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Tag Archives: wellness

Training: Swimming and Running

April 29, 2019 By in Running, Training Tags: , , , , , 6 Comments
Training: Swimming and Running

Over the past two weeks, I’ve been getting in the pool…a lot. My goal last week was to get 6000 meters, and I did over three swim sessions. This Spring my running never came together as I hoped, so instead, I’ve resorted back to the pool. I don’t know how long I’ll continue to log the mileage, but I’m enjoying it for now which is all that matters.

Monday: Run 60 minutes
Tuesday: Swim 2000 meters
Wednesday: Run 60 minutes/Swim 2000 meters
Thursday: Run 60 minutes
Friday: Swim 2000 meters
Saturday: Easy run with Alexis
Sunday: 10 miles average 8:06 pace

Thoughts:

My running last week was easy minus a harder effort long run. I originally was signed up for a race (yes I lost the entry fee) but life came up, and I couldn’t make it. I made the best of it and got a long run in later. The long run was a harder effort, and I had several miles under 8. It was my longest run in the last two weeks.

As far as actual running goes, I’m trying to ease back into running after last week off. It was hard for me not to do a speed workout on Wednesday, but I reminded myself (multiple times) that it would be dumb to do that.

Swimming:

Last week I made it my goal to get 6000 meters of swimming in for the week. Way back in college days, we would do 6000-7000 meters per practice! I was proud of myself accomplishing that. I swam my fastest pool mile in quite some time (28 minutes). I’m going to keep swimming until I don’t enjoy it anymore. I don’t know when that will be, but I’m going to keep doing it for now.

Next week:

I plan to ease back into mileage. I am running the Broad Street 10 miler next weekend. I’m far off from the 1:02, I ran last year, but I always enjoy myself at that race. It will be nice to see family and friends.  I didn’t plan to take two weekends off from racing, but my life schedule has been unforgiving lately. It’s been a busy month for both my husband and myself and running has taken a backseat.

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. There are giveaways, coupon codes, and more. 

Posts from the Week:

 Hiking Watchung Reservation

Hoka One One Speedgoat Midi Shoe Review

Questions for you:

What is something you did before running?

How was your week of workouts?  

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Training Last Week: Two Miles of Running

April 22, 2019 By in Running, Training Tags: , , , , , 5 Comments
Training Last Week: Two Miles of Running

Last week, I ran 2 miles. I’m not hurt or injured, but I didn’t feel like running. After the Atlantic City Half Marathon on Sunday, I needed a break from running. It didn’t go well, and I had no desire to run. On Monday I woke up and said eh maybe tomorrow. Tuesday I said, perhaps tomorrow…

Monday: 2000 meter swim
Tuesday: Hour Hike
Wednesday: 2-mile run/hike with Alexis
Thursday: 2050 meter swim
Friday: 2000 meter swim
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: 13.4-mile hike at High Point State Park

Thoughts:

Spring never came together for me. I showed up and showed up and showed up. I ran hard workouts, I ran hard races, but other things got in the way. Life was busy and often mentally draining.  No big deal, but it played a role in my running. My Spring season isn’t mainly done, and I have plenty of races but will I run anywhere close to a 1:22 or even 1:25 this Spring, probably not. Rebuilding seasons are essential, and I know the rest will do me well.

So anyway, after the Atlantic City Half I decided I wanted to take a couple of days off. A couple of days turned into mostly a week (with 2 miles on Wednesday) because it was so beautiful.

Swimming:

The white elephant in the room…OMG, I went swimming. Yes, the rumors are true. As many people know, I grew up a swimmer (You can read my “growing up story” here). I swam competitively through high school and college. It was fun. I decided to get in the pool for the first time in a long time.

Back in my day (LOL), we didn’t have GPS watches to count laps and meters, so it was a new experience for me to have a watch that does it all. It’s so cool to see splits from each lap. I’m enjoying swimming. I don’t know how long I’ll swim and keep it up, but I’m enjoying it now. I swim 2000 meters straight.  I’m enjoying how I put my face into the water and don’t talk or know anything for about 45 minutes.

swimming me

13.4 Mile Hike:

This was one of our longest hikes yet. We’ve never been to High Point. We woke up early and treked along. It was a fun loop because there every mile was different from stream crossings to rain, to climbing up to the top. It was a lot of fun.  As it gets into the Spring and Summer, I’m looking forward to adding more hiking into my week (when time permits).

hiking high point state park me

Next Week:

The last week has been a nice break from running. I am going to start running again.  I think I’ll probably swim some too. I joined a gym and have at least a one month contract so might as well use it.

Posts from the Week:

Guide to Vital Proteins Products

April Fools Half Marathon (1:30.30)

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. This week I’m talking about recovery!

Questions for you:

When was your last running break?

What is something you did growing up but not anymore? 

 

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? 

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?

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