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TOTR: Favorite Fuel of Choice

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Today’s Topic is: Favorite Fuel of Choice

Here is what I eat before and during a race or long run:

  •  Hot Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat

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I eat this for breakfast before every race (or morning run). Sometimes I make instant and sometimes I make the real stuff.  My favorite flavor is maple or brown sugar cinnamon. I usually add raisins.

  • H20

Just plain water…nothing added.  And usually from the tap.

However, I plan to try adding Nuun to my water.

Image result for nuun

what is your favorite flavor?

  • GU

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I usually take one gel every 4 miles or so during a race or long run.

It works for me so why switch? They don’t upset my stomach and they are easy to carry on a run.

My favorite flavors are:

  • with caffeine – Salted Caramel, Caramel Macchiato, Chocolate Outrage, Campfire Smores
  • without caffeine – Root Bear, Peanut Butter

Here are some of the new flavors:

  • Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars

They come in loads of flavors but I usually eat the plain fig or the blueberry. Since I usually run after work and before dinner, these bars give me the energy I need to get through my run.

Image result for natures fig bars

  • Bananas

runners and bananas

I love to eat them and they are a good source of potassium which is said to help prevent muscle cramping. Plus they come in their own wrapper. LOL.

I will eat one as an afternoon snack on days when I run after work.

  • Chocolate milk

Not fuel but refuel.

at my race last Saturday. I was sure happy.

For some reason, after a race or a long run, this is the only thing I can eat/drink right away.  It doesn’t upset my stomach.

Happy Running! What are your favorite fuel?

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Friday Five 2.0: Running Fuel

It’s Friday and I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!
Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

This week, the topic is: Running Fuel.

So what would someone who doesn’t cook much and whose post-run fuel is usually ice cream write about??

I am going to share what I use for energy before or during my runs:

1. GU

gu

It works for me so why switch? They don’t upset my stomach and they are easy to carry on a run.

My favorite flavors are:

  • with caffeine – Salted Caramel, Caramel Macchiato, Chocolate Outrage
  • without caffeine – Root Bear, Peanut Butter

Here are some new flavors that I haven’t tried:

2. Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars

Image result for natures fig bars

 

They come in loads of flavors but I usually eat the plain fig or the blueberry.

They are made with 0g of trans fat, all natural, whole wheat, and are Non GMO, Kosher, and cholesterol-free. Some flavors are even gluten-free.

Image result for natures fig bars

always new flavors to try

3. Bananas

runners and bananas

I love to eat them and they are a good source of potassium which is said to help prevent muscle cramping. Plus they come in their own wrapper. LOL.

4. Starbucks Chocolate Banana Smoothie

Image result for starbucks chocolate banana smoothie

I am sure it must be heathier than a Latte or a Frappuccino, right? (This is obviously a pre or post run treat.)

It contains: A nourishing blend of mocha flavored sauce, a whole banana, milk, whey protein and fiber powder, and ice.

5. Larabar Bites

Image result for larabar bites

Are they healthy? Not sure but they do taste good.  Here’s what their website says:

All 4 indulgent flavors are made from just 5-6 simple ingredients and are gluten free, non-GMO, vegan, and dairy free.

Happy Running! What do you eat for running fuel?

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Friday Five 2.0: Food for Running

It’s Friday and I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!
Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

This week, the topic is: Food.

So what would someone who doesn’t cook much and whose post-run fuel is usually ice cream write about??

I am going to share what I use for energy before or during my runs:

1. GU

gu

It works for me so why switch? They don’t upset my stomach and they are easy to carry on a run.

My favorite flavors are:

  • with caffeine – Salted Caramel, Caramel Macchiato, Chocolate Outrage
  • without caffeine – Root Bear, Peanut Butter

2. Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars

Image result for nature's Bakery fig bars

They come in loads of flavors but I usually eat the plain fig or the blueberry.

They are made with 0g of trans fat, all natural, whole wheat , and are Non GMO, Kosher, and cholesterol-free. Some flavors are even gluten-free.

3. Bananas

runners and bananas

I love to eat them and they are a good source of potassium which is said to help prevent muscle cramping. Plus they come in their own wrapper. LOL.

4. Starbucks Chocolate Banana Smoothie

Image result for starbucks chocolate banana smoothie

I am sure it must be heathier than a Latte or a Frappuccino, right? (This is obviously a pre or post run treat.)

It contains: A nourishing blend of mocha flavored sauce, a whole banana, milk, whey protein and fiber powder, and ice.

5. Larabar Bites

Image result for larabar bites

Are they healthy? Not sure but they do taste good.  Here’s what their website says:

All 4 indulgent flavors are made from just 5-6 simple ingredients and are gluten free, non-GMO, vegan, and dairy free.

Happy Running! What do you eat for energy?

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Manitoba Harvest Hemp Heat Bars Review

I admit I have a sweet tooth. I also eat frequently especially when I am at work.  And sometimes I don’t get home until late to eat dinner.  So I usually bring snacks to work – a bagel, a few bars, fruit, etc.

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So, when I was offered the opportunity to try out the Manitoba Hemp Heart Bars, I signed right up. A while back, I tried hemp hearts and I was excited to see how they incorporated them into a bar.

The bars did not let me down. Not only did I like the taste, but they have 10 grams of protein, 10 grams of omegas and fewer than 10 grams of sugar.  The apple cinnamon flavor was good and I’d eat it again, but the chocolate was even better. Not just because it tasted good, but because it fulfilled a craving for something sweet but it didn’t contain a lot of sugar.

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Thursday I was very tired but planned to go for a run so I chose the Chocolate Manitoba Harvest Hemp Heart bars.  It gave me the energy I needed to get through the run.

And yesterday, I tried the Apple Cinnamon bar at work.  I ate it earlier and used it as an afternoon snack.  Yup, it worked.  It kept me satisfied until dinner.

Want to try some?

Sweat Pink and Manitoba Harvest are offering a discount on the Hemp Heart bars.  Just visit Manitobaharvest.com and use the discount code hhbarlaunch1015 for 15% off. Code expires 3/31/2016.

Are you feeling lucky and want to win some Manitoba Harvest Hemp Heart bars?

Manitoba Harvest is also running a photo contest. (Details here). Open to US and Canada residents. Tag @manitobaharvest #fuelledbyhemp  for a chance to win a box of your favorite flavor of Hemp Heart Bars! A winner will be chosen each month!

Happy Running! Have you tried Manitoba Hemp Harvest Bars? If so, what do you think of them?

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Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post by Fit Approach and Manitoba Harvest. All opinions are my own.

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Friday Five: Race Day

DC_linkup

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mary at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup.  Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!)  They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

This week, the theme is Race Day.

If you are a runner, who doesn’t love “race day.”

Here are 5 important things in my race day:

1. Have a good breakfast

For me, it’s oatmeal or cream of wheat with flax or raisins added in.

2. Get dressed in a cute but comfortable outfit.

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Yes, I am matchy matchy but I try to wear clothes that I’ve worn before so I know they will be comfortable.

3. Bring all the extra stuff you need

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Fuel for before and during.

My Garmin, my iPhone, my RoadID, my belt for attaching my bib…

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Change of clothes for after.

4.Get to the race early.

So you can find parking, get your race packet, use the restrooms and meet up with friends. And then relax (Is that possible?)

5.Cross that finish line and smile.

Be proud of your accomplishment even if it wasn’t a PR. You finished a race!!

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Happy Running! What important things go on on your race day?

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Tuesdays on the Run: Rituals for Races

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is: Rituals for Races

I’m not really superstitious so I have no lucky charms but below are my must-do and must-haves on race day:

  • Breakfast

I always have oatmeal–2 or 3 packages with almond milk. I try to eat 2 hours before the race.

  • Fuel

I always eat one packet of Gu before the race and one after for each 4 miles of running and only drink plain water.

  • Running Skirt and Compression Socks

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Apple Run - October

No matter what the season or weather, I wear a skirt.  They are the most comfortable for me.  And because I still worry about my ankle, I wear compression knee socks.

  • My Garmin

It’s big and clunky but it tells me distance, time, pace…everything I need to know on one screen during a race.

  • My Road ID

Half in Naples, Florida

I got it for my first Half Marathon (in case I was found passed out on the side of the road) and have worn it every since.  Once I lost it so I bought another and then found the first one. So now I have 2 pink ones (one velcro, one rubber).

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  • My iPhone

iphonerun

I carry my phone everywhere.  I got burned once and I will never run without it.  I also use my phone to take pictures instead of  a camera.

  • Race Belt

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I have two different ones. I don’t like to put pins in my shirts so I attach my bib to the belt.  It also allows me to carry a phone.

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  • a Hat

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You’ll never see me run without one. A wool or fleece hat in the winter and a baseball cap the rest of the year.  I don’t like headbands and hats keep my hair out of the way.

Run for the Roc - September

Happy Running! Do you have any lucky charms or race day rituals?

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Tuesdays on the Run: Weight Loss or Maintenance While Distance Running

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is: Weight Loss or Maintenance While Distance Running

I signed up for 4  half marathons – one in January, one in April, one in May, and one in June. That means I am running long on the weekends from October-June.

My goal is to maintain my weight although losing 5 lbs would be nice.

Each mile you run burns, on the average, 75-125 calories. For me,  I think it’s around 100 calories.  So you need to eat but not overeat. Seems pretty logical.

However, I realize that everyone’s metabolism is different.

But here’s what works for me:

  • Eat breakfast

Yes, it’s the most important meal of the day. I never run on an empty stomach.  I always have oatmeal–2 or 3 packages with almond milk.

  • Supplement your runs.

You need energy to run.  I always eat one packet of Gu for each 4 miles of running and only drink water.

  • Reduce your cravings.

I am a dessert person. I crave sweets.

During the day if I need something sugary, I’ll eat a protein bar or if I want a treat, I’ll buy a latte or frappuccino at Starbucks but I’ll have it non-fat and without whipped cream.

At night, if I crave a snack while watching TV, I’ll have a cup of herbal tea. (and yes, I do cheat and have ice cream.)

  • Refuel after your runs.

You burn calories when you run.  If you don’t eat right away, you will wind up overdoing the calories later.

After a run, I might have some fruit, a bagel or chocolate milk.

  • Eat healthy at meals (most of the time.)

I usually do except when I eat in a restaurant. (Everything goes out the window when I see my choices on the menu, especially the desserts.)

Healthy eating to me means dinners consisting of lean meat or fish, lots of veggies and brown rice or whole wheat pasta.

Lunch – bagel, yogurt with granola, apple, cheese (I eat at my desk between 10 am & 2 pm)

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Happy Running! How do you  maintain your weight when training?

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Tuesdays on the Run: Runner’s Nutrition

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is: Runner’s Nutrition

I should preface this post with the fact that I do not eat healthy most of the time.  I love my carbs and my desserts (esp. ice cream).

That being said, here’s what me, the runner, eats :

  • Pre-Race Meal (the night before) – Pizza or Pasta

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I don’t like too much cheese or sauce.  I prefer a thin crust.

Again, I don’t overdo on the sauce or the cheese.

  • Pre-Race meal (the morning of) – Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat

IMG_3945

Sometimes I make instant and sometimes I make the real stuff.  My favorite flavor is maple or brown sugar cinnamon.

  • Snacks before and after running – Protein Bars

If I run after work, I usually eat one of these before I run. On days off, when I run in the morning, I eat one after my run. My favorites are Balance bar (yogurt honey peanut) and Kind (vanilla blueberry). I also like Cliff bars (pumpkin & gingerbread).

  • Fuel during long runs or long races – Energy Gels

I love salted caramel and peanut butter. Now there are 2 new ones – chocolate peanut butter & root beer!!

I usually take one GU before a race and every 4 miles during a long run or race. I have never had any stomach issues with GU,

  • What I drink before run & during a race – H20

Just plain water…nothing added.  And usually from the tap. I don’t like to carry water so I drink it before and after or loop back to my car.  Races are perfect since they provide water.

  • What I drink after a run or a race – Chocolate milk

Not fuel but refuel. For some reason, after a race, this is the only thing I can eat/drink right away.  It doesn’t upset my stomach.

Non-running related Nutrition:

  • Breakfast – Hot Cereal

I like this brand when I can find it.

  • Lunch (I snack throughout the day at my desk) – Bagel, Yogurt, Cheese, Apple


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  • Dinner – Meat or Fish, Brown Rice & a Vegetable
  • Evening Snack – Ice cream (what else?)

My downfall is eating in restaurants and at other people’s houses.  I have NO WILL POWER!

Happy Running! What do you eat as a runner? Do you eat healthy?

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Friday Five: What’s in my gym bag?!

DC_linkup

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mary at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup.  Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!)  They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

This week, the theme is: What’s in my gym bag?!

I am the bag lady.  I always bring a gym bag to work – for tennis, running, yoga or sometimes 2 or 3 bags.

IMG_4795   IMG_4794  IMG_4806-0

These are the things that are always in my bag:

1. Food – Most of the time I run, play tennis or work out after work but before dinner.  So I am hungry. I always carry a variety of bars with me.

 

2. Water – I always carry an empty bottle to fill with just plain water.

3. Hat – My hair is unruly and bugs me if I don’t wear a hat.  If it is cold, I carry a cap and if it is not, a baseball cap.

4. Clothes – Shoes, shirt, socks, gloves, pants or skirt, jacket and many layers this time of year for running outside. Sometimes it is tough squeezing it all in.

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5. Phone – I use my iPhone to stay in touch in case of an emergency, for music, to track my distance (when not racing) and to take photos.

Happy Running! What’s in your gym bag?

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Friday Five: Favorite fuel/foods

DC_linkup

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mary at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup.  Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!)  They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

This week, the theme is Five Favorite Fuel/Foods for Fitness/Running/Training

1. Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat

IMG_3945

This is what I eat for breakfast before every race. Sometimes I make instant and sometimes I make the real stuff.  My favorite flavor is maple or brown sugar cinnamon.

2. Protein Bars

If I run after work, I usually eat one of these before I run. My favorites are Balance bar (yogurt honey peanut) and Kind (vanilla blueberry).

3. Energy Gels

I love salted caramel and peanut butter. Now there are 2 new ones – chocolate peanut butter & root beer!!

I usually take one GU before a race and every 4 miles during a long run or race. I have never had any stomach issues with GU,

4. H20

Just plain water…nothing added.  And usually from the tap.

5. Chocolate milk

Not fuel but refuel.

For some reason, after a race, this is the only thing I can eat/drink right away.  It doesn’t upset my stomach.

Happy Running! What are you favorite fuel/foods for fitness/running/training?

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