Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Hot Chocolate 5K/15K race as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
After a few years of inconsistent running and exercising, at the beginning of this year, I finally made the effort to get up early in the mornings to go running again. It’s only been 3 miles every day with some ‘longer’ runs at 5-6 miles, but it has become a habit where getting up doesn’t take 2-3 annoying alarms to get me out of bed. The real issue I’ve been having with these morning runs is how cold it has been! When I first started running again in January, the temperatures in the mornings were around the mid 40’s which is nothing like I’ve been used to. I keep hoping for warmer, summer weather where I’ll be able to just get out of bed and run in the shorts and t-shirt I slept in. But I’m pretty sure once I get those temperatures, I’ll be complaining about it being too hot for me to run in. I guess I’m just never satisfied with what I have.
So January got off to a great start, I actually ran 23 out of 31 days of the month for a total of 76.58 miles. Sure, most, if not all of those miles were around 9-10 minute/mile pace, but at least I was moving. February dropped a little in terms of runs and mileage, but I will blame the abnormal number of days of rain we received. I believe March will be on pace to run similar numbers as January. I still have the same problems I had before when I used to run often: my pace at the start of a run is slower than when I finish (usually because my body is not awake yet) and my overall pace in the mornings are a lot slower than during the afternoon. I’m constantly snacking during the day but for the most part, feel like I have more energy than before I started running again.
I’ll be running the Hot Chocolate 15K/5K run this weekend. It’s a pretty popular race that I’ve wanted to run for a number of years now. I can’t think of a better combination of running and hot chocolate in one race. But it’s always inspiring to come out and watch so many other fitness enthusiasts get up way before they usually do on a Sunday to go run. Everyone is so happy and cheerful being able to participate in such a fun event together.
“Disclaimer: I received an Addaday Pro Roller to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!”
One of the first running-related products I reviewed on my running blog was a massage roller called The Stick. It was a self-massaging tool that you can use on different parts of your body to help reduce muscle knots and increase blood flow to prevent soreness in the future. The Addaday Pro Massage Roller is very similar to The Stick with the basic design, but is much more advanced in terms of how it can be used. There are different rollers or gears along the stick that are purposely placed to address specific muscle needs. For example, if you have a sore shin, there is a smaller gear that you can roll to target that muscle. I have been able to use the Addaday Pro Massage Roller on my calves, achilles, quads, hamstrings. The compact design allows it to be easily packed in a suitcase so you can travel with it if needed.
When I joined cross country in high school, we followed a strict routine of warming up, stretching, going for a run, followed a cool down run and more stretching. As a working adult, it is hard enough to find time to just go out and run, let alone all of the other pre and post run activities. The Addaday Pro Massage Roller addresses the stretching component by allowing runners to stretch out their muscles at their own leisure, whether it’s while sitting on the couch watching TV or at your desk at work. It is just a matter of keeping it nearby and going for a quick massage roller session to keep those muscles loose and stretched.
I wanted to share a quick overview of the custom weight loss program called Noom. Noom is a weight loss program that uses habit change psychology and small goals to help people live a healthier lifestyle and lose weight for good. The sign-up process is pretty straightforward, you share some basic information about yourself (current age, weight, height, goal weight, etc.) as well as some personal lifestyle questions to understand how you would be able to take advantage of the weight loss program. One thing I thought was helpful to know is that the programs are recommended (or at least consulted) with actual doctors. It’s reassuring knowing that these aren’t just random weight loss programs but ones that have been vetted by medical professionals.
You do not see the final weight loss program until you pay, which will vary depending on your weight loss goals and current fitness levels. But they do offer a 14-day trial, so it doesn’t hurt to check them out. Learn more about Noom here.
**I was compensated for this post. This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
Picture this: 100 5th graders and their parents biking (single file!) 267 miles from Yuma, Arizona west to Moonlight Beach in San Diego, California in one week. Sounds like a highly unlikely and extremely difficult event to organize, let alone participate in. But this has been going on for over 25 years and I was fortunate enough to participate in the Ride Across California this year. Read the rest of this entry »
You may be new to the wellness world where you eat healthy foods and exercise on a regular basis. Welcome to a brand-new you. However, there’s a smart way to fit all of these important aspects into your life. Learn how to eat for a body that can function at peak levels. A faster run each day may be possible.
Start With Carbs
Carbohydrates are sugars that give you short-term energy, such as within the next few hours. Before you perform any moderate exercise, the energy must be there. Ideally, eat a carbohydrate-heavy meal about two hours before your workout. You might add another carbo snack an hour before your workout in order to boost your energy levels even further.
Choose healthy carbs, including bananas and oatmeal, to shore up your energy reserves. Pancakes laden with syrup may be technically carbohydrates, but they have drawbacks in the form of unhealthy fats.
End With Proteins
You used your carbs for energy during the workout. Recovery time comes afterward. This process involves the muscles being healed with amino acids, which come from proteins. Try to eat a protein-rich snack or meal after your exercise. Lean meats, nuts and beans are good choices for the athlete in you.
Avoid any fatty meats, such as beef, because you’ll negate any benefits from your workout by adding in a lot of saturated fat. Healthy proteins give your body a chance to heal and recover so that subsequent workouts are easier.
Consider Nutrient Boosts
Think about adding beneficial nutrients, such as Le-vel Thrive, to your daily diet. These nutrient boosts come in specific levels that you consume throughout the day. You don’t just pop a pill in the morning and forget about it. By spacing out nutrients into three servings, the body has a nearly constant supply of vitamins and proprietary boosts.
Follow the instructions on any boosts that you might use. Taking them in the proper order and quantity is critical to a successful outcome.
Listen to Your Body
You’re following best practices for pre-workout and post-exercise food choices, but your body starts to feel drained after awhile. Remind yourself that you’re still human. Optimum diets and workout plans can always be derailed by injury, illness or other issues.
Listen to your body to decide if you should workout each day. Most athletes take a few days off each week, such as two or three days. The rest days don’t make you lazy. In fact, rest is an important part of working out. It gives your body a chance to heal.
Add in Healthy Fats
Don’t fall into the trap of eliminating all fats from your diet. Healthy fats, such as monounsaturated types, actually help your body fight off disease. Try olive oil, avocados and nuts in your meals. The fat helps your nervous system function while improving your cardiovascular functions.
Keep in mind that all fats should be eaten in moderation. They’ll satisfy your cravings so that a healthy lifestyle is easier to lead than not.
From Thrive reviews to enhanced recipes, learning more about the food and nutrients that benefit your life can take some time. Remind yourself that the learning process itself is a healthy journey. You’ll be able to run with the best in the nation with the right fuel shoring up your body systems.
Whether you’re looking for a new way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise or you’ve made a fresh commitment to becoming more active, trail running is a rewarding and fun activity. However, you can’t run at your peak level without proper hydration, regardless of your fitness level. Here are some methods to getting the best run and staying hydrated on your longer runs.
I’ve wanted to participate in the Fit Foodie 5K for quite some time. As I mentioned before, one of the reasons I run is so that I don’t have to worry (too much) about what I eat before and after. So when I learned about an event that highlights running and food, I was sold! I finally had the opportunity to run it this year and it did not disappoint. The race was very well organized and there were so many different food options, I felt like I had to go for another run afterwards!
We came a little late so had to start the race at the very back, which meant a lot of bobbing and weaving to get to the front. Usually, when that happens, I’m able to go off to the side and pass most people that way. But because the race was around Liberty Station, the race was mostly on a very narrow walking/biking path. So, I did my best to avoid running over others while trying to keep up my pace. I also have to admit that I had not been running very much before this race. So it’s not like I was in tip-top shape ready to win the race. But the atmosphere was great throughout the race and I had a really good time. Read the rest of this entry »
People that live in colder climates often avoid going outside during the winter season. Those that love outdoor activities often cannot find proper clothing that keeps them comfortably warm. Hunting season is close, and hunters have wonderful new apparel choices to keep them warm while chasing after their prey. Hunters should try wearing heated hunting vests for an enjoyable outdoor adventure. A simple vest that emits battery operated warmth can enable hunters to stay out hunting for much longer time frames. These vests can be worn alone, or the individual can use several layers for the ultimate warm clothing. Read the rest of this entry »
Although many people make health-related New Years Resolutions or commit to making wellness a more integral component of their lifestyles, it’s often the case that these individuals fall off the wagon rather quickly. If you find that this is the case for you but you’re ready to try again, don’t procrastinate. Instead, start getting healthy this year by implementing some or all of the wellness tips listed for you below: Read the rest of this entry »
When people ask, ‘why do you run?’ you’ll usually get typical responses like, ‘oh I’m trying to lose weight’ or ‘I’m training to run my first marathon’ or something similar. However, my go to response is more ‘because I love to eat!’ Going as far back as high school, I still remember going out to eat with another cross country friend at a restaurant and having each of us consume the following with little to no effort: 5-6 glasses of lemonade, individual appetizers, full entrees followed by our own, very rich dessert to complete the meal. You can try and justify such a large meal by saying that we were just kids with big appetites. But I’m sure it was also due to us burning thousands of calories every week that contributed as well.
Since I started running consistently again as an adult, I would follow the same ‘run to eat’ mentality. Post long runs and post-race celebratory meals were often just as important as the run itself. I would find new restaurants and places to eat depending on where I ran. Race-cations were also planned by destinations with the best food (along with sightseeing opportunities).
So when I heard about the Fit Foodie Festival & 5K a few years ago, I was excited to participate in an event that celebrated my two favorite activities. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to attend, until this year. Check out the following information about the Fit Foodie Festival & 5K.. Read the rest of this entry »
One of the first running-related products I reviewed on my running blog was a massage roller called 
I’ve wanted to participate in the 
When people ask, ‘why do you run?’ you’ll usually get typical responses like, ‘oh I’m trying to lose weight’ or ‘I’m training to run my first marathon’ or something similar. However, my go to response is more ‘because I love to eat!’ Going as far back as high school, I still remember going out to eat with another cross country friend at a restaurant and having each of us consume the following with little to no effort: 5-6 glasses of lemonade, individual appetizers, full entrees followed by our own, very rich dessert to complete the meal. You can try and justify such a large meal by saying that we were just kids with big appetites. But I’m sure it was also due to us burning thousands of calories every week that contributed as well.
