Tag: runner

ENERGYbits…have you tried these?

September 16, 2014December 5, 2014 · 1 Comment ·

I had first heard about ENERGYbits from my sister who had sampled them. She seemed to like them but she said they were too pricey for her. I saw them once and I wasn’t too intrigued about swallowing the recommended thirty to forty bits, which is a serving. They also looked like pills and smelled funny. A couple months later, since I was following ENERGYbits on Twitter, they asked how my training was going and one thing led to another and they offered me a sample to try. I was eager to try them since I kept hearing great things about them on social media. A big thing to note is that they are not pills or a supplement. They are bits of real green food (algae that is harvested and air dried).

According to energybits.com:

ENERGYbits® have just ONE ingredient – organically grown NON GMO spirulina algae – a super food endorsed by the United Nations and NASA as the most nutritionally dense food in the world. Spirulina has been a favorite of gold medalists for decades. They are made from 100% organicallly grown, NON GMO spirulina algae and loaded with 40 nutrients. The tabs have the highest concentration of protein in the world (64%) all for just one calorie per tab.

ENERGYbits® Health Benefits

Helps improve physical energy
Helps improve endurance
Helps reduce fatigue
Helps speed athletic recovery
Helps reduce brain fog
Helps build muscle
Helps improve mental focus
Helps reduce hunger
Provides natural nitric oxide
Provides a replacement for greens
Provides a replacement for protein
Helps fight free radicals with high concentration of antioxidants
Helps balances body functions and is100% alkaline
Helps improve skin, hair, nails, bones and eye health
Helps improve mood
Healthy snack on the run
Raw food, great for vegans or those who hate greens
Safe nutrition for anyone of any age, from children to seniors

Nutritional highlights of Spirulina:

Ten times the amount of bio-available protein as steak
Contains 64% protein compared to meat (22%)
More beta carotene than carrots
48 times more iron than raw spinach
12 times more iron than beef liver
Richest source of antioxidants – necessary for health, and anti-aging
Richest source of vitamin A (which helps your eyesight)
Richest plant source of GLA (an Essential Fatty Acid similar to Omega 3)

Below is the sample size I received. It’s about 2.5 servings. The picture on the right shows a serving of thirty tabs in the front tin.

So the first time I tried them, I took thirty bits about fifteen minutes before I went for an eleven mile run. They weren’t too bad to swallow. I just took a few at a time and followed them with water. You can chew them but I didn’t want to. I’ve read about people chewing them and having green teeth lol. They do smell fishy but it doesn’t taste like anything when you swallow, so I would recommend swallowing them. I felt good throughout the run and my energy was great. But for some reason I got a side stitch around mile 8. I don’t think it was due to the ENERGYbits. I had been getting them lately. But I still got a great time on my 11 mile run. I felt like my energy was good during the run despite the side stitch but was eager to see how I’d do using the bits on another run.

Then the next time I took the ENERGYbits was last Saturday, for the Oregon Half Marathon. I took thirty bits about twenty minutes before the race started. I felt great especially at the beginning through the middle of the run. It wasn’t until after mile eleven when I started losing steam. I think if I had used more bits throughout the race, I wouldn’t have felt like my legs were tiring. But I felt good and energized for most of the run. It wasn’t like a burst of energy but was just steady. I was running fast and it didn’t even feel like it. It wasn’t until towards the end, when my legs felt heavy that I knew I was running slower. But I PR’d on my half time!! My previous record was 1:53:00 and I got 1:51:10. My experience with ENERGYbits has been great overall. I think I’ll be buying a bag. I want to experiment more with running with just bits. I used gels during the race too, but I’m thinking the bits are a lot better, especially since they are all natural. There are no chemicals, fillers or artificial ingredients. The only downside to ENERGYbits is the cost. They are expensive. A bag of 1000 bits costs $115. Ambassadors have codes that you can use for 30% off, so would be $80.50 per bag or $2.44 per serving if you use thirty bits as a serving. The price isn’t too bad if you consider how much some gels are and other types of fuel.

What do you think? Have you tried ENERGYbits or Spirulina algae?

Disclaimer: I did receive a complimentary sample to try but my opinions are my own.

Last Week’s Half Marathon Training recap leading up to the Oregon Half Marathon

September 16, 2014November 17, 2014 · 9 Comments ·

I was tapering last week for the Oregon Half Marathon. It was a good week. I did all the scheduled runs on the Asics App training schedule. I just added one day of PiYo.

On Monday, I did PiYo Drench. I was dripping sweat during this workout. It’s a great workout but the longest PiYo workout in the set.

On Tuesday, I ran five miles. It was a build up run where I was supposed to build up to a faster speed. I did and ran all negative splits. It was a great run!

On Wednesday, I was planning to do some PiYo but my kiddo didn’t want me to workout for some reason. I took that as a sign. I was supposed to be resting anyway, according to my half marathon training schedule.

On Thursday, I jogged three miles.

Friday was a rest day, the day before the Oregon Half Marathon. I was nervous. Who isn’t nervous before a race? I could hardly sleep and had to wake up really early because I was carpooling and the race was located about an hour away.

Saturday was race day. It was a great day for a PR! 🙂 You can read about my experience at the Oregon Half Marathon HERE.

Sunday was rest day!

How did your week go?

I’m linking up with Workout Wednesday (WOW) Link Up!

This one is brought to you by Diatta Harris at Femme Fitale Fit Club and Sheila Simmons at The Frugal Exerciser and Co-hostesses Amanda | Eat Hard Work Hard and Jenn | Comeback Momma

The Oregon Half Marathon Recap

September 14, 2014March 8, 2015 · 12 Comments ·

I thought the Oregon Half Marathon was a great course to run. It was a little hilly in parts especially towards the end from what I noticed, but there was a … Continue reading The Oregon Half Marathon Recap

Charity Miles and Old Glory Coast to Coast Relay

September 11, 2014September 11, 2014 · 2 Comments ·

I received an email from Charity Miles about the Old Glory Coast to Coast Relay. I have mentioned Charity Miles before in that they are an app that donates money to charity for every mile you log in their app. BENGAY® Brand is joining Team RWB and BAND-AID® Brand to kick off this inaugural relay! The American flag will be carried 3,800 miles from the VA hospital in San Francisco to Bethesda Naval Hospital in Washington, DC. It starts September 11, and goes until November 11, this Veterans Day.

BENGAY® Brand, Team RWB and Charity Miles are also challenging everyone to be a part of it by running virtually for the 60 days of the race and logging your distance through Charity Miles.

BENGAY® Brand’s parent company, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. will donate $0.29 for each mile logged to Team RWB through the Charity Miles app over the course of the relay, with a minimum donation of $25,000 and a maximum donation of $65,000 to support Veterans! So cool!

If you participate you will get rewarded as well:

Win a Team RWB commemorative patch for contributing 1 or more full miles a day to Team RWB for 15 days of the relay;
Win a red, white and blue paracord bracelet for contributing 1 or more full miles a day to Team RWB for 30 days of the relay; and
Win this special-edition Team RWB T-Shirt for contributing 1 or more full miles a day to Team RWB for 45 days of the relay!

I love Charity Miles in that they support many charities and those for Veterans! I love donating by running or walking! If you don’t have the app yet, click here.

In the email it also says:

Your days don’t have to be consecutive. And you don’t have to sign up or register anywhere.

One mile a day may not seem like much, but it’s very meaningful. A walk to lunch, or a fifteen-minute stroll—all of it helps. You can even use our “Indoor Walk” setting as you move throughout your day. However you do it, remember you’re supporting our country’s brave Veterans.

Are you using Charity Miles? I will try to run or walk a mile for Team RWB during the next 60 days. How about you?

Half Marathon Training Recap (9/1-9/7)

September 7, 2014November 17, 2014 · 10 Comments ·

Half marathon training is going okay, I guess. I’m in the Tapering and Race Day Phase according to the Asics App schedule that I’m following. I’ve been doing all my training runs and adding PiYo into the mix. I’m just a bit nervous because the Oregon Half marathon is only six days away.

On Monday, I did PiYo Sweat. I think this is one of my favorite PiYo workouts because it always makes me sweat. I know it’s a good workout when I sweat.

I even made a video that shows some of the moves:

On Tuesday, I ran three miles and then did PiYo Sculpt.

On Wednesday, I ran five miles fast and then did PiYo Hardcore on the Floor.

PiYo Hardcore on the Floor is a tough one that I need to work on more. It’s an awesome core workout! I made a video of this one too:

On Thursday, I did PiYo Drench. I don’t like how this one’s a long one, but I got through it.

Then on Saturday I ran 3 miles on the dreadmill, I mean treadmill. Lol. Afterwards, I did PiYo Buns. I like this one, it really works your lower body.

Then today, I ran a total of eight miles. The Asics app I’m following had me doing just five miles at race pace, but I decided to do three more easy miles. The bad thing about this run was that I got two side aches. I guess it was because I ate beforehand and didn’t wait long enough for the food to settle, and also was going too fast. I dunno, but it’s got me worried since my half marathon is just six days away. I hate getting side aches during runs. I hope it doesn’t happen next Saturday during the race.

How did your week go?

I’m linking up with Workout Wednesday (WOW) Link Up!

This one is brought to you by Diatta Harris at Femme Fitale Fit Club and Sheila Simmons at The Frugal Exerciser and Co-hostesses Amanda | Eat Hard Work Hard and Jenn | Comeback Momma

Simple Hydration Water Bottle Review

September 2, 2014October 26, 2014 · 46 Comments ·

I don’t think many runners have heard of this nifty water bottle from Simple Hydration. I first saw this at my local Mom’s Run This Town Spring Social and thought it was an interesting looking water bottle but didn’t think much of it. Then maybe a month later or so, I believe there was a post about the bottle being on sale, a buy one get one free sale. I’m all about sales. 🙂 It was getting hotter out and my runs were getting longer. I wasn’t happy about my current hydration system and thought it would be cool to try, so I decided to purchase one bottle since I would get one free due to the sale.

My previous hydration system was a running belt with two small bottles by Profile Design. It’s a more bulky system and I remember one of the bottles came out once while running. I probably didn’t put it in right but I don’t like the feeling when running with a water belt. There’s the jiggle and you have to make sure you put the bottle back in correctly or it might fall out. So I was excited to try the Simple Hydration Water Bottle.

I received the bottles in the beginning of June. Here’s the pamphlet it came with:

I love how simple and easy it is to use! All you do is stick it on the back of your shorts or belt. I have a FlipBelt and it works really well with it. I can easily place it on my back with the FlipBelt because it has a hook design. It holds 13 oz of liquid and is so easy to grip. Here’s a pic of the packaging it came with:

The packaging says, “Designed for runners or anyone on the go. Slides into your waistband, race belt, pocket, life!”

It’s also BPA free and made in the USA.

I really like running with it on my long runs. I think the longest run I’ve ran with it is 12 miles so far. Getting fluids is important on long runs especially when it’s hot out and this bottle delivers. I love the grip and it’s so easy to hold and drink with while running! It just fits so comfortably in my hand. It’s really well designed. I just flip the top up, drink, and then place it behind me where I can slip it or hook it on to my FlipBelt. It takes a little time to get used to the process, but I like it. It’s not that noticeable to me, unlike wearing a belt with the bottles. It fits nice and snug because I use it with the FlipBelt. The bottle stays put, doesn’t feel like it’s going to fall out, and it hasn’t dropped on me. I’ve had it for about three months now. It’s remarkably simple and I love it! I’ve used it a lot since it’s been so hot out and I’m running longer runs.

Here’s a picture of me wearing the Simple Hydration Bottle:

The Simple Hydration Bottle is so easy to use and works great! I just thought I’d throw it out there as an option for those who may not have heard about it. It retails for $19.99 at http://www.simplehydration.com/. It is also available on Amazon.com – Simple Hydration Water Bottle – 13 oz.

What do you use to hydrate when running long?

I’m linking up with Workout Wednesday (WOW) Link Up!

This one is brought to you by Diatta Harris at Femme Fitale Fit Club and Sheila Simmons at The Frugal Exerciser and Co-hostesses Amanda | Eat Hard Work Hard and Jenn | Comeback Momma

Half Marathon Training Recap (8/25-8/31)

August 31, 2014November 17, 2014 · 4 Comments ·

Half marathon training is going fine. I’m getting my runs done, so that’s good. According to the Asics app I’m following, this week was the end of the Race Simulation Phase and the next phase is Tapering & Race Day. The Oregon Half Marathon is almost here, just two weeks away.

Monday was a rest day. On Tuesday, I did both PiYo Buns and Core. PiYo Buns really works your lower body and PiYo Core is a great ab workout!

On Wednesday, I jogged three miles and then did PiYo Drench. I don’t like how Drench is a long workout but I got through it. I was dripping sweat at the end.

On Thursday, I got up around 5 am to get my 7.5 mile run done. It was still dark out when I started my run, and I was a little nervous but I did have a reflective running vest so I could be seen better by cars. Had a good run.

On Friday, I did PiYo Sculpt. It’s a good total body workout.

On Saturday, I jogged three miles on the treadmill. I’d rather run outside but my hubby was working and I didn’t get up early before he went to work. But I got my three miles done.Sunday was my long run at race pace. I ran eleven miles. I tried some ENERGYbits, which I’ll give my full review later, and used my Simple Hydration bottle to hydrate. I also used a HoneyStinger gel at the halfway point. I was having a good run until I started getting a side ache a little after mile 8. My right side started to hurt quite a bit that I had to slow down and stop. I drank some water and started back up and pushed through. Other than that, it was a good run.

How did your week go? Hope you have a great week!

First time I ran 100 miles in a month

August 31, 2014September 28, 2014 · 6 Comments ·

Wow! I thought I’d make a post on this new achievement I’ve reached. This is the first time I have ever ran 100 miles in a month…woohoo! That is a lot of miles. I’ve joined the 100 miles in a month club, (not sure if there really is a club lol)! 🙂 It just so happened that my half marathon training schedule allowed it as well as there being five Sundays, which are my long run days, in the month :P. I’m hoping to get more months where I’ll run 100 miles.

Here’s a screenshot showing my the number of miles I’ve ran this month from SmashRun. I love this site and seeing all my stats!

Have you ran 100 miles in a month? What’s the highest number of total miles you’ve ran in a month?

Recap of last week’s workouts

July 13, 2014November 17, 2014 · 2 Comments ·

Here’s my recap of last week’s workouts. I ran five miles on Wednesday after being on vacation and doing a lot of walking at Disneyland. It was nice to go for a run.
On Thursday, I tried PiYo Strength Intervals for the first time. I liked it! I think it’s going to help with my running. It works on flexibility and strength.

On Friday, I woke up around 5 am to run five miles since I didn’t want to wait until my hubby came home and it would’ve been almost 90 degrees out.

Saturday was a rest day and Sunday I ran the Mom’s Run this Town Summer Virtual 10k. I was scheduled to run 7.5 miles so I just ran an additional 1.3 miles easy after running the 10k.
According to Runkeeper it was my best time for 6-8 miles :)!

How did your week go?

Recap of this week’s workouts

June 29, 2014November 17, 2014 · 2 Comments ·

After running the Seattle Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon last Saturday, I took some rest days and then ran 3 miles on Wednesday. My next race will be a virtual 10K for Moms Run this Town and my next half marathon will be in September.

On Thursday, I decided to get a total body workout and did Focus T25’s Total Body Circuit. This one’s still a tough one! I had a great sweat session! Here I am with my kiddo.

On Friday, I went to my coach’s Fit Club and it was awesome to try PiYo for the first time! We did the workout called Sweat and I was drenched in sweat by the end of it. I’m not sure if it was because there was no air conditioning or what, but I felt I had a great workout!

Saturday was a rest day and today I ran 6 miles. That puts my monthly total to 87 miles which is a record for me! One of these days I will get 100 miles.

On today’s run, I wore the Injinji socks I won from a giveaway. I thought they felt good when I was running with them. On the packaging it says the anatomical 5 toe design properly aligns toes, prevents blisters and promotes proper posture & balance. They are lightweight as well. It’s pretty cool that I won them :). My toes felt a little different in them but it was good.

How’d last week go for you? Have you tried Injinji socks? What do you think?

Hope this week goes well for you!