2014 Relay for Life National Summit

This past weekend, Relay for Life Leadership from all over the nation came together in Dallas, Texas for a time of training and networking, with a little fun thrown in between!

What is Relay for Life, you might ask? Well, it’s not a race…nor a 5K…it’s an overnight event that was created to fight cancer. The idea behind Relay for Life began with the concept, “cancer never sleeps”. During a cancer journey, patients can’t escape the side effects and symptoms that their cancer brings to them – so for one night each year, teams all over the world gather together to relay. During each event, relayers celebrate survivors, remember those who have been lost to this disease, and fight back for future generations. Most Relay for Life events are held at a track and each team takes turns walking the track – the “relay” side is that each team should have one person walking the track throughout the entire event. Our hope is that we can finish the fight and end this terrible disease.

Ok…back to the conference! :)

The 2015 Summit was held at the Hilton Anatole in downtown Dallas.

This was a gorgeous hotel and I loved the lobby, complete with infinity pools!

The lobby was very pretty at night, too!

We arrived at Summit a little later than expected, so we headed straight for the conference and checked into our room a few hours later.

Throughout the Summit, we heard from inspiring speakers, survivors, and Relay for Life Hall of Famers – many tears were shed over the course of the weekend! Dr. Gordy Klatt, the founder of Relay for Life passed away in August from complications related to gastric cancer. We spent several moments over the weekend remembering his life and honoring the legacy he left behind.

On Friday and Saturday, we also broke into workshops where we shared and discussed ideas among each other. Networking was one of my favorite parts of Summit – I loved gaining fresh and new ideas from other top teams in the nation!

On Friday night, we participated in the Live broadcast of the Relay for Life 2015 Kick-off party – floor director and all!

After the broadcast, the party began! (An 80’s party, that is!)

Before long, Pac-Man Ghosts were running all over the room! No, really…those ghosts were the ACS Mid-South Division representatives! :) Aren’t we cute?

I loved the big hair, bright colors, and glow sticks…I even saw a Conga line break out!

On Saturday morning, I woke up early and made my way to the outdoor track for a quick 2 mile run.

I’ve never seen a “real” outdoor track at a hotel, and I loved it!

I also repped my ACS DetermiNation shirt during my run! :)

We celebrated Relay for Life’s 30th Birthday all weekend!

I had a fantastic time and enjoyed spending the weekend with good friends! I also really enjoyed Summit and hope to bring new ideas and ways to enhance our current Relay for Life event!

My name is Karen, I’m an Oncology Nurse, I’ve been relaying since 2007, and I’m proud to say that Relay is 30 years strong! Happy birthday, Relay for Life!

What’s the most exciting/favorite place you’ve ever visited for a conference?

September Pop Sugar Must Have Box

As a Popsugar Select Fitness Blogger, I’m occasionally given the opportunity to review their Must Have Boxes (which are mailed out on a monthly basis to subscribers).  Lucky for me, I was chosen as a receiver of Popsugar’s September Must Have Box and I’m super excited to share my thoughts with you!



Let’s dig in, shall we?



The first item out of the box were these Nicole Miller Stereo Earbuds.



As a runner, these earbuds were an exciting part of this box! I also love how they come with three ear-cap sizes!



Nicole Miller earbuds are a suggested retail of $20.



The second item included in the September Must Have Box was a tasty Almond Brownie from Urban Remedy. I indulged on this almond brownie last night on my way home and I really liked it! Urban Remedy uses 100% organic, quality ingredients in their products. Also included was a $10 gift card off a $50 or more purchase. 

This Urban Remedy brownie has a suggested retail of $6.



Perfect for a windy Fall day, the Superfine Purse Size Hair Spray from Oribe was a great addition to the September Box!  I used it over the weekend while out of town and I really liked the hold! As noted in the title, it’s a perfect purse-sized container and traveled well with me over the weekend!

The Oribe Hair Spray has a suggested retail of $21.50.



One of my favorites from this box was the Letter C Design Gold Foil Arrow Pencils. Don’t these remind you of the Hunger Games? (Check out the gold arrows at the top near the eraser! Adorable, yes?)

These pencils and other designs are valued at $5.



The Rifle Paper Co. included these Garance Dore Assorted Girls Notecards Set in September’s Box, too! The inside of these cards are blank, perfect for a sweet handwritten note to a bff!
These cards hold a suggested retail of $18.



The final item and my favorite from September’s Pop Sugar Must Have Box is this gorgeous Tilo Modal Graduation Scarf in Raisin. This scarf is SO soft and the colors are gorgeous – I can’t wait for a chilly day so I can wear this beautiful scarf around town! These scarves are hand-dyed and sold at Saks, Fred Segal, and Ron Herman.

Valued at $125, this was a great addition to a fabulous box! 

As a surprise addition, TWO Special Extras were included in this box!

Hello Ghirardelli, my favorite!



These Mini-Ghirardelli squares are perfect for snacking on the go or for a weekend party at home! I loved the flavor as well!
Last but not least, Nike included a $20 gift card towards the purchase of a Nike Pro Bra.



I was in desperate need of new white sports bra, so I followed the directions online for measuring and I received 1/2 off the price of the bra (it was $20 and this gift card was for $20 so there you go)!
The Nike Pro Bra collection features over 25 different sizes to give you the desired support for a perfect fit!

There you have it, my review of the September Pop Sugar Must Have Box!

Disclaimer: POPSUGAR provided me with a complimentary POPSUGAR Must Have box. The opinions I have shared about the box are my own and POPSUGAR did not tell me what to say or how to say it.