Taking Vitamins And Supplements

It is a new week and I am happy to put last week behind me. The plague that hit our house hit me the hardest. Running mileage got pushed back in the beginning of the week in order for me to get better. I really hate having to rest and not run. I also hate being sick and know that in order to get better that means knowing when to step back, take a break, and rest. After several doses of Delsym, Dayquil, Nyquil and Black Elderberry Syrup, by the end of the week I was finally feeling human again and was able to make up some miles on two great runs on Saturday and Sunday. 

I talk a lot about running, fitness and how I stay in shape. A big piece of that to me is what goes in my body. What you eat plays a vital role in staying in shape and being healthy. Some believe that if you eat correctly you do not need to take vitamins or supplements. Though I eat a clean and balanced diet the majority of the time, I do take vitamins and supplements to aid in my overall health. A couple of supplements I take benefit me as a runner. I only take what I know works for me and that I feel is appropriate with my lifestyle. 

Here is what I take and why:

Women's Ultra Mega One Daily by GNC: Some multivitamins ask you to take two or more pills to equal the recommended serving size. What I like about this particular vitamin is that I only need to take one pill. This vitamin is "Ultra Concentrated with 37 important nutrients. Provides 20 vitamins & minerals at 100% daily value or more." I have been taking this specific vitamin for a few years. 

Magnesium: The first year I started running I was hit with Runner's Knee. After I got through that episode (which by the way sucked) I started taking Magnesium. Magnesium is said to play an essential role in maintaining bone mineralization, muscle contractions, and nerve impulses. Being a runner my bones definitely get a pounding. With Magnesium supporting bone and muscle health it is an important supplement for me.

Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM: Chondroitin builds and repairs cartilage. Glucosamine possesses anti inflammatory properties and may relieve pain. MSM is a sulfur that aids in supporting tendons and muscles. Together these three help to aid in joint mobility and flexibility. After a long run I sometimes get knee pain. I started taking this supplement to see if it would offer me any relief. Yes, it works for me! If I have had a long run with a lot of hills I may take an extra pill as the serving size is three pills a day. I typically take one pill daily and I do notice a difference.

MegaRed Omega 3 Krill Oil: This is a new one I just added in. This supplement supports heart health. What was also appealing to me is that Omega 3 fatty acids are thought to boost the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs as well as offer relief in stiffness and joint pain. 

Melatonin: I have never been a good sleeper and can have periods of insomnia. It is frustrating and exhausting. When I was pregnant with my first son that insomnia only got worse. With the approval of my physician at that time I started taking Melatonin. I have been taking it now for six years. It is not a miracle pill but I do believe it has helped aid in better sleep for me.

Yes, that may seem like a lot of pills to take. I do feel that each one of these is important for me and my lifestyle. Between my pills and Miss Vixen's pills (my sweet, old dog) we have our own pharmacy going on. For me, I just want to be sure I am giving my body all the good things it deserves. Supplements can play an important role in health if used correctly. I want this body to be strong, healthy and fit for years to come. It is my job to be sure I am being good to it in every way I can; on the outside and inside!



Do you take vitamins or supplements? If so, what do you take? 


Disclaimer: All opinions are proudly my own. In sharing this post I am telling the reader what I choose to take for supplements that fit my lifestyle. In no way am I recommending anyone to take what I do. Please consult your doctor before beginning any vitamin or supplement regimen. 


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Mexican Chicken Nachos
My Fourteen Mile Adventure
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Do Opposites Really Attract? 



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Mexican Chicken Nachos

A couple weeks back when looking through a take out menu I came across chicken nachos. I use to love nachos! Prior to when I started caring about what I put in my body, I use to make my own. It was an easy dinner to make and paired well with a few beers and friends. It had been years since I made nachos until a few weeks back when I decided I would see if I could try to take some calories out and make them "semi" healthy. Since I am  80/20% when it comes to clean eating (the 20% comes in on the weekends when we order out or make something I wouldn't typically eat during the week) I knew I had to try to make a new spin on them.

I don't know about you but I also love Mexican food. Okay, well I love most any food buy Mexican food is pretty good. I decided I would cook my chicken in a taco seasoning. Use whatever you like. If you make your own that's great otherwise I just used a packaged taco seasoning to add to my chicken.

I wanted to find a tortilla chip that wasn't terribly bad for you. I discovered Late July and it was the perfect chip for this recipe. They are gluten free, organic, multi grain and taste yummy. I layered my pan with the chips then began adding a few toppings.

I kept it simple and just used a couple of ingredients. Refried Beans was a must. Refried beans are low in saturated fats and cholesterol and a good source of protein, magnesium, potassium, and dietary fiber. The down side is it can be high in sodium but they do make some that are lower in sodium if that is a dietary concern.

I did two layers (thin with each) of cheese. I chose Sorrento Reduced Fat Mexican Cheese for this. After my first layer of cheese over the refried beans I then I used black olives. Next came the chicken followed by the last layer of cheese. I baked it for 15 - 20 Mins at 350 and it was ready to eat. We used Hood Low Fat Sour Cream to top our nachos.

Maybe not entirely healthy, yet not entirely bad for you either. It's a great appetizer for a party or a weekend dinner with a few drinks. I love appetizers and finger foods and this hit the spot.If you are looking for an easy and tasty recipe this weekend give it a try!

Mexican Chicken Nachos:
2 chicken breasts, cut up and cooked 
Taco Seasoning
1 bag of Late July Tortilla's 
1/2 a can of refried beans (more if desires)
1/4 to 1/2 a can of black olives (I bought a large can and sliced them myself)
Sorrento Reduced Fat Mexican Cheese (Sorry, no measurement on this one. I just tend to "eyeball" it!) 



Layer as desired and enjoy! Happy Friday! Cheers!


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My Fourteen Mile Adventure

It's a new week and I am hoping for a healthier house this week. Towards the end of last week my five year old brought home the gift of germs from school which has gone through our house like the plague. All of us got the nasty cough and the two little's got hit with high fevers and no appetite. Luckily the fevers broke and did not come back. I hate seeing my kiddo's sick. It doesn't make it any easier when I have been up coughing all night and feel like I got ran over by a truck. Needless to say life still goes on.

Even though I wasn't feeling 100% on Saturday I still got out there for my long run. Rest is important and I know I need to take care of myself but I was feeling well enough and properly hydrated before I headed out the door. I made sure I brought  "Dianna" along to accompany my journey (My Camelback, I had to name her! And if you didn't catch on...Dianna aka Wonder Woman). I planned for this to be my long run of the weekend with a goal of 13-14 miles.

The route I chose was rather challenging. Where I live there are not a lot of options for doing a long run without hitting rolling hills, and lots of them! Truth be told I have a love/hate relationship with hills. Yes they suck in the moment, my glutes and calves start screaming obscenities at me, yet at the top of each hill there is that runner's high that I get for having reached the top. Hills make you stronger as a runner. Running hills can increase your speed, endurance and you burn more calories! Heading out the door  Saturday morning there was a part of me trying to talk myself out of the route I planned...there was another part of me saying I would kick this runs ass.

I had decided that I would not focus on time or pace and instead focus on getting the miles in. I felt pretty good for the first five miles. The sun was shining, my breathing was good, I had just taken a GU and then my mojo got challenged by a growling dog that ran right after me. I could hear the growling and snarls as I pushed harder to get away from him. I even screamed. I thought for sure he was going to bite me. Suddenly I heard him stop and it was rather abrupt. I am assuming maybe his owner had a shock collar on him and stopped him. This is the third time this has happened to me over the past year. I do carry mace on me yet in the moment I am not thinking about getting my mace out. I am not sure I would even have enough time. I love dogs but seriously owners, put your dogs on a leash!

After that miles six to eleven were pretty good. It was those last few miles that really challenged me. Some of the toughest hills were upon me and they felt like they were all running together. I hit mile thirteen and struggled to hit 13.5. Those damn hills I love were starting to kick my ass and that was not the plan! I happily hit 13.5 and decided I was going to just power through to hit mile fourteen. I do this often when I run. I set a goal and then when I hit it, if I am feeling good, I say well I will do "x" amount more. As I was running that last half mile I saw my husband driving by and my five year old yell out the car window: "Hi Mama", which made me run even faster to finish. I was still 3 miles from home so I was excited that my troops had come looking for me. I hit fourteen miles and I finished strong and felt good. For not focusing on time I was still pretty pleased with finishing under two hours and keeping an average pace of 8:10.

My first Half Marathon of this year is in three weeks and it feels great to be ready this year. I have been pushing myself to get in more miles and have stuck to four to five days a week. I finished last week with 37 miles which I was ecstatic about. The week before the race I will take it down a notch so I can be well rested. The past two weeks I took Thursday and Friday off from running in order to be ready for long runs on the weekend. It is just something I thought I would try out and it has served well for me both times.  

Sadly it looks like this weeks miles will be depleted due to that plague I mentioned earlier. I may need to lay low this week so I can get better. Of course my running schedule also depends on life along with the weather. Nothing is ever set in stone. I also have to rely on the hubby to be home and with spring coming means longer hours for him and possibly less runs for me. For now I will take every opportunity to run that I can. Every run is its own adventure.


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Plant Protein To Fuel Your Day

Happy Friday! I hope that your week has been fabulous! If not, well the weekend is here and it is going to be awesome!

I was excited a few weeks back to open my mailbox and find that I was given the chance to try Manitoba Harvest Hemp Bars. I had my eye on these bars and since my diet likes a lot of protein, I just knew that I had to try these. Not only are they loaded with 10 grams of plant based protein, they also have a serving of 10 grams of Omega's. So much goodness in one bar!

I like to know where my food comes from. I like to know how it is made and the health benefits it can deliver. With that being said here's a few thing first about the company itself : Manitoba Harvest.

* It was founded in 1993

* The company makes everything right there on their site

* Their plant has the highest quality level of global certification in safety and quality

Manitoba Harvest Mission:

"To manufacture and market the highest quality hemp food products, to educate on the health and environmental benefits of hemp, and to strive for sustainability in all that we do."

So why hemp?

Hemp seeds have been found to contain healthy fats, protein, and various minerals. They also contain both Omega 3's and Omega 6's. Those Omega's can aid in healthier skin as well as have anti-inflammatory properties which may help with joint healing.  Hemp seeds also contain high amount of amino acid arginine which is known for being linked to lowering heart disease.

My 2 year old was trying to steal one when I was taking this picture

How do they taste? 

I really liked the flavor of both. To my surprise I actually liked the Apple Cinnamon one better than the chocolate! Believe me, this girl loves chocolate! I am interested in trying the vanilla and will be sure to do so. I enjoyed the two I was sent and have purchased more since. I recommend these bars if you are looking for healthy and high protein bar.

Manitoba Harvest has a few more wonderful products that you should check out. It's not just the bars, they even have protein powder and smoothie mix! I  have the Vanilla Chai smoothie mix which has a yummy recipe on the back which calls for maple syrup and banana's! It was a delicious recovery smoothie after my run.

If you are interested in trying Manitoba Harvest Hemp Bars head over to their website and use code hhbarlaunch1015 for 15% off until March 31st, 2016. If you are local here in Vermont you can find them at Healthy Living.

Enjoy your weekend friends! Cheers!


Disclaimer: I was provided with Manitoba Harvest Hemp Bars for my review. All opinions, as always, are proudly my own. 

 
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Making Time For Myself

Having kids changes so many things. My children have brought me more joy than I could have ever imagined. It also brought on many other things that I wasn't expecting. Why didn't anyone ever tell me how haunting "Mommy guilt" can be. Then there is this whole  parenting thing, and no a damn manual! And why didn't someone tell me that I would lose sight of myself if I wasn't careful?! Five years into the mommy gig I am beginning to smooth out the wrinkles and some days I even feel like I am doing an "OK" job. I love every bit of being a mom. I would never change any of it! Instead I have grown from it and know that this is just the beginning of my growth. Because of my children I am learning more about myself.


With that being said I have also lost a part of me. The part that did things for herself and didn't feel the guilt. For the longest time I didn't even want to leave the house without my children. I wasn't able to enjoy a date night with my husband without feeling this pain deep down, as though I had abandoned the little creatures. Seeing my girlfriends meant playdates accompanied by our children. If we were lucky we could get in a sentence or two about how we were doing. Otherwise the comfort came from just having another human being in the same room with me that wasn't going to put their sticky fingers all over my new jeans. Oh wait...yeah I meant old yoga pants. As if I actually get to buy myself new things. 

Stock Photo

The thing is I should be able to have nice things for me. I should be doing things that make me happy. As a mother I need to be sure I am also taking care of myself. For me to be a better mom I also need to be sure that I too am happy. My children do come first. That is not something that will ever change. What does need to change is that I need to put more focus on myself and take  care of this woman. It doesn't have to be big things, even small simple things can be fulfilling.

When I started running it was after my first son was born. I started running to get in shape and create a better me. In the joy of running I discovered it offered me so much more. This was/is the only time that I get to be alone with myself. This makes my running sacred and spiritual along with keeping myself fit. Running has served to be that "ME" time that I need, that time that I crave and desire. 

Now that the little's are not babies anymore I am feeling that I need to do more for myself. I need to take the time to celebrate myself, reward myself, and find happiness in the things that I enjoy. I am getting better at it and suddenly I know that I need to make things happen and lose the guilt. I need to let go and realize that taking care of me is not selfish, it is essential and healthy. 

Here are some things I have been doing and will try to make more of an effort to do in the future

* I scheduled myself a facial last week, courtesy of my hubby. I got to lay on a fabulous heated table in a dimly lit room, soft music in the background, and the scent of intoxicating oils while I had someone take care of me! Granted many of my thoughts went back to my children but I also got to talk with my girl who does my facials (who is absolutely amazing!). I had an adult conversation, got to relax, and came out with incredible skin at the end. Over the past year I have tried to do this every three to four months. It's good for my skin and it is good for me! I am allowed to get a facial, massage or my hair done. Once in awhile it is okay to splurge. Matter of fact I need to add manicure and pedicure to this list before summer comes. (No one one's to see my runner's feet right now!) 
 

* There use to be a time where I could read book after book. I think the last time I plowed through a bunch of books was when I was pregnant for my first son. Once he was a toddler I got back into reading again...then came child number two. I miss reading. I am going to do my best to try to read a little more. Even if I only get in a few pages during bath time or while they are glued to some mind numbing kids show I have seen ten times. Right now I am reading Tales From Another Mother Runner. 

My tablet for reading accompanied by a beer

* Last month I had dinner with one of my dear friends. It was awesome! We had actually not had any time alone together since she was last pregnant, sadly that was around twenty one months ago! I need to connect with my friends more and step outside the house. I believe it is good for my children to know that I need to spend time with my friends and even more important that my husband get some rare one on one time with them since he works a lot. I have a dinner date scheduled for next week with another friend and I am ecstatic about it. Dinner dates for mommies is the equivalent of what Christmas is to toddlers. Trust me, it's pretty awesome! 


* Then there is my writing. I want to write and not feeling bad about the time I put into it. Here's the thing, I love to write, I love to blog and I love the connections I have made. I have to admit sometimes I feel guilty when I sit down to write. I feel like I should be doing something with my kids and not sitting at the computer. It is  not like it is constant and figuring that I post only once to occasionally twice a week it should be okay for me to take some time to write. I need to write for me which means I need to let go of that damn mommy guilt and realize that it is okay to do things that I like to do. 

It's easy to lose ourselves in our everyday routines. I hope as the years go by I will learn to relish in moments for me. I hope I will continue to strive to make more time for myself; to honor who I am as a woman, a mother, wife and friend. I wouldn't change a thing about this amazing life I have blessed with. I do not regret any of the time that has passed since children are only little once. As they grow, I too will grow. Parenting is a lifelong school; teaching us as well as creating who we are in the process. Once in awhile we need to take moments to breathe, to reflect and to take care of ourselves. This life is a gift for each one of us, we must embrace it. Happiness is in everything around us, even the little things. 



What do you do you do for your "ME" time?  


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Do Opposites Really Attract?

We have all heard the expression before that "Opposites Attract".  Are relationships apt to last longer if two people have similar interests, beliefs, and ideas? Or do two people who are very different help to balance one another out? Is there proof that two different personalities can demonstrate the yin yang philosophy? When it comes to relationships and how they survive, many of us know it takes more than that immediate fire to keep it alive. People have an opinion on everything and I will be the last person to hand out any kind of relationship advice. I believe that any relationship can work if you are willing to put the work into it. Be it your partner, family member, friend or your exercise routine; each of these relationships require commitment, dedication, honesty, loyalty and sacrifice.

I recently read a post written by a woman who had run for years. She married a man who did not run. As the years went on her relationship with running grew as her marriage deteriorated. He didn't share the same interests she did. He didn't get running the way she did. She found comfort from another man who did share in this love for running as she did. She ended having an affair which resulted in her and her husband divorcing. Her relationship with this other man fell apart. In the end she was simply left with running. An integral part of her life yet she learned a valuable lesson on relationships in the process and had regrets. She wrote: "My warning is this: Sometimes it doesn't matter if you run and your partner doesn't."

My husband, Jason, is not a runner. He does not aspire to eat clean and surely isn't going to be doing an Iron Man competition any time soon. He is the one who is married to a runner. He married a woman who is committed to her relationship with the road and her body. There will most likely never be a time we decide to go out for a run together. My husband is a carpenter and his job keeps him active all day. When he comes home the last thing he wants to do is any kind of exercise. In all honesty, the last thing I want him doing is running with me. 

After my 6th Half Marathon in 2015

If you frequent my blog you know how passionate I am about the sport. You also know that running is spiritual for me. It goes beyond being fit, though that too is something important to me. When my husband gets home from work I usually greet him with a kiss, ask him how his day was, then I am ready to "run" out the door. I am already dressed in my running gear, desperate to escape the depths of my house which is filled with the shrieks of two toddler boys. Once I am out on my run I feel a sense of release and am able to take that time for myself. 

My runs are something I need to do alone. I have been invited on group runs and asked by friends to run with them. It is just not for me. I need that time to get in my own head and sort out the cobwebs. I need to be able to connect with myself and focus on the run. Sometimes I get out there and simply enjoy the run while other times I am working on speed and beating a PR. To run with others would only cause me distraction and take away from that time alone that I need as a mother, wife, friend and partner. 

My husband may not be a runner but by no means will that destroy us. He is supportive of my love for the sport. He makes sure I am able to get out there for my training. He asks me how my runs are and is genuinely interested. Then at the finish line of most of my races he is there with our children waiting for me and cheering me on. He knows to see our sons at the end of a race is exactly what I need and that those last few miles I run, I run faster to get to them. 

He is messy, I am obsessively clean. He likes to collect "shit", I enjoy organizing and throwing things out. He is quiet, I am loud. He eats whatever he wants, I choose healthier foods. He forgets things, I remember everything. He is conservative, I am definitely liberal. He does not run, I am a runner! 

I am not sure if I can say this proves the theory that opposites attract. What I can say is that in my own relationship, we are very different. At the end of the day we balance one another out and know how to laugh with one another. My husband doesn't have to throw on a pair of running shoes to win my heart. At the end of the day it is about supporting one another, growing together, sharing this wonderful life and loving one another no matter how different or alike we are. It's also about forgiveness...when I order another pair of running shoes!  

  

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Spring Training In Motion

I am getting excited to kick of 2016 with my first race. April 9th will mark my first Half Marathon of this year as well as my 7th Half Marathon! 7 has always been my favorite number so I am going on a vibe that this will be a great one. Last year I did this race for the first time and used it as a training run for the VCM that I do a 2-person relay with my dad. In all honesty that was the original plan for this year as well. This past winter I had decided that I would take a step back, work on strength training and take my focus off of running. I just was not able to completely stick to this one, I needed to run.

Last year in Vermont it was a pretty rough winter. We had a ridiculous amount of very cold days along with enough snow to keep Olaf alive for centuries. We were clearly living in the set of Frozen making it not always enjoyable, or even safe, to get out there and get miles in. This winter has been awesome. We have gotten little snow and the temperatures have been like a dream. Yes, clearly I live in the wrong state. I hate the snow and cold! Despite that, I always pound pavement year round. It has been amazing to be able to get out there more this winter. Even though I was suppose to put running on a vacation, I couldn't stop myself from getting in some miles!

Running has become the best habit I ever picked up. As much as I had planned to change my focus it was not possible. Running means more to me than just staying fit. It means more than the muscles in my legs and the bones that carry me for miles. It means happiness, peace, acceptance and growth. In ways I did take my focus off the miles. I put that focus back into myself. Therefore getting out there and running was simply integral for me.

Once February hit I decided that I was going to start training for Half Marathon #7. I wanted to feel and be ready for this race. Using it as a training run got swiped off the board and added to the things I "must" do. I have managed to run four to five days a week. January's miles exceed last years miles by 40 miles. February's miles were 38 more than 2015! This was just what I needed to set the fire under me for this year. I have new goals I want to accomplish which means I will need to work harder than I previously have. I need to get those extra miles in. I need to be sure I am putting in more time, dedication and effort into my runs this year.

Strength training has been going great. I feel like I have found a good balance with the Sandbag and video workouts I do. Some days I do my own variation of exercises for strength training. I do my best to try to switch it up so there isn't a  monotony I am creating. The last thing I want is to get bored and fall off track. I want to be stronger, faster and better with each run. I keep this in mind on the days I want to skip a workout. I truly do love running and working out yet there are days where I it takes more effort than others. I don't skip my workouts though. I am always reminding myself why it is I do this and the end result is such an awesome reward.

I have always logged my runs. Every mile and my time on every single run! This year I started using the Believe Training Journal. I really like the layout. There are prompts to each week to get you to think of a focus. It is also filled with quotes, inspiration and useful running info and tips. Not only am I logging my runs and my workouts each day, I am taking the time to put an intention on it and dig deeper within myself. I also have been logging my routes just in case I want to go back and repeat a certain one. I even try to make a note about how I feel after each run. I definitely recommend this journal to any runner! 

Things are right where I need them to be and I am feeling confident in my training. I don't use any specific method, I have taught myself and know what works best for me. Three Half Marathon's are already on the book for 2016 with two others I will add in the fall. I would like to squeeze one more in if I can. Then there is the 30K in September I plan to challenge myself with. Needless to say I am getting excited for spring and all the races I have planned. I am eager to add in the miles and push myself farther than I have. 


"Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it’s all about".
  ~ PattiSue Plumer


Check Out These Other Posts:
Running Away From Fear
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How I Went From "That" Woman To "This" Woman


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