear your thoughts...


Have Great Week -

Brooke Myers

Please be sure to follow me for more posts, pictures, healthy active living!
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It's a New Year!

It blows my mind to think we are now in the year twenty sixteen. "Time certainly flies when you're having fun" or raising a family or running marathons or just moving right along with this thing called Life.

Let's make this New Year even more meaningful than the last. Let's stop making these endless resolutions and stop repeating the same life over and over, year after year.

What are you going to do differently this year? How will you live a more meaningful life than the last?

To be honest, I feel like I've repeated the same things for the last couple of years and frankly I'm over it! I'm ready to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. I'm wanting to try new things, adventure, and experience meaning in my life differently.

Today is January 1, 2016. Can you believe it? Today I commit to myself, to living a more meaningful life. And I hope you'll join me...

~ Just Breathe



With Love,
Brooke


Follow me this year:

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Honolulu Marathon 2015 Recap:

Honolulu Marathon 2015

Desire is the most important factor in the success of any athlete. Willie Shoemaker

In no way does this photo belong to me - all credit given to MarathonPhoto

Well Willie, I believe your words to be truer than true. Desire does have much to do with the success of an athlete. Without desire, what else would there be?
Desire is a longing or craving, as for something that brings satisfaction or enjoyment: for me running does exactly that!

I have learned to be comfortable with not always having to prove something to myself or to others. For me, Honolulu Marathon is about enjoyment. I made a commitment to myself not long ago, that no matter what the outcome of my performance would be, while participating in any Honolulu Marathon, I would enjoy myself. Whether I am capable of giving my fastest performance or my absolute slowest, I would cross the finish line knowing that I just got to run and for that alone I should be HAPPY. 

Well, this years Honolulu may not have been my fastest marathon, but it most definitely was NOT my slowest either. Rather than rambling on and on, I'll just give you my finishers time: 4:08:something. And I will leave you with this: I LOVE RUNNING AND HOPE I ALWAYS WILL........

Another year I was able to find my running partner Tonya near the porta-potties ans we even ran a mile together!

Last time I ran the Honolulu Marathon with my sister Bree Wee was in 2007... Nice to have her back on the course years later (faster than me of course, but just knowing she was there was enough)

- Happy Holidays to all of you -

Another year behind all of us.... What will we do with 2016?

Just Breathe ~

Brooke Myers








 

6 Days 13 Hours 11 minutes

 

 Honolulu Marathon 2014 Finish-line feed 3:00-4:00 (If you know my finishing time from last year - you should be able to find me?)

Most people this time of year get all excited because it's the Holiday Season. I get excited because I know I will be running the Honolulu Marathon along with thousands of other people. It means the last marathon of the season and right around the corner a New Year.

I look forward to running this particular marathon all year. It holds that special place in my heart that no other race has touched yet. It was my very first marathon I ever watched (chasing mile markers to find my sister Bree Wee ), the first marathon I ever fully participated in individually (I have done a relay marathon in West Palm Beach with my college girlfriends, but I only ran like 5 miles of the 26.2 and almost died...lol), and it was the first marathon to create what I consider a goal chasing PR for myself. A PR I intend to break!!!

Honolulu Marathon has seen me cry tears of pain, hurt, trouble both mentally and physically. It has witnessed me completely break down. Honolulu Marathon has also seen me cry tears of joy and complete happiness for my accomplishments. It has witnessed me run one of the best running days of my life thus far... A running day where I never walked, never bonked, never felt pain, never wanted to stop running, nutrition was on point, body felt great every mile, and I can still feel the run in my heart. Deep down in my heart.

I get a sense of peace this time of year (Marathon Race type of Peace). I don't get that typical pre-race anxiety that leaves my stomach and my head all tangled in a mess. I used too - but now I think I have run enough Marathons and have learned how to calm my nerves. I know I have put in the miles training, the time, the strength, some speed, and the heart. As I near the starting line this year, I take a deep breath in and close my eyes for a short moment. I tell myself that "I will allow whatever is to come of this years Honolulu Marathon to be another experience and I will embrace it with all of my heart either way."

Only 6 Days 13 Hours and 11 minutes until the gun goes off! I can't wait!!! Oops, actually now it is 6 Days 12 Hours and 43 minutes...you know you're counting, as am I :)



To everyone running this year ( and I know there are a lot of you from the Big Island), I hope you have a beautiful run, an incredible experience, and please do not forget to breathe it all in..


Lots of love to all of you -

Brooke Myers