February 8, 2015 by Darlene

My Project Repat Blanket is done!

Last month, I posted here about my excitement after ordering a blanket made from my old race shirts from Project Repat.

The first step is choosing the size blanket you wish them to make, and then picking out your shirts. I choose to have a twin blanket made and that meant picking out 24 shirts.

The hardest part of having this blanket made is choosing the shirts.

Because I had so many… close to 100. I don’t run in them but do wear some to bed or to hang out in. But most of them, just sit in a drawer (or two).

The majority of these shirts are from my beginning running days of 2008 -2010. In those days, you got cotton shirts at every race. Since then, many or most races are giving out tech shirts and if they a gender-specific and fit, I wear them to run. Also, for the past year, I have been sending all my shirts to JA my running buddy.

That being said, I surely had enough shirts for the twin blanket.

Most of the shirts that I chose were cotton but some were tech fabric shirts and when they put them together, you really don’t notice the difference in materials.

The website has a short video to help you with the cutting process.

Even though I don’t wear these shirts, I was a little emotional cutting them up. But as I did, I was remembering each race that the shirt represented.

There was one from my first 5k ever…

2008

one from a 5K walk that I did at a conference years before I thought about running…

one from one of my favorite 5ks…

one that I especially liked…

I also included the shirt from my most recent half marathon.

The next step is optional. You can decide where each shirt should be placed on the blanket and send them a photo. I chose to let let them choose the locations and I am pretty happy with how it turned out.

The last step is to mail your shirts. I squeezed them into a small box and it didn’t cost much to mail at all. (But I live in NY and Project Repat is in Mass.)

As soon as they receive your box, you will get an email verifying receipt.

Then you just wait.

I only took less two weeks.

When I opened the package yesterday, I was so excited with the finished project.

Be sure to check out the Project Repat website and consider one of these blankets for your old race shirts. It is a great way to remember your races.

Happy Running! Have you had your shirts made into a blanket yet? If not, what do you do with your race shirts?

(Don’t forget to enter my Runner’s Choice giveaway HERE.)

______________________

Disclosure: I was given a discount for my Project Repat blanket. There was no compensation for this post and the opinions stated here are my own.

February 8, 2015 by Darlene

Runner’s Choice Review and Giveaway

runners-choice-bott

If you read my blog, you know that my feet often hurt. So I was excited to try Runner’s Choice.

Runner’s Choice is made from 100% natural botanical oils of almond, eucalyptus, eucalytol, wintergreen, peppermint and spearmint.

It is designed for people who run 3 miles or more at a time.

Before and after running, simply apply it to your feet–no rubbing in needed. They recommend that you coat the bottom of your feet, in between the toes and the top & 2 inches above the ankle.

I used it before and after my 10 mile race last Sunday, after my run on Thursday and before my race yesterday.

I can’t honestly say that it has made a difference in my running. But afterward, I found it refreshing. And my feet felt restored.

TRY IT: One bottle of Runner’s Choice is free to everyone (one per household) in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia (only pay shipping charge) by ordering it here. If you have a blog and agree to review it on your site, let them know and the shipping charge will be waived.

WIN IT! 3 lucky readers from U.S., Canada, Europe or Australia will win one bottle of Runner’s Choice. To enter, click the link below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit Our Trusted Health Products Website!
Like Trusted Health Products on Facebook!

Happy Running!

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Dislaimer: I received this product from Trusted Health Products, but no compensation was received for this post. As always, the opinions stated here are my own.

December 27, 2014 by Darlene

My Airia Running Shoe Experience

According to the website, Airia One is:

a new running shoe designed like nothing you have seen – or felt – before. Solid tests reveal that runners wearing Airia shave their running times by 1-2 percent (and some of them up to 7 percent), regardless of ability or running style. Perhaps more importantly, it provides a stronger running feel. Airia is the result of more than two decades of development, over 5,000 test runs, and a persistent will to create a running shoe that unleashes the natural power of the human body.

I received an e-mail several months asking me if I wanted to try these shoes made in Sweden. I responded “Of course.” Who doesn’t want to run faster and who doesn’t want free shoes?

Well, they finally arrived.

I’ll give them an A+ on marketing.

The box says all the right things:

But they aren’t very good-looking. How long will this shoe stay white? Especially in the winter.

And the toe curls up so they look very strange.

I tried them on and the toe box felt very wide. But that’s a good thing for me.

They also felt big. I wear a 7 shoe and 8.5 running shoe because I like them big (and I have not yet lost a toenail!). These shoes felt bigger than my others.

They have a weird sensation when walking. You can feel a hard lump under the front.

I do pronate a little and this shoe gave me no support in that area. In fact, they seem to make me pronate even more.

I was a little nervous about a shoe with not a lot of support. I have tried Newtons and loved them until I turned my ankle & broke my foot. (I stopped wearing them and when back to a more supportive shoe.)

However, I was willing to give them a shot.

In all fairness to the shoe, wintertime is not the best time for me to test these shoes. I am not running any short races and my weekday runs are slow due to the wintery conditions on the roads and sidewalks. Plus I am training for a January half marathon.

But I did take them out on a 4 mile run before work last week.

The awkward feeling eventually did go away. It was impossible to land anywhere but on your forefoot when running. However, this isn’t a problem for me because I am not a heel striker. (If you are, these shoes may be worth a try.)

I didn’t feel faster but then again, I am never fast on my runs unless I’m in a race.

I wore them again on several short runs.

The biggest problem comes from my fear of these lighter shoes causing injury. I would hesitate to run often and anything longer than a 5K wearing them.

Am I running faster in them? I couldn’t really say until I wear them in a race this summer or fall. And I am not sure that I trust these shoes enough to wear them to race.

But if you’re looking for a running shoe that is quite different from other running shoes available in the market today, and one that says that it will make you run faster, check out the Airia One. It retails for $190 and is available for online order for now.

Happy Running! Have you tried Airia running shoes? If so, what did you think?

These shoes were provided by Airia Running, but all opinions are my own.

November 25, 2014 by Darlene

Runner’s Gift List & Pro Compression Review

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 Gift List

Here are my 5 recommendations:

a Watch

Forerunner 10

Forerunner 220

If you are a runner, you know how important it is to track your distance and pace especially during a race and training for an important race. I couldn’t survive without one. I have the Garmin 205 which is rather large and I am not sure how long it will last. I would love to have a new one, Santa!

Running Shoes

Mizunos Wave Rider 18s

Hokas

“I have too many pairs of running shoes,” said no runner ever! I love my Mizuno Wave Rider 18s that I have in black. It would be nice to get another pair ..in pink?

I have heard a lot about Hokas and how supportive they are. I would love to try them….

a Running Skirt

skirtsports.com

runningskirts.com

I can’t believe that I ever ran in shorts. Skirts are so much more comfortable and they look so much better (especially if you don’t have a perfect body.) Those from Runningskirt.com are my favorite. I love their length and that they have 2 pockets. I have a few but not enough….

I don’t have any from SkirtSports but I think I would like them. They come in cool designs and I have heard that they are comfortable.

Running Jewelry

Every girl likes bling! And how nice would a charm with a message or commemorating a race distance be…

I am wearing one that ❤ Running

Socks

Having the right socks are almost as important as the right shoes. The only time I don’t wear compression is when is very hot or with capris. I get blisters so I heard that Feetures are a great low sock to buy.

However, my favorite socks are compression ones from Pro Compression.

I wear their Marathon socks and I love them!!

Here are the key features of these socks:

1. True Graduated Compression

2. Arch support with just the right about of compression

3. Stabilization zone thru the sides to mid foot. Helps provide foot bed comfort.

4. Open toe box so it will not keep your toes too tight.

5. Wide cuff for added comfort.

6. Moisture wicking materials

7. No blisters!

If that’s not enough, here are some more reasons to buy them:

1. Their socks are MADE in the USA

2. They always have a super fun Sock of the Month! A new sock designs every month with a discount! Sign up on the home page under: Receive Monthly Specials.

3. They are one of the few compression socks companies that makes a true graduated compression sock (They work!)

4. They sell direct. That means bigger discounts and more focus on the customer. Their goal is to make sure everyone is in the correct sock or sleeve that is best for them!

I have worn other compression socks but after I had serious ankle surgery, I was worried about be able to run again. I bought these socks because they boasted that they help reduce swelling and inflammation while providing critical support to muscles and tendons.

Well, I was able to run with no pain and minimal recovery time.

first Half Marathon after ankle surgery

However, why I buy really them is that I NEVER HAVE TIRED LEGS! I have not had any calf issues, shin splints, PF, IT band problems, etc.

during a 15K race

In fact after my last 10 mile race, I continued wearing them and walked around a sculpture garden for 5 hours!! Imagine that!

10 miler - 1:38:45

Most recently, I PRed in a pair at a 15K race.

Stickadeathon - November

So if you want to buy a pair, enter the code PINK2 at checkout for a 40% discount! (This code is valid thru Dec. 15.)

For more gift ideas, click here.

Happy Running! What is on your list? Have you worn Pro Compression socks?

________________

Disclaimer: I received the Pro Compression socks free of charge as part of a Fitfluential/Sweat Pink campaign. All opinions are my own.

October 15, 2014 by Darlene

Manitoba Hemp Hearts Review

As a Sweat Pink Ambassador, I was given the opportunity to try this product*:

I had never heard of eating “hemp” (I thought it was another name for “maijuana”) so I looked it up their website – http://manitobaharvest.com

Food, clothing, rope, paper, building materials, animal bedding/herd, plastic, paint, fuel – the list of hemp applications goes go on and on. We like to call hemp the “green buffalo” as every part of the plant can be used. Hemp that is grown in Western Canada is primarily used for hemp foods. At the top part of the hemp plant you will find the hard hemp seed. This small seed “seeds” nutritiously delicious products like Hemp Hearts, hemp protein powder, and hemp oil.

What should you eat Hemp Hearts?

Great tasting – Hemp Hearts have a slightly nutty taste, similar to a sunflower seed or pine nut.
Easy to use – Simply sprinkle Hemp Hearts on salad, cereal & yogurt, add to smoothies and recipes, or eat them straight from the package!
Nutritious – per 30 gram serving, Hemp Hearts contain 10 grams of plant-based protein and 10 grams of Omegas.
Hemp Hearts have more protein and omegas and less carbs than the same serving of chia or flax.

I would be the first to admit that I am not the most healthy eater. I don’t go out of my way to make recovery shakes or add chia, flax or kale into my meals.

I buy an occasional protein bar and hot cereal with flax.

I do realize that eating foods that contain protein and omegas are beneficial for athletes so I decided to give Hemp Hearts a try.

I added them to my hot cereal for breakfast.

I have also added them to my yogurt for lunch.

I even snacked on them out of the bag.

I really enjoyed the nutty taste, and I feel that hemp hearts make a good alternative to nuts. I liked the unique velvet texture of the hemp hearts.

So if you’re looking for a healthy snack and add more good stuff to your diet, I highly recommend these Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts.

Until November 30, 2014, you can get 20% off your order from ManitobaHarvest.com with the code HHSweatPink14.

Happy Running! Have your tried Hemp Hearts?

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*I was sent this product free of charge. I have not been compensated for my review, my opinions are my own.

July 17, 2014 by Darlene

EveryMove Review

Another app, you’re probably saying…

But this one is different.

You just use what you normally use to track your miles – such as Fitbit, Garmin, any phone app. It automatically syncs with EveryMove. You can also manually add other activities such as tennis and yoga.

You earn points which can convert to $ donated to a charity or to earn discounts on healthy products.

There are 4 Ways To Earn Points

1. Enter your activities.

2. Track your steps with a device like a pedometer or FitBit.

3. Use an app like Facebook or Foursquare to “check in” at healthy places like your gym or a 5k event.

4. Invite friends and family. You can be a great source of motivation for each other, so we reward you with points when they’re active — and vice-versa.

EveryMove‘s points system reflects both the intensity of an activity and the amount of time you spend doing it.

Besides Points, EveryMove offers you other incentives.

An “Active Day” bonus is a points-oriented pat on the back for really breaking a sweat. There are two ways you can earn an Active Day Bonus. The first is within the day. Second, if you have more than one Active Day a week, you get even more bonus points for staying consistent. For every Active Day that you earn, you get 15 bonus points that you can share with three friends.

Level is another way to measure how dedicated you are to a healthy fitness lifestyle. You start on Level 1 and you can progress from level to level all the way to Level 12. Once you get 500 points on EveryMove you move to Level 2. Once you get to 1,000 points you move to Level 3. After Level 3, levels are based on consecutive days of activities’ points.

Badges are a fun way to reward activities that fall outside the every day world of points and rewards.

I have been using EveryMove for a few weeks.

I have to manually add my weekly tennis and yoga activity.

But that’s it.

My walks and runs are automatically synced when I use my Nike + app.

I have already gotten Active Day bonus points several times.

It even updated when I hung out on our boat.

does eating, drinking and floating count as an activity?

I earned a badge for connecting from 3 apps.

And quickly earned my first reward and am now on my way to a second.

I chose socks for my 2nd reward

I just got around to adding in some fellow Sweat Pink Ambassadors as friends. That will give me points as well.

last week’s stats…like that quote

So EveryMove seems to be a simple and easy to use application that integrates well with Fitbit Flex, Garmin Connect, Nike Plus and other fitness apps. It promotes healthy activities and lifestyle by awarding real rewards earned through points generated from your everyday activities.

I like the fact that you can do as little or as much as you want. You can be competitive with your friends and you can even follow and support their healthy activities (if you have the time.)

However, there’s Facebook, DailyMile, Instagram, Blogs….social networking can be very time consuming!

Happy Running! How do you track your activities? Do you use EveryMove?

July 10, 2014 by Darlene

DBelt Review

DBELT was created by Danielle Etienne, a fashion insider with over two decades of experience in the industry and the practical knowledge of a mother of three, and Michael Rabinowitz, founder of the luxury lingerie line Le Mystère.

The DBELT is made of a cotton/spandex blend and is machine washable/dry-able. It comes in black and in sizes from P/S for 24-27 inch waists through L/XL for 36-40 inch waists.

The DBelt is four inches wide and closes with Velcro. It has two zippered pockets – one pocket has a cord port and is big enough for most mobile phones. The other pocket can store ID and cards or some extra cash and coins. You can also wear the DBelt either way – with pockets to the front or the back.

Recently I was given the opportunity to test DBelt. I ordered a medium and it fit snugly around my waist. I wore it during a short run last week. I used the small pocket for my car key and the larger pocket for my phone.

my iphone is not in it since I used it to take this photo.

I had a hard time fitting my phone, which is an iPhone, into the larger pocket. But I squeezed it in and then threaded the headphone wire through the hole. (You would have an even harder time if you use a Samsung phone which is even larger.) I always carry my phone & use it to listen to music instead of my iPod. The problem with a snug fit is that I like to take my phone in and out to take photos. This was difficult.

Otherwise the the DBelt was comfortable. It doesn’t move around and is very light weight and stretchy so you can wear it under your shirt or over.

The DBelt gives you the ease and access to take along your iPod, keys and extra money with you without having to worry of losing them. It would be a perfect alternative to carrying a small purse.

Dbelt gives you a hands free option if you need to carry your iPod or keys while doing your run or a gym workout.

You can purchase the Dbelt from their website @ Dbelt.com and also check them out at the following social media:

facebook.com/TheDBelt
twitter.com/TheDBelt

I will definitely use my DBelt for carrying my keys, phone & credit card when I don’t need to carry a purse. I my continue to use my belt while racing since it can attach my bib & also carry gels.

mhrhm1

Happy Running! What do you use to carry stuff while running?

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*I was sent this product free of charge. I have not been compensated for my review, my opinions are my own.

June 3, 2014 by Darlene

Huma Chia Energy Gel review

As discussed in many of my previous, energy gels are my preferred choice of fuel when I run. I usually take one before any run that is longer than 40 minutes. If I am running a half marathon, I carry them with me to take during the race.

A year ago, I read about Huma Chia Energy Gel on a blog but could not find it in a store. So I contacted the company. They sent me samples and asked me to write a review.

At the time, Huma Chia Energy Gel only came in two flavors: strawberry and apple-cinnamon. I tried both flavors and liked them both, preferring the apple-cinnamon.

A year later, one thing has changed. I no longer drink coffee. I have pretty much given up caffeine. Gu is my energy gel of choice and only the peanut butter is without caffeine.

So I was very excited when I was contacted by Huma and asked if I would try their two new flavors – mango and blueberry.

Huma Chia Energy Gel is all-natural and does not contain caffeine!

On Monday, I had eaten breakfast about 3 hours before my run along Lake George so I took the Mango Huma Chia Energy Gel. It tasted really good and gave me just the energy I needed.

On Wednesday, I decided to run during my lunch break so I took the blueberry. I hadn’t had lunch and the Huma Chia Energy Gel got me through the miles.

I love mangos in general and am so-so on blueberries.

But I liked both of Huma Chia Energy Gels’ new flavors. They tasted great. Mango, however, is my new favorite Huma Chia Energy Gel.

And I had no digestion problems with either of them!!

POSITIVES:

all natural ingredients (this is an important one)
the taste (you don’t even need to wash it down with water)
no caffeine

NEGATIVES:

cost – more expensive than the others
availability – not available in all states so you have to order online (& pay $4.99 shipping)
only 4 flavors – they taste good but fruity is not my preference.

So if you are looking for a tasty healthy alternative to your current energy gel, I would advise you to try Huma Chia Engery Gel!!

Be sure to check them out:

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest

Happy Running! Have you tried these gels? If so, what do you think?

_____________________
**Disclaimer: I was not compensated for my review. I contacted Huma and they provided me with two samples of Huma chia energy gel to try for my honest opinion.

May 25, 2014 by Darlene

Clean Caffeine and LYFT Energy Stir Stick review

What are LYFT Energy Stir Sticks?

LYFT Energy Stir Sticks are a new way to add all natural caffeine to any beverage you’re drinking.

The energy is derived from all natural green coffee bean extract and has vitamins A and B complex. So there are 0 calories AND no artificial flavors, sweeteners or preservatives. The added caffeine is equal to one tall coffee (125 mg).

They are convenient. You can stash some in your gym bag or even your pocket.

stick3

To use, just peel down the label completely off the whole stick (over your drink) and remove it. Dip the stick repeated into your drink. Then stir the stick into your drink for approximately 20 seconds.

stick1
Click HERE to compare to other energy products.

I am not one to take any of these. Not that I don’t need energy but I never liked the idea of putting chemicals in my body for energy.

To fuel my long runs, I carry a gel in my pocket or belt. I also never carry water. I drink water before or after & stop midway.

I also have given up coffee and caffeine. However, I have started taking Salted Caramel Gu (20 mg caffeine) occasionally with no adverse effects. It has the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee.

So I decided to try it on my morning run yesterday. So before my run, I added Lyfte energy stick to a glass of water. I was very tired and it seemed to wake me up as coffee would. (My run was very sluggish but that had to do with my tired legs from a week of playing tennis daily.)

Positives:

The taste – I noticed no taste at all. It was just like I was drinking water.

The Ingredients – No artificial flavors, sweeteners or preservatives. Can’t beat that.

Convenience – Very portable. Easy to use. You can add them to a variety of drinks.

Does it work ? As I said I’ve never taken any of the other energy boosters so I have no comparison but it did seem to give energy (as would coffee in the am.)

How was it on my stomach? I don’t even drink Nuun or Gatorade, just plain water. I have tried Gatorade and it makes me nauseous. However, I had no stomach issues with LYFT added to my water.

The Negatives:

Flavors – No flavor unlike Nuun or Gatorade which come in a variety. So if you want flavor, you would just add it a flavored soda, juice or a mixed drink.

Cost – Kinda pricey. A pack of 2- $5.99, 6- $15.99, 24 – $49.99. But then again, I just drink water from the tap.

Availability – I have yet to see LYFT in any local sports stores. You can order them online. Many people order everything online. I, on the other hand, often wait until the last minute and have to drive over to FleetFeet, Olympia Sports, etc. Plus, I don’t like to pay for shipping.

So you need extra energy and you want to add something natural to your drink, I would recommend LYFT Energy Stir Sticks.

Happy Running! What do you drink to get extra energy?

_____________
*I was sent these products free of charge. I have not been compensated for my review, my opinions are my own.

May 22, 2014 by Darlene

Fuel Your Better and Vega Sport Endurance Gel Review

Anyone that knows me knows that I am always hungry and need to eat often.

I always eat one gel before a race and another every 4 miles during any run or race.

I don’t follow any particular diet but I do look at ingredients and if possible, try to eat healthy.

I was excited when as a Sweat Pink Ambassador, I was given the opportunity to try some Vega Sport Endurance Gel.

Vega Sport Endurance Gel is:

A plant-based, all-natural energy gel, formulated to provide instant and sustained energy plus electrolytes and vitamins during workouts.

Developed for easy on-the-run digestion and featuring whole food ingredients, Vega Endurance Gel is free from high fructose corn syrup and maltodextrin. Plus, Vega Sport Endurance Gel is the only gel on the market to feature coconut oil, a medium-chain triglyceride metabolized in the liver to provide instant, non-carbohydrate energy.

It comes in Orange Zest and Raspberry flavors.

I was sent a box of Raspberry.

Although I received these gels a few weeks ago, I needed to wait to try to try them. I wasn’t doing any long runs and then I was going on vacation. Finally this past week (while on a tennis vacation), I was able to try them.

The Positives:

The taste – I was wondering if a vegan, all-natural product would have a bland taste. But Vega Sport Gel tasted quite fruity and good. Raspberry is not my preference as a flavor. I don’t usually like fruit flavors. I prefer vanilla, chocolate, mocha, peanut butter, etc. But it was pretty good. And if you like raspberry, you will really like this.

Its consistency – A lot of people have trouble with gels with regard to “getting them down”. I don’t. I can even take Gu and not need any water. I found Vega Sport Gel a little gritty at first, I got used to it and it was easy to get down.

The Ingredients – I have pretty much given up caffeine. Most of the energy gels on the market do use caffeine as an energy booster. Peanut butter Gu is caffeine-free as well as some other brands of vanilla. So Vega Sport Gel is great for this. It is also perfect for those vegan runners and those who want all-naturals ingredients in their gels.

Does it work ? Yes. I tried one before a run. And then I also tried one after running and before playing tennis. Although, I didn’t feel an instant burst of energy, both times it gave me energy to finish my run and to feel strong wjile playing tennis after a run.

How was it on my stomach? I was nervous to trying a new gel. Nobody likes to have stomach issues in the middle of a run or race. But I had no issues. 🙂

The Negatives:

Packaging – Vega Sport takes up more space than any other gel products I’ve ever used. While not an issue if you keep it in waist belt, it can be annoying if you are trying to use your pockets or other small storage spaces. I have a belt that I can squeeze Gu into but not Vega Sport.

Flavors – There are only two flavor options available at the moment – orange and raspberry! And according to what I’ve read, orange hasn’t gotten good reviews. I definitely think that Vega Sport needs to add more flavors.

Cost – Vega Sport Gels are more expensive. A pack of 12 retails for $21.99 ($1.83 per gel) compared to $1.40 for Hammer gel and $1.31 for GU gels. If you only use them for races, it isn’t going to amount to anything significant, but if you are a habitual gel user in training, the cost will impact you.

Availability – I have yet to see Vega Sport in any local sports stores. You can order them online and Amazon.com seems to have the best price. Many people order everything online. I, on the other hand, often need to pick up some gels at the last minute and like to drive over to FleetFeet, Olympia Sports, etc and buy some. Plus, I don’t like to pay for shipping.

So you want to use an energy gel that is plant-based and with all natural to get sustained energy plus electrolytes and vitamins during your runs, I would recommend Vega Sport Gels.

Happy Running! Which energy gel do you like? How do you “Fuel Your Better“?

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*I was sent these products free of charge. I have not been compensated for my review, my opinions are my own.

My First 5K and More…

an "older" runner's blog

product review

My Project Repat Blanket is done!

Runner’s Choice Review and Giveaway

My Airia Running Shoe Experience

Runner’s Gift List & Pro Compression Review

Manitoba Hemp Hearts Review

EveryMove Review

DBelt Review

Huma Chia Energy Gel review

Clean Caffeine and LYFT Energy Stir Stick review

Fuel Your Better and Vega Sport Endurance Gel Review

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