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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How I Went From "That" Woman To "This" Woman

Ahh yes, we all know the saying "You are what you eat". I couldn't agree more! Five years ago I ate pretty much whatever I wanted. I didn't count calories, carbohydrates or fat content. Five years ago I was also nursing my first son and was under the assumption that as a new nursing mom I could fill my face and burn it off while letting my new little creature sucked away at my new, large breasts my husband was in awe of. Sadly, the only wonderful thing was the fact that I was fortunate to nurse my son (okay, so two things: the big breasts were pretty cool too, it wasn't just my husband who thought so) and the downfall was I was not one of those women who could throw a steak and cheese sub down her throat without it going to her ass. Not just my ass, it also started to collect on my thighs, abdomen and suddenly I had two chins. WTF! I clearly got screwed!

My son was around nine months old or so when I really took a good look in the mirror. I am not in many pictures since I always seem to be the one behind the lens, yet when I was being captured on film what I saw made me cringe. I had always been a thin girl and I didn't work out much before my son. In my twenties I would run on and off. The occasional 5K or trot around town. I never was committed to it nor would I have called myself a runner at that time. I would do the occasional Tao Boa (Who remembers Billy Blanks?!) or whatever exercise video was the fad. It worked for me. I could go out and drink to my heart's content and not have the several beers I consumed affect much besides my decision making at that time. (Believe me, I have many "What the fuck were you thinking"!!! moments that I blame on beer). Sure, eating like shit and drinking put some weight, on I won't deny that. I was comfortable with what I looked like and confident as well. Fast forward post baby and suddenly I was turning into the GoodYear Blimp! My body was pissed off and was retaliating against me. I believe if I was quiet enough I could hear it scream profanities as well.

There I was staring at myself and not really sure I knew who this person was. It made me feel self conscious, a feeling I was not familiar with and instantly hated. I wanted to make a change. I wanted to get back to a place where I was happy with how I looked. I had no one to blame but myself. It wasn't my baby who destroyed me body. No, he did things to my body that only a baby will but all that is forgiven. All those changes I proudly earned. If anything having my child change my body was the push I need to reevaluate my health. My son became one of the reasons I wanted to be a healthier, happier, and stronger person. He became my inspiration. It was me who was not taking care of the amazing vessel I had been given. It was time to make a change and become a healthier me. 

The first thing that happened was counting calories. I started using Myfitnesspal and became obsessed with logging each and everything that I ate or drank. Within weeks I was seeing a difference. The scale was going down and it had stopped swearing nasty numbers at me. Then it became a goal to get in shape. It was like someone had flipped a switch in me and I knew: I was going to run. That summer I knew that I would be running in a five person relay with my family and I had a 5.6 mile leg. That fall I started running. It began with a painful mile and soon turned into a few miles. I ran through my first Vermont winter and was ready for the relay come May with a different body and attitude.

I fell in love with running. It began like an obsessive love affair at first. I couldn't stop, didn't want to stop, and was not about to give up. The more time and effort I put into it the relationship evolved into something much deeper. My runs allowed me to be brutally honest with myself. The roads gave me a place to not just to stomp out the day's frustration but to let go, forgive, heal and grow. With each step I took I was discovering things about myself that  I had not known, parts that I had hidden away. On my runs I felt a release that I had not ever felt. I was able to open up to myself and just be in the moment. Running became my friend, confidant, and saving grace.

I even ran throughout my entire second pregnancy (even two days post due date pushing my other son in a stroller). It was during my pregnancy that I decided after I had my second son that I would run my first Half Marathon. Four week post baby and I was back on the roads. A familiar and comforting place that I had missed. I did not follow any specific training plan and I did not have a running coach. I gathered information and advice from fellow runners and applied it to what worked for me. This girl who struggled to get through her first mile a couple years earlier was ready to become a part of the Half Marathon club. I will never forget that first race and the emotions that came with reaching this goal. It will always be one of my favorite moments. 

Fast forward to today and I can tell you that I am passionate about running. I have an appreciation for this sport and all the time that goes into it. I am in awe of my fellow runners, those who inspire me to push forward to reach my goals. Because if they can, so can I! Running is some of the only time I get alone to do what I want to do. Getting out there whether it is 4 degrees or 40 degrees is all the same. I am in a place where I feel connected to the earth and all it gives me. I am forever thankful for my two legs, for my body, and for the air that I breathe on my runs. I am fortunate that I can get out there and move. Too often we take life for granted. It is important to challenge yourself. I believe that our bodies are capable of amazing things. We need to do things that scare us in order for growth to happen. My running journey has taught me so many things that I would have never known had I not decided to take a chance. That woman I use to be, she was pretty cool but she has nothing on THIS woman I am now!

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Finding Time to Exercise And Staying Active With Your Children

Hello mama's. I know how hard it is to try to stay fit when you have little creatures running around and always demanding something of you every second. They want "this" and they want "that." What do you want? Just thirty minutes to do something for yourself. You try your best to stay fit and squeeze in exercise as often as you can. Most days it seems near impossible! Once you think you have the kids occupied with something else all you have to do is start exercising then suddenly everything is falling apart and you can't even manage to get through the first five minutes without yelling pleading with your kids for a few minutes so mommy can do her exercises. I get it!

The best way I have discovered to try and stay active with having toddlers around is to include them. Be an example for your children. Living a healthy lifestyle is important for them to witness in order for them to continue to make healthy choices for themselves as they get older. Here are some ways to be active with your children:

Go for a walk or hike: My children love to be outside. If it is looking like a day where I may not be able to squeeze a run in or I just want to get moving with my kids, we often go for a walk or hike. I have been hiking with my almost five year old since he was a babe. He loves to be in the woods and calls it an "adventure". He often is the one to request a hike and we have a couple spots we frequent. Just the other day I was driving with the boys to run an errand and my son requested a walk in the Forest. Instead of doing my errands I turned the car around and went to the town forest so we could hike. I usually wear my two year so it becomes an even better work out for me. Hiking is definitely one of our favorite things to do together.

Yoga: Okay, so yes, I typically prefer to do yoga by myself. But let's not forget about the theme of this: having kids and exercising. My two year old does a pretty good downward facing dog. He definitely can get his hips up there better than I can. He is pretty hysterical trying to mimic poses. When there was just one child in this house I use to take my oldest to a Baby Yoga class. It was filled with little toddlers doing yoga and dance. Little yogi's are the cutest! Explore if your area has any classes like this, it is so much fun.

Strength Training: If you are trying to get your workout done and your kid wants to join in: improvise. Children love to imitate our actions! My oldest is really good at coming up with his own set of "weights" or "sandbag". For weights he uses two play handheld footballs and for a sandbag he stuffed it with his stuffed animals.  This way he can still exercise with me and I don't have to worry about him dropping the the kettle ball on his toes. So if your kid doesn't want to leave your side challenge them to join you and be creative with their own exercise equipment.

Have A Dance Party: We almost always have music on in our house. Both boys love to have me dance with them. We hold hands, jump, twirl and bounce around the room. It's not only fun but it gets us all moving in a healthy and happy way. Next time your kids are complaining they are bored or want to do something turn on some music and have fun.

Use Your Children As Exercise: This can be a fun one! If they won't get out of the way then pick them up and swing them around. Lay on the ground and suspend them in the air. Have them jump into your arms from the couch and lift them up. Who needs weights when you have toddlers! They will have a blast and you are sure to get a good workout. Believe me, it can get exhausting!

Stroller Running: Last but not least, if you are in need of a run but cannot find the time to do it without children, bring them along. I will be honest, I love running (I think we have all figured that one out by now!) yet I much prefer to run solo. Stroller running is not my first choice and it becomes a different workout. It takes a different mindset to get through a run and is not always the most enjoyable for me. The upside is I get to put in my run and my son gets to nap. It's a win-win. He loves to come along and we will sometimes stop after at a park to have a snack. It becomes quality time together which makes it worth every second of pushing that stroller for a few miles.

Staying active and being healthy is important for me and for my children. Obesity in children is sadly a problem for many children. While every child and situation is unique, we as parents are solely responsible for our children's health and well being. As parents we need to be setting healthy examples for our children in the food choices they make along with teaching the importance of being active. The CDC estimates that:

* Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years.

* Approximately 17% (or 12.7 million) of children and adolescents aged 2—19 years  are obese.

That is sad to me. We are doing our children such a misfortune by neglecting to teach them about being healthy and making good choices for themselves. When they are not old enough to make these choices it is our responsibility to make decisions for them. We are our children's biggest role models. We are the ones they watch every day. They see every little thing that we do and desire to mimic us. They strive to be just like "mommy" or "daddy".  

Being active with our children is important. It doesn't have to feel like work, make it fun! Along with creating a healthier lifestyle you are also making some incredible memories. Both are pretty priceless if you ask me! 



Happy Holidays!!!

 
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My Favorite Smoothie Ingredients And Their Super Food Benefits

Since eating fruits and vegetables is not always easy to fit into a busy day, each morning I have a smoothie. Every. Single. Day! I enjoy my smoothies and try to switch up what I use for fruits and vegetables. I enjoy experimenting and coming up with new combinations. For two years now I have been concocting smoothies to fuel my body. I have my smoothies right after a run or my workout for recovery and repair. Good nutrition is just as important as daily exercise is. Here are some of my favorite smoothie ingredients that have key nutritional benefits.

Chia Seeds: These tiny little seeds are full of amazing nutrition. In just one ounce of Chia seeds there is: 11 grams of Fiber, 4 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat (5 of those contain Omega-3's!), 137 calories, 18 % Calcium, 30 % Manganese, 30% Magnesium, and 27% Phosphorous. That's not all! Chia seeds also contain zinc, Vitamin B's, and potassium. They are an excellent source of antioxidants and packed with high quality protein. This makes them a great addition to a smoothie. I have even been adding them to our Yummy Balls. 

Kale: This is such a super food that mixes well with different fruits. I love that in just one cup of kale it is packed with 6 carbs, 3 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber and only 36 calories! It is filled with vitamins, nutrients, folate and magnesium. If you do not already have this on your grocery list then add it!

Spinach: Popeye is not the only one who loves spinach, smart man for sure! Spinach is my favorite veggie. I eat it every day and there are so many things that it pairs well with along with many different ways to eat it. I use spinach in each and every smoothie. Here is why everyone needs to eat spinach: It is low in fat, high in niacin, zinc, protein and fiber. Spinach contains folate, calcium, iron, phosphorus, copper, thiamin, manganese and magnesium. Grab a handful and throw it in! 

Cherries: Cherries are my new favorite fruit for my smoothies. Not only are they delicious yet the benefits from cherries make them a must in any diet, especially if you work out and run. Cherries have been found to reduce inflammation, aid in post exercise muscle pain, reduce the risk of stroke, good for your heart, support healthy sleep and contain cancer fighting agents. I keep a bag of them in my freezer and use them often.

Greek Yogurt: A spoonful of Greek yogurt goes in most of my smoothies. Greek yogurt contains calcium, protein (double the protein of regular yogurt), zinc and vitamins B6 and B12. Let's not forget about the probiotics we are adding to our bodies. Healthy bacteria helps maintain a healthy gut. It also makes your smoothie creamy as well as healthy! 

These are only a handful of ingredients to add to your smoothie. Be creative! You may be surprised at the combination of smoothies you can make and just how good they can be for you. This is an easy way to pack in your fruits and veggies while giving your body some essential vitamins and nutrients it needs. 

Looking for a couple smoothie ideas? Check out my post  5 Smoothie Combinations To Fuel Your Day. 

 

5 Ways To Model A Healthy Lifestyle

Living a healthy lifestyle is important to me for both myself and my children. It is my responsibility to model healthy habits for my family and teach my boys that staying healthy is something we all can do in different ways. A healthy lifestyle goes beyond what we put into our bodies. Here are five ways to model healthy living for your children.

1: You are what you eat: It may not be the only way to model health but it is one of the most important components for our children. It is not easy with toddlers to get them to always eat the things you want them to. My first son Chase, was picky and made mealtime a nightmare around two to three years of age. Now at four and a half he has much better at eating what is put in front of him and even reminded his father the other night that he had forgotten to put vegetables on his plate. I smiled to myself and praised him for remembering that he needed to have veggies. I have been fortunate with my youngest, who is two, that he will pretty much eat whatever I put in front of him. I don't give several choices and I refuse to make separate meals. Do I offer choices sometimes? Of coarse! I typically pick two things (which are healthy) and allow the oldest to decide. It is the same with snacks. They will be offered choices yet if I say you need to pick a healthy snack they know that needs to be a fruit, veggie, granola or yogurt. We talk about different fruits and veggies and how they make you healthy.  Yes, my children get crackers, the occasional cookie or chips (saved for those times when we visit the grandparents) because I do believe in moderation and having a treat. Another thing that helps with getting children to want to eat healthy is involving them in the preparation of their own meals. If my son helps me make a dinner he is more excited about eating it.

 “Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.”  ~John F. Kennedy 

2: A body in motion stays in motion: Exercise!!! I make time to exercise four to five times a week. This is something that I make happen. I either get in my runs or cross train with video's. I tend to go between Youtube and Grokker for my cross training video's. My children watch me, they know it is important to me. The best is when they try to join in and do the exercises. My two year old does a great downward facing dog and the four year old likes to attempt the weights. Besides being absolutely adorable when they do this they are also learning about keeping yourself in shape. My oldest has asked why I exercise and I explain to him that I want to be strong and healthy to take care of them for a long time. I also encourage exercise with them. We like to take a walk to the farm down the road and visit the cows, there and back makes a 1.5 mile walk. It's not real long but doable for my four year old. Hiking is also something I do with the boys that we enjoy. We call it an "adventure". Often times I bring a bag so Chase can collect "treasures" along the way. It gets him active while enjoying the activity. Incorporate things your children enjoy to do in being active. Encourage active play outside along with playing sports.

3: Hygiene: Health goes hand in hand with hygiene in my book. Teaching children about taking care of their bodies also means proper bathing and brushing those teeth. Washing hands is something I am always on my boys about. At their young ages the put their fingers everywhere! They don't think twice about what they touch or if they touch their own faces after or if their fingers are in their mouths. We are also coming up on cold and flu season, germs are everywhere! Proper hand washing and bathing is key to keeping healthy in the fall and winter seasons. 

4: A good belly laugh: Happiness and laughter, let's remember that if we are happy we tend to be healthier. Mental health is just as important as our physical health. It's is so important to laugh, have fun and do things as a family. One of my favorite things to hear is my children laughing. Play games, paint, do puzzles, dance, sing loudly, be goofy, pretend and encourage play. 

5: Choosing safe cleaning products and being aware of your environment: I am a fanatic about a clean house. When choosing products to clean with I am always sure that it is something that will be safe for my children. There are so many products out there which contain things that are unsafe for cleaning our environments. Since my children are always on the floor I want to be sure that what I clean my floors with will be safe for them. Using a steam cleaner eliminates having to use harsh cleaners and it effectively kills germs. It's the same with my counters and table. Little fingers are touching everything and I want to be sure it is not going to harm my children. As always, be sure you lock up any cleaning agents you have in your house! If we strive to have a clean environment this also means being sure there are not harmful carcinogens in our living space such as Asbestos. Asbestos is the cause of mesothelioma which can be hard to diagnose since many live with it undetected for so long. For more information on Mesothelioma please visit http://www.mesothelioma.com/asbestos-cancer/ . 

All of these things require commitment to follow through. We need to be positive role models for our children. We need to show them how to be healthy and teach them what that means. It teaches children to love themselves, respect themselves, and treat their bodies with care. 

“Health is a relationship between you and your body”  ~Terri Guillemets

Embracing The Run: Keeping My Eyes Off The GPS

Last weekend I ran my 6TH Half Marathon! I had a goal to complete three to four Half Marathons by the end of 2015. This race put me at #4 for the year! I ran this particular race last year and I loved the coarse. The GMAA Marathon And Half Marathon brings you on country roads, along the lake and offers some spectacular views of the mountains. This course is truly a piece of what Vermont is in all its beauty. After a long week I was looking forward to this race. I planned to not set out for any PR's, a challenge for sure. It wasn't until mile two that I decided  I was no longer going to look at my watch and focus on why I run and embrace the miles ahead.

I always check my watch, whether it be in a race or on my own runs. Each mile I look to see how fast I have run and start counting the miles. Watching my time pushes me to go faster, run harder and challenge myself. The first two miles of this race I did look at my watch to be sure I was on track with the race course. Then I vowed to myself not to look again until I saw that finish line. I knew it would be so tempting to sneak a peak yet I was determined to not be absorbed by a new PR and offer this race up as a time to be thankful for my life. I wanted to be able to reach within myself to take this time to reflect, unwind and clear my head.

I fell into a rhythm, the sound of my feet on the ground mixed with the sound of my own breath creating a song. I was in my happy place. The views were breathtaking and the air was cool but welcoming. I could hear the crunching of the leaves that had already fallen and given themselves to the earth.

Running is about "moments". Sometimes it is not mine but another runner's moment that brings me to tears. While waiting to start I watched parents hug their daughter wishing her good luck, telling her they were so proud of her. I could feel the tears surface to my eyes as I tried to blink them away. I watched friends giddy and eager to run together. I saw the look of determination, the look of fear, and the look of joy across the hundreds of runners who eagerly waited to run.

I think many runners would agree with me that in order to want to exceed in this sport we rely on support. I love the high fives, the encouraging words from fellow runners, the groups of people standing in hats and gloves on a windy day cheering on all the runners. I smiled at the little girl who held up a sign saying : Free High Fives. As I ran by her I said: "I will take one of those". Right after me I heard someone say to her: "How about Ten"?! It's that kind of support! It's the support you get when you reach mile five and see your father standing there with his camera when he could be doing something else ( and be warm!) but he is there for you. It is when you reach the finish line and see the faces of your children and husband. Without them, I may not be running. Yes, I run for me though I am inspired to do so because of them.

Running this course last year I remembered the rolling hills right at the end of the course around mile eleven. Being it was my second Half Marathon at that time I was a different runner. Those last couple miles were really difficult and I know I most likely did not have a smile on my face but rather the look of pain. I think I may have even swore a few times to get me up over those inclines. This time it felt different. I wasn't exasperated and I enjoyed those last few hills. Hills may be a challenge, but they also make you stronger. I am thankful for each hill I run up. Plus, what goes up must come down right?!

I finished the race feeling accomplished. I did not get a new PR but still finished strong. I had set out to embrace this run and when I hit that finish line I knew I had done exactly that.

Official Time: 1:43:09 Averaging a 7:52M
Here is the break down from my watch which was only off by 3 seconds:
Mile 1:  8:28
Mile 2:  7:52
Mile 3:  8:04
Mile 5:  7:48
Mile 6:  7:39
Mile 8:  7:46
Mile 9:  7:56
Mile 10: 8:02
Mile 11: 7:50
Mile 12: 7:58
Mile 13: 7:17 Strongest mile!!!

I finished 21 out of 245 Female Half Marathoners (They didn't post an overall and quite frankly I suck at math and have no desire to figure it out)

The only thing I did not enjoy about this race was the fact that by mile two I already had to pee! I was definitely hydrated and it was beginning to be a curse. This is where I thought in my head that I would seriously consider wearing depends if I ever did a marathon. There is no way I could ever make it without having to pee. I do not like stopping either. I am always worried it will throw off my momento: "A body in motion stays in motion". Thankfully I did not piss myself and was thrilled to see the blue bathroom when I was done.

Not looking at my Garmin was not easy, it was tempting. The beeps of my watch were like little voices calling me to look, just sneak one little peak. Halfway through my run I stopped hearing those beeps. Instead I felt a euphoria, a sense of happiness and peace. This is why I run. I run to heal, I run to grow, I run to be a better me. There is such a satisfaction that comes from a new PR. There is also that same satisfaction with letting yourself honor the run, to embrace the run and be thankful that your body can do this amazing thing.

Running has taught me so much. Running has taught me limits and prepared me for challenges. I have become a stronger person, a healthier person, and a more optimistic person. Running has showed me that the body is capable of change in ways we may not realize. Running has given me strength and will, it has taught me self discipline. Running has proved to me that I can do anything I put my mind to, you just have to want it bad enough.



"It's important to know that at the end of the day it's not the medals you remember. What you remember is the process -- what you learn about yourself by challenging yourself, the experiences you share with other people, the honesty the training demands -- those are things nobody can take away from you whether you finish twelfth or you're an Olympic Champion."
-Silken Laumann, Canadian Olympian

Drinking Crickets, A Tropical Island Boost, And A Visit to The Mediterranean

With fitness and health being two very important things to me I recently became a part of the Sweat Pink Campaign. As an ambassador I was fortunate to be chosen along with other ambassadors to review a Bulu Box.  If you join Bulu Box each month you receive four to five samples of a combination of vitamin, supplement or healthy snack samples. I was excited about receiving my box. The bright orange box arrived with it's inspirational quotes covering it.

I liked these ones:

"Go the extra mile, it's never crowded"

"You can brighten someone else's path with your own light"

"The difference between Try & Triumph is a little "UMPH"

I was pleasantly surprised with the samples in my box. Here is what was included:

Bugeater Foods Jump

Island Boost

Mediterra Bars

More-T Toothbrush

Yerba Prima Daily Fiber Formula

Earth's Care Anti-Itch Cream


The first one I listed is a protein drink that includes crickets! Yes, you read that right. The first ingredient listed in Bugeater Foods Jump is Cricket flour. The flavor was chocolate. I was a bit skeptical yet of coarse I had to try it. I was impressed with how good of a chocolate flavor it had. I mixed mine with coconut milk as I typically do with my protein after a run. It only contains 13g of protein which is lower than I would like yet this would be a good drink as an afternoon snack.

I used the Island Boost on my long run this past Sunday. I typically use GU Energy Gel-Chocolate Outrage as my fuel during a run. Five miles in I pulled out the Island Boost and gave her a chance. This product promises healthy energy without caffeine. The natural ingredients give you a "boost" without having a caffeine crash. I am pretty partial to my GU's yet I did like this product and would consider purchasing this. I felt great on my run and didn't re-fuel until mile ten and honestly could have gone longer.

The Mediterra Bars were Sundried Tomato and Basil. I typically love that flavoring in meals yet there was something I didn't like about it being in a bar. I ate it and even shared a piece with the almost two year old who seemed to like it. It's not something I would want to have again. 

How did Bulu know that I needed a new toothbrush?! This new toothbrush is designed in a T shape to cover more teeth and act as a tongue scraper. I have to admit, this was a nice little bonus.

The Yerba Daily Fiber didn't mix well and I felt it did not have a good orange taste as it promised.

As for the Anti Itch cream I will be holding on to that for the next bug bite or boo boo the kids get. I love that it is made from all natural ingredients. If I am using a product on my children all natural is important to this mama.

With Bulu Box after you have tried the samples, fallen in love with a product, you can buy the full size right on their site. I know when trying a new supplement that I hesitate because what if I don't like it?! This is a great way to try out a product before making that commitment. Bulu Box even gives you chances to earn reward points monthly to use towards a full size purchase. If you like trying new products, are in to health or maybe know someone who might enjoy this as a fun gift, go to Bulu Box and check it out! If you want to save 50 % off a 3, 6 or 12 month subscription use code: SWEATPINK.

So what did I think of my Bulu Box? Honestly I think it's great! Ten Dollars a month to try some new things isn't that bad. Yes, you are paying for your samples but if I were to add up what was in my box and have had paid the ten dollars for it, I figured that I received more in product than the total dollar amount. With the 50 % off code right now that makes it Fifteen Dollars for 3 months. Who doesn't like a good deal and some new goodies?!

Disclaimer: Thank you to Bulu Box for providing me with a box to review. All opinions, as always, are my own.

The Things That Motivate Me

With my 5TH Half Marathon approaching in less than a month, I had a goal for July to run over 120 miles. June I was under that and I was rather discouraged about it. Towards the end of July my miles were not where I wanted them to be with the wedding and other summer festivities which interfered with my training. It was time to push myself forward and get those miles in. The last week of July into August I manged an eleven day running streak which helped me get to 122 miles logged for July. This month I would like to hit 130 or higher. This is what I do: I set goals and enjoy challenging myself and my body. I want to be faster. I want to be stronger. I want to be healthier. For all this, I need to work for it!

My feet pound the pavement in their own private dance. Running is an intimate thing for me. I realize I share this love with many others. This is part of what I love about the sport. Being a part of a race, looking around at all these awesome athletes and knowing that I am part of their tribe, brings me a sense of euphoria. When I am not running in a race the road becomes my church. Here I am able to release, to feel, and to free myself. My head becomes clear of the clutter and cobwebs that get spun during the day. It is when I am out running by myself that I feel I am able to work on being a better me.

I would be lying to you if I told you every run was great. Some days my legs are heavier than others. There are times that I do have a difficult time connecting with myself out on the roads. A mile can feel like five as some days a ten mile run feels great. My feet are blistered and sore, never seeming to get time in between to heal. Each run is different yet just as important to me as the one before. The days that I don't want to run, or those days that I want to stop in a middle of a run, I dig deep for my motivation.

Motivation comes in many ways to each of us. I am motivated to be an example. I am motivated by my children eager to watch me take off from the porch as I set out for my run. Then when I return, the shrieks of "Mama" as they are running down the driveway when I get back to ask me how my run was. Those little faces, the tiny hands which grab at me, they motivate me. I want to be an example to them. I want to teach them discipline  and determination. I want them to know it takes work to achieve what you want. You have to work for it, and some days you have to fight for it!

I am motivated by the change in my body. The places that were once riddled by cellulite and extra skin have been sculpted and toned into muscles I never once had. Each mile gets me closer to having the body I want. I have several more miles to go before I get there; but I will some day.

I run because it is "me" time. Whether it is five in the morning or five in the evening, I find a way to get out there. I make the time since this is the only time I ever get to truly be alone. This is important for me, for my relationship and as a mother. I am not only working on being a healthier me, I am creating a happier me.

I have made a commitment to myself as well as my family to be the best I can be. I have learned a lot about myself over the past couple of years as I have fallen in love with this sport. I have found out that I am capable of doing things I once thought I couldn't. That I am stronger than I knew. I have learned that you need to have courage and search deep withing yourself. I have learned that we are all brave and fierce.

If you want something bad enough then you need to push yourself. Find what motivates you, go after it and do not let anything get in your way. Create goals and challenge yourself. It may not always be easy but I can promise you this; it is always worth it! 

Time to Train: Running Goals For This Year

I may not have made a New Years Resolution this year yet with fitness I decided it was important for me to set some goals. Last Year I ran my first two Half Marathons and logged a total of 1,188.77 miles. Running a half marathon was an incredible experience. Both half's were completely different than the other and challenged me. If it is not challenging, why do it? Challenging myself creates growth. We all know by this point that I love running and that it has become an important part of my life. Fitness and health play their part in my everyday routines, and diet, in a way I never imagined they would. With a new year now upon us I knew it was time to start making some new goals for myself. When I finished my second half in November I decided that the following year I wanted to do three to four Half Marathon's. I believe three is reachable, four may be pushing it. We will see what the year ahead brings.

Yesterday morning I woke up early to jump on the computer to be sure I could reserve my place in the Half Marathon Unplugged on Saturday, April 11th, 2015. There is a limited amount of runners allowed with two waves. The coarse offers beautiful views as well as the selling point of "no hills, no frills." I thought this would be a good Half to get me in training mode for the Vermont City Marathon on May 24th. (Let me clarify I will only be doing a Half for this as well! No marathon for me!) Here we are, just under 3 months away from the race. Signing up is an extra kick in my ass to get moving on training. I have been running throughout the winter yet my miles have decreased. I now have something to work towards. I know this race is coming and having trained for two half marathon's before I know what I need to do in order to be ready. It's go time!

The weather has not been my friend these days. It is not the cold weather (which I do hate) that makes running difficult, it is the conditions it creates. I have been fortunate not to fall on my ass this season (been there, done that). I also am getting over a nasty cold which has thrown me off. Because of this I missed a couple of runs. I hate missing a run. When I get something in my head I stick to it. That is the determination which pushes me to complete my runs. I may not always want to get out there for the run yet I always feel happy about completing my runs. It is harder to find my motivation this time of year. Knowing now I need to be ready for April is exactly the push I need to get more miles in.

Running these races not only takes dedication, passion, and strength.  I could not do it without the support of my friends and family. Most importantly, running with my father is special to me. He inspires me. My father has been running for as long as I can remember. I love that we are able to do these runs together. Indeed, I am my fathers daughter. I hope that someday one, or both, of my boys will fall in love with running like I did. I hope to share in new races and running memories with them. It took me in my 30's before I started my love affair with running. If it is not running that I instill in them, I hope to at least teach them the importance of self respect, exercise, and living a healthy lifestyle.

The Battle of the Holiday Bulge

There is something about this time of year that makes me want to eat. I realize with the holidays we all battle this. We are surrounded by desserts, delicious dishes, family foods, and drinks made to please the pallet. It's more than that for me right now. I feel I am also not able to eat the foods I want on a daily basis.

The change of seasons has made grocery shopping less appealing for me. I love fruits and veggies. Have you seen how the fruits look this time a year?! Not only are they not as fresh and ripe as I would like, they are over priced. I find myself standing in front of the strawberries and blueberries pondering if I want to spend five dollars on them or keep walking. I am frugal in my shopping. I will bring a calculator and try to keep it at the allowed amount that day. When I see an item I want that I consider over priced, I sadly walk away.

It is important to me to eat healthy. It is equally, if not more, important for me to try to feed my children healthy foods as well. If you have a toddler then you may know how hard it can be to feed them a balanced meal. (Refer to my post in November: Can I Skip Dinner Please). Since both my boys love fruits I try to be sure I have an assortment in our house. These days it is slim pickings.

I have resorted to buying frozen fruits. They hold the same nutritional value and when I use them in my daily smoothies, they taste just as good. Frozen fruit is cheaper and you can get a little more for your money. Bonus right?! Yes and no. Have you tried to thaw some strawberries to hand to your wee one? They still are on the mushy side. There really is nothing like fresh fruit! I love strawberry and blueberry season. Right now I am mourning both.

Vegetables too are not at their peak. Luckily my grocery store has a good selection and isn't  disappointing me as much in this area. As with fruits, I am not one to buy canned veggies or frozen veggies. I keep a few on hand, the kids love peas. I just enjoy cooking and eating handful's of fresh fruits and veggies. I am missing our box garden to pick from.

The cold is now setting in and the nightly salad I would have with dinner is becoming less appealing to me. I want warmer, more comfort food these days. 

My diet is a way of life for me. What I put into my body is important. I work at keeping myself in shape. I am not one that can eat whatever I want and not have it affect me. Since I have had children my body has needed extra attention. Let's face it, I am not 21 anymore. There use to be a time it didn't matter, I am no longer in that time.

I have surrendered myself to the fact that during the holiday season I may gain a few extra pounds. I am okay with that. I do believe in indulging! Over the next couple of weeks there will be gatherings with friends and family and I fully intend to enjoy these times without restrictions. It doesn't mean that doesn't come with guilt though. I will be honest, I get food guilt after I have consumed that piece of chocolate cake or had that extra glass of wine. This just means I will work a little harder after the holidays. It is me against the battle of the holiday bulge. I will win in the end!