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Tag Archives: wellness

Guide to Vital Proteins Products

April 19, 2019 By in vital proteins Tags: , , , , , , 17 Comments

As many people know, I’m a Vital Proteins Ambassador and have been using Vital Proteins Collagen for over a year now.  Vital Proteins sends me products to try and I share my favorites or answer questions people have.

One of the most common questions I get is: Which is best?

Unflavored peptides?

Whey?

Beauty Greens?

Like most anything, it depends on your goals. Any quality Collagen can benefit most people.

I’ve written several posts of how it’s personally helped me including:

Why Collagen Post Run?
Hair and Nail Benefits of Collagen
Skin Benefits from Collagen
Top Benefits of Collagen

Before we Dive into More Different Products, a Few Things About All Vital Protein Products:

  • Free from artificial ingredients and sweeteners.
  • Contain All Real Food

So Why Use Collagen?

If you are looking for a protein powder, Vital Proteins is the most natural. There is just one ingredient, collagen.  The body produces collagen naturally.

Last Month, I wrote a guide to a few of the most popular and well-known products including whey and gelatin.  This month I’m writing about some of the lesser known, but still awesome products.

Collagen Creamer:

The collagen creamer is a unique product that Vital Proteins offers. A few weeks ago, I had several questions about it, so I decided to write a post.

For me personally, I add it to more hot beverages than actual coffee. For me, I prefer thicker coffee creamer.  It’s no secret I like whipped cream or creamy coffee. A collagen creamer is an excellent option for those who prefer a darker coffee and want to get collagen.

Matcha Collagen:

As a coffee drinker, I don’t drink a lot of matcha. I don’t hate the flavor, and it tastes similar to regular matcha, but it’s not my first grab.

One benefit of Matcha Collagen is the benefit of matcha itself. Matcha has 100 times the amount of antioxidants other teas have. I’ve tried it before, and I like it. If you like matcha, you’ll like matcha collagen.

matcha collagen latte vital proteins

Bone Broth Collagen:

Bone Broth was the very first collagen product I tried. You can heat it and drink like bone broth or use it in cooking and soups. The ingredient is just bone broth!

Last winter, I would drink a serving after a run to warm up.

Collagen Beauty Greens:

The Collagen Beauty Greens combines with healthy organic greens and provides Vitamin A, hyaluronic acid, and probiotics.

It’s designed to help to boost healthy skin, hair, and nails. There are three servings of veggies and one serving of fruit in every serving.  Plus each serving has 11 different types of organic fruits and vegetables.

Collagen Water:

The new collagen water bottles are fantastic because they are easy and on the go. The flavor reminds me of slightly flavored water and not overly flavored. They are easy, portable.

If you are interested in winning a four pack, I’ve given them away before in my weekly newsletter.

Next month I’ll be talking more about the supplement side of Vital Proteins. Let me know if you have any questions!

Questions for you:

Have you tried Vital Proteins before? If so, what’s your favorite?

Have you ever tried Bone Broth? 

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The Difference Between Runners and Non-Runners

April 11, 2019 By in Running, Running Reads Tags: , , , , , 5 Comments
The Difference Between Runners and Non-Runners

It may be hard to remember, but there are people in the world that don’t run!  It’s a weird concept, but it exists.

The life of runners and non-runners is drastically different. I can remember a time I didn’t run and can relate to all of these. Non-runners are cool people too, you know!

Crawlin crab half marathon hampton va me running

How Do Runners and Non-Runners Compare?

Budget:

Non-runners: Non-runners save money for a lot of different things: happy hour, the newest technology or even a great wardrobe. Look at those ultra-chic sunglasses…glamorous.  Whatever it is, they put away money to do the enjoyable “fun things.”

Runners: We save money for new shoes, new workout clothes, and of course races. Don’t forget saving for the latest GPS watch. The smaller the watch, the more money it is. Without these things, we can’t do what we love! Right?  Who runs without a GPS Watch? Barbarians, that’s who!  When we show up to brunch in an old ratty pair of running leggings…you know why!

Beauty Routine:

Non-runners: Non-runners know how to make their features look great. They might spend an hour preparing for the day and look flawless every single day. They have time to hit every last detail, all while looking through the best wrinkle cream reviews to boot. Each outfit is perfect.  Every makeup application is perfect.
Runners: Runners have mastered the ability to shower and put on makeup within 10 minutes. Did that runner just workout on the treadmill or are those fashionable leggings? The lines are blurred, and the world may never know…Good thing fashion has evolved into a lot more comfort.

Eating on the Go and Snacking:

Non-Runners: Non-runners can go hours without eating. Forget to pack a snack? That’s fine, they just hit up the vending machine and are ready to go. 
 Life doesn’t revolve around snacking and being rungry all of the time. If a meeting goes late, oh well!

Runners: Our non-running friends know us as the vending machine to go. We have more snacks in our bags than a vending machine. Are you craving an apple or a chocolate bar? We have both. Runners are never without snacks because you never know when the stomach will start talking. When Runger hits, you have approximately 5 minutes to get us to the nearest food supply, or you will see rage that you have never seen before.

Week Days:

Non-Runners: Sleep until appropriate, wake up, get ready for work, and arrive to work on time. Spend work time doing work, get lunch, or relax, and eat packed lunch. Leave at the appropriate time, do an hour of exercise, or whatever, come home. Eat dinner, relax and go to bed.

Runners: Wake up at 4 am to get a run in. Shower, get ready for work, drink coffee in the shower, and get to work on time. When lunch hits, either tank a “runch” or running lunch,” or just gobble down lunch at the desk. Do more work, go home, get a second run in, or if you’re starving, eat, relax and go to bed.

Weekends:

Non-Runners: After the work week is over, non-runners often catch up with friends by going out for happy hour or dinner. They have a few drinks, dance and let loose. Most of Saturday and Sunday is spent relaxing and catching up on other hobbies.

Runners: Runners look forward to the weekend too! It’s either race weekend or long run weekend! Either way, we are waking up earlier than a weekday. We spend Friday night cuddled up in PJs, watching a movie and in bed sleeping before 9.

Weekend Brunches:

Non-Runners: Non-runners wake up anywhere between 8 and noon. After a well-rested sleep, they meet friends at a neighborhood breakfast spot. It doesn’t matter if it’s crowded because nonrunners are just waking up and going out to eat. They aren’t starving yet. Of course, our non-running friends look gorgeous and spent a few extra minutes getting ready for brunch. Heck, they might even fill up on mimosas beforehand! No wonder they are so happy waiting hours for a table!

Runners: On the weekend, runners wake up well before the weekday. We get our long runs in, and before we know it, it’s time to eat, and we are just trying to make it there on time. There is nothing more cringe-worthy than waiting for brunch after a long run. A messy bun, somewhat fashionable workout clothing and an old pair of sneakers are our signature brunch look.

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. 

Question for you: What is something you do that your “non-running” friends might not understand?

Training Log: Grinding and Workouts

April 8, 2019 By in Running, Training Tags: , , , , , , , , 1 Comment
Training Log: Grinding and Workouts

I got done what I needed too last week. I ran the mileage, I did workouts, and for the most part, feel good about the training week.

Monday: Easy 60 minutes/core
Tuesday: Easy 60 minutes
Wednesday: 5X1000 with 90 seconds rest (average 6:28)
Thursday: OFF
Friday: Easy 10 miles with Alexis/core
Saturday: Solo 5k (20:19) (6:40, 6:29, 6:32) (Warm up/cool down total mileage 6
Sunday: 10 Miles averaging 7:14 pace

Thoughts:

Last week, there were several races I could have done, but none I really wanted too. I figured a week off would do me good since I’ve raced each weekend since early March. I like racing, but there is something about getting up on your own time, doing your own workout, and moving on. If I want my workout to start at 7:53 am…good! It’s hard to run when it doesn’t feel “omg so awesome”.  Luckily I’ve been getting Active Release on my legs with Dr. Craig (I pay him like anyone else) but if you’re local the entire team is great.

Workout Wednesday: 5X1000 (average 6:28 pace) with 90 seconds rest

My legs did not feel great during the workout, but I still got it done. Over the past few months, my legs haven’t felt great and I’ve started contemplated looking to see if something else is going on. Of course it’s not life threatening but paces that once felt effortless (6:28), feel like I’m running a new PR. Anyway, there wasn’t much to note about the workout and I was glad to get it done.

Solo 5k: 20:19

I thought about racing last week but nothing wowed me and I just wasn’t in the mood to run a longer race. There was a 15k but I ran a 10-mile last week and I have a half marathon next so it would be 3 long races in a row. I can do shorter races in a row, but I’m not ready to do longer races. Anyway, the weather was perfect and I ran 6:40, 6:29, 6:32. I was on dead legs so I’m happy with the effort level.

Long Run 10 miles averaging 7:14

I wanted a solid effort long run. The pace didn’t feel comfortable but I wasn’t gasping for air either. I was able to say hi to all of my friends (I feel like I saw a lot of people I knew). This is one of my better workouts of 2019 and I feel happy with it.  This gave me a little more confidence.

Posts from the Week:

Garden State 10 Miler (1:08.34)

March Training Log

Thank you to everyone who has subscribed to the LOLZletter!

I’m so excited that we just reached 500 subscribers and a new one comes out today (with a giveaway!) It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport.

Questions for you:

Do you have any big races in April?

How do you recover from hard workouts, races, or anything else?

March Training Log

April 3, 2019 By in Running, Training Tags: , , , , , 2 Comments
March Training Log

Where did March go? I blinked, and it was gone.

Truthfully, I thought March would be “my month.” I envisioned myself and my training beginning to turn. I envisioned feeling better. I got a glimpse of fitness at the Leprechaun 7 miler when it felt effortless to run 7 miles around 6:33 pace, and negative split. That was once and for the most part, I just grinded away. It’s hard to put in work and not feel much more accomplished but every training cycle is different, and you can’t compare yourself to anyone else (including yourself).

Miles Run: Around 180

Rest Days: 9

Range of Paces: 6:06-11:30-untimed

Workouts: 4

Races: 5

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup 4 Miler

Leprechaun 7 Miler (45:51)

Adrenaline 5k (19:26)

Shamrock Half Marathon (1:29.52)

Phillies 5k (20:08)

Garden State 10 Miler (1:08.30)

Thoughts:

I would have loved to gain more fitness than I did in March. I’m progressing but it’s been a very slow process.  At the beginning of the month, I had a hard time comparing myself to previous years, times, and races. This time last year I was racing 5ks a minute faster, but I remind myself that fitness will come when it comes. I’ll continue to work hard.

As it gets later and later into Spring, I have realized it won’t be a PR season. Could a Pr magically come? Sure, maybe. But is that likely? No. It would mean having too big of leaps in fitness. To clarify, I’m not sad I’m not as fit as previous years I just know where I stand.

Posts from the Month:

Running:

How to be an Instagram Runner

How to Bounce Back from a Bad Race

9 Years ago I Began Running

Shoe Reviews:

Hoka Cavu 2 Shoe Review

Hoka One One Mach 2 Shoe Review

On Cloudswift

Hiking:

Hiking Six Mile Run Park

Questions for you:

How was your month of March?

Do you have any races coming up? 

How to Bounce Back from a Bad Race

March 28, 2019 By in Reads, Running, Running Reads, Training Tags: , , , , , , , 2 Comments
How to Bounce Back from a Bad Race

The week before last I had a bad race at the Phillies 5k. While yes, you can argue it was windy, my disappointing race wasn’t because of that.  Honestly, it wasn’t my day and these things happen.  While it stinks, I race so frequently there is no point to let one bad race ruin my day.

How to Bounce Back from a Bad Race

So What Can You Do After a Bad Race?

Like the movie, Frozen, let it go…

Find the Positives:

When I finished the Phillies 5k, the first thing I thought was: Wow I felt awful. Then I quickly remembered I’m injury free.  The entire race was miserable, my mental spot was not great, but I finished healthy.

After cooling down, I caught up with one of my closest friends and still hung out. I saw many locals and chatted for a while. They asked how the race went, and I said: “awful it wasn’t my day for running, but it’s just running”.

Running isn’t my job; it’s a hobby.  If a hobby stresses you out or causes you misery, it’s time to find a new one. Sure, I won’t always “love running” but instead of dwelling on a bad race, look for the good.

It’s important to look at the positives of your race:

Did you finish healthy and injury free?  Could you smile afterward and have a good day?

Next, Reflect and Figure out Why:

Immediately after the 5k, I chalked it up to being “a bad race”.

Now that I’ve sat back and reflected, I know there are plenty of reasons the 5k was not a great race for me.

My body was still tired from the weekend prior. I haven’t eaten or slept well, and I’ve increased speed and racing. Plus, I ran a half marathon the weekend prior. I’ve done it a dozen times, but I’ve always been more fit.

None are excuses but they all contribute to why my race didn’t go well.  Reflecting back and having a few answers is better than, “it just didn’t.”

It gives you ways and reasons to improve.  You can make adjustments to your training, nutrition, or sleep patterns.

Most Importantly: Recover and Set New Goals:

After running a bad race, it’s important to take time to recover.  Even though the race didn’t go well, don’t go crazy. Take time to recover and relax.  Then set your sights on a new race or goal.

Maybe a marathon burned you out…

Or maybe you want to run longer races…

Find something to get excited and refocused about! 

For me personally, I have many races over the next two months. While I’m not looking for magical redemption, I’m looking forward to chipping away my time and getting back into better fitness.

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. 

Questions for you:

How do you get over a bad race?

What has been your least enjoyable race?

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