product review

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PocketFuel Review and a Giveaway

I read about PocketFuel on a blog.  They are GLUTEN-FREE, DAIRY-FREE, VEGAN, SOY-FREE, CORN-FREE and made from 100% natural, WHOLE FOOD ingredients.

I checked and they don’t sell them in my area. I hate to order things online if I am not sure if I will like them.  So I emailed PocketFuel and asked them when PocketFuel would be in my area.

Guess what?  They sent me a whole bunch to try.

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What is PocketFuel?

PocketFuel Nut Butter blends are made from 100% natural, whole food ingredients found in nuts, seeds and fruits. Each blend is a slow burning, easy to digest fuel providing a natural & sustained energy boost to help your body to thrive and reach its maximum potential…

These blends are packed with many important B-complex group of vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, and folates. These vitamins functions as co-factors for enzymes during cellular substrate metabolism.

They are also a rich source of minerals like manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium and sodium. These electrolytes are absorbed efficiently into the bloodstream, speeding fluid to your cells to refuel, rehydrate and replenish your body. Quick absorption is essential for warding off fatigue, cooling the body and achieving peak performance

The nut butter blends come in these flavors:

Crunchy Banana Blueberry
Chunky Coconut Cherry
Chocolate Espresso
Chia Goji & Honey
Pineapple Coconut
Chocolate Smackaroon
Chocolate Haze
Vanilla Haze

PocketFuel has also released another product – the Cold Brew Coffee Energy Shots. They are available in three flavors – Vanilla, Mocha and Java.

So during my 8 mile run on Sunday, I decided to try one of the Pocket Fuel nut butter blends.  I chose Vanilla Haze.

Before using the fuel, you’re told to “Squish and Squeeze”, which really is a great advice – it loosens up the consistency a bit and makes it really easy to “eat” even on the go with no water around.

It tasted great. And it went down really easy.  I had no problems digesting it. (This is very important with fueling during a long run or race.)

PocketFuel comes in 4 different sizes – 1.15 oz, 1.8oz, 3oz and 20oz. I brought the 1.15oz packet along for a my run – fit perfectly in the pocket of my jacket. (It would also fit in my race belt or skirt and shorts pocket.)

The 1.8, 3 and 20 oz pouches are flexible, durable and comes with a screw lid which makes it possible to reseal the pouches and save some for later. The pouches are also reusable – just wash the pouch and fill it up with more Pocket Fuel from a 20oz pouch of your favorite flavor. Pocket Fuel is obviously thinking about reducing waste with their slogan being:  “Reduce – Reuse – Refuel.”

I have only used PocketFuel while out running, but I could see it used before playing tennis, going for a hike or walk and any activity where you need energy. They taste so good!! I would eat them as a snack and/or fuel for all my runs except that I don’t actually need fuel for short runs. You could combine with a banana or a bagel or add them to a protein shake.

I can’t wait to try the other flavors.

If you are interested in knowing more about PocketFuel Naturals, check them out on their website, on Facebook, Instagram or connect with them on Twitter.

If you would like to try PocketFuel, I am willing to share these two:

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Enter below using Rafflecopter. Good luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Running! Have you tried PocketFuel? What is your favorite fuel for running?

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Disclaimer: I was sent samples of PocketFuel for free, I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions in this post are mine and mine alone and they have not been controlled or influenced by PocketFuel or anyone else. 

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Huma Chia Energy Gel Review

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As previously discussed, 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.

During my first 5 half marathons & training runs, I only bought GU (vanilla or chocolate). During my 6th half marathon & trainings, I tried Power Bar gel and Cliff Shot gel and although they are more liquidy, I do like them too.

huma

Recently, 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.

First a little background on how Huma Chia Energy Gel is different than the others.

GREAT-TASTING

huma taste

ALL-NATURAL

huma natural

TRADITION

huma tradition

So Huma sent me 2 samples. I tried the Strawberries first before a 4 mile run and then the Apple-Cinnamon during a 5 mile run.

I liked them both. They tasted good. I preferred the Apple-Cinnamon. But I had no digestion problems with either of them.

It is hard to say if they gave me more or less energy. I would have to do the same run at the same time. Every run feels different (so many factors figure into a good or bad run.)

POSITIVES:

  • all natural ingredients (this is an important one)
  • the taste
  • no caffeine (if using later in the day)

NEGATIVES:

  • cost – more expensive than the others
  • availability – not available in all states so you have to order online (& pay $4.99 shipping)
  • flavors – only 2 (and not my favorites)
  • does not contain caffeine (which I often need in the am before a race)

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

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

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**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.

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Sof Sole Review

According the website:

The Athlete™ features a neutral arch position, making it suitable for most foot types, as well as additional gel cushioning in the heel and forefoot without any extra bulk. Built with our exclusive IMPLUS® foam, the Athlete™ also provides superior moisture management.

I received a pair of these in the mail and they couldn’t have come at a better time.

I am particularly hard on my running shoes.  I either stomp or drag my feet – who knows?? But I go through shoes.   After a few months, they no longer feel cushiony and the bottom of my feet start to ache.

Saturday after 5 miles or so, my feet felt the way the do at Mile 12 of a half marathon – that achy burning feeling on the bottom of my feet.  And my shoes are only a few months old.

So I decided to try out the Sof Sole insoles.  I was a little hesitant since I usually wear orthotics but I put them in my Brooks Ghost neutral shoes and my hubby & I went hiking on Sunday.  They felt great.

Yesterday morning was the real test.  I ran 3 miles before work.  My feet felt super. I could have run more if I didn’t have to rush off to work.

I may have to ditch my expensive orthotics in flavor on these insoles.

Last night, I played tennis and used this opportunity to test out  Coolmax Lite socks by Sof Sole.  Although I don’t need cushiony support for playing tennis (as I do for running where I wear compresson socks), an hour and 1/2 of running around on the court makes your feet sweat.  In the past, I have gotten blisters from wearing heavy non-breathable socks. However, these socks were very comfortable.  They are light but not too light.

Thumbs Up for Sof Sole!

Happy Running!

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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.

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Book Review and a Giveaway

I was recently contacted by the author of The Ultimate Beginner’s Running Guide to review his book.

I have lots of time (not running) so I gladly agreed.

It wasn’t that long ago that I started running and in many ways, I still considered myself a “beginning” runner. I was lucky to be able to join a running group (No Boundaries) and have a mentor plus lots of support.  But I wish I had read a book like this one.

It covers everything related to running, such as preventing injuries, what to eat, how to dress, how to pace yourself, how to advance in speed, distance or both, the older runner, and running at different stages of your life.  I also like the way it summarizes each topic.

Even if you are not a beginning runner, it is a good refresher and it may help you correct things that you are doing wrong (such as your stride).

My only critique is the lack of pictures (I am a visual learner.) and that it doesn’t address different training based on distance (5k vs half marathon).

But even if you don’t win this giveaway, it’s a good deal for $2.99 from Amazon.

The author was nice enough to let me giveaway 3 digital copies of his book.

To win  a  digital copy of  The Ultimate Beginner’s Running Guide, here’s what to do:

Mandatory-

  • Subscribe by Email or Follow the Feed to my My First 5K  Blog (+1 comment)
  • Tell me why you  started running & what  is your top running goal. (+1 comment)

Extra Credit –

  • Like  My First 5K in FaceBook (+1 comment)
  • List my blog on your Blogroll (+1 comment)
  • Share this giveaway on your blog, Twitter and/or FaceBook (+1 comment for each)

Deadline is February 13, 2012. The winner will be announced on February 14, 2012. 

Happy Running!  Good Luck!

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ClipE Review & Some Running

mine is Black

I almost always run with my iPod (except when I’m on the treadmill) so I agreed to review ClipE when I received an e-mail offering to send me one to try out.
 
According the website:
 
ClipE is a small and simple solution for managing headphone cords in a stylish way. The design, mechanics and ergonomics were the brainchild of an avid runner and professional pilot, Jess Bylsma. Just like pilot’s headsets have a clip on them to keep cords away from the flight controls and switches, Jess saw the need for a similar concept for runner and athletes. After exploring all options in the market that didn’t quite meet the practicality and aesthetic requirements, Jess took matters into her own hands and designed the ClipE.
 
I was planning to run before work yesterday but the rain deterred me.  Today I had no excuse.  I was anxious to continue testing my injured heel as well as the ClipE.
 
Results:
 
I personally do not find that my headphone cords get in my way when I run.  I sometimes find that they are too long but the ClipE wouldn’t help with that.  I think it’s because I hate armbands and I put my iPod in a pocket or clip it to my waistband.
 
Anyway, I put the cords through the ClipE.  I did want to wrinkle my tech shirt but I clipped it to my shirt as shown on the package anyway.  I had a little trouble getting the cords to stay in when I tried to clip it but I finally figured it out. 
 
The ClipE stayed in place throughout my whole run. 
 
I ran 3 miles with a 1/4 mi walk before & after.  My heel didn’t hurt!!  It stills feels tight & achy but no pain… I am not running fast but once the fear factor of a re-occurrance wanes, I’ll try to pick up the pace. 
 
My PT guy feels that I need at least 5 more sessions but he says I can run but not 2 days in a row and not more than 3 miles at a time…
 
 Back to my recommendation on ClipE:
 
 It’s light, stays put and if your headphone cords get in your way when you run, this is a perfect solution for you!
 
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 Disclaimer:  I was sent this free of charge.  The opinions of my review are mine and mine alone.
 
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Happy Running!
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Yak Trax Review and Giveaway

It hasn’t been the snowiest winter on record but it has been the snowiest of my running career. (I’ve been running for 3 years but this is the first winter I’ve attempted to run outdoors.)

This is what the website says about Yak Trax Pro:

Features:

  • Easy On/Off
  • Walk Naturally
  • Spikeless/Ultralight
  • Helps reduce the Risk of Falls & Injuries

Yaktrax have a unique, spikeless, patented coil design, unlike other products on the market.

The Yaktrax Pro will instantly give you better traction, confidence and safety on packed snow or ice. Move about naturally with the same solid grip that you are accustomerd to on dry surfaces. Walk or run as you normally would and experience stability on ice and snow like you have never felt before.

Made with high strength, abrasion resistant 1.4mm steel coils and heavy duty natural rubber material, the Yaktrax Pro easily conforms to the shape of your boot or shoe. With its patented SkidLock coil design, the Yaktrax Pro provides 360 degrees of traction on packed snow and ice and can be worn in temperatures as low as -41° Fahrenheit.

We’ve recently had a lot of ice and snow where I live. The streets are clear but behind my house is the “water line” which is a trail for walking. running & snowmobiling.  Perfect for testing the Yak Trax!!

I had a little difficulty getting them on but if I read the directions, I wouldn’t have.

I expected them to feel clunky but they didn’t at all.  I quickly ran just as normally as without them. The best part was that I was able to run through the snow, slush and ice and I didn’t slip and fall!!!

So if you hate the treadmill but are afraid to run on the slippery roads, Yak Trax are for you!!!

Spring should be here soon!! But I will be using Yak Trax Pros next winter.

Note: I was sent these  free of charge to review. However, the opinion is solely mine.

To win  a pair of Yak Trax Pro (S), here’s what to do:

Mandatory-

  • Subscribe by Email or Follow the Feed to my My First 5K  Blog (+1 comment)
  • Tell me why you want to win this giveaway. (+1 comment)

Extra Credit –

  • Like  My First 5K in FaceBook (+1 comment)
  • List my blog on your Blogroll (+1 comment)
  • Share this giveaway on your blog, Twitter and/or FaceBook (+1 comment for each)

Deadline is March 20, 2011. The winner will be announced on March 21, 2011. 

Happy Running! Good Luck!