Category Archives: product review

My New Exercise Routine & Reebok Spartan Race

Sooo I took a brief test jog today, just down one block to see what would happen with my hip. It didn’t go too well. So my next steps are: 1) see a doctor and figure out whats going on, 2) keep strength training, and 3) figure out cardio I can do without hurting myself while my hip heals. Oh and I’ve also been sick all week so I havent’ done any exercise since Monday (not a great week for me, eh? I may be cursed).

get-over-it

Okay I’ll cut the pity party and think positively because being a Debbie Downer doesn’t help anyone! While I’m waiting on numbers 1 and 3, I’ll return to number 2 as soon as I’m better. One main reason is that I am in the process of prepping for the Reebok Spartan Race I’m going to be running with Karl in June, courtesy of Fitfluential and Reebok.

spartan

My plan for the race if I can’t run is to walk briskly between obstacles and just focus on doing them as safely as possible for this hip. I am going to be smart about this one though and do as much as my body can handle, although I’m pretty determined to rock most of the obstacles.

The Reebok Spartan Race is a huge obstacle race with courses all over the country and even internationally, and they range in how many miles they are (up to 13 miles.. whattt?!). I’m signed up for the 4 mile race, which is much more reasonable, with tons of crazy obstacles mixed.

Obstacles from the Spartan Times Square race in the fall

Obstacles from the Spartan Times Square race in the fall

So I’m really really hoping most of the obstacles at this race involve upper body strength/core because thats all I’ve been doing lately. Oh and I sort of really want to roll through mud and water and I’m sure they’ll have tons of that :) I’m just praying for no fire because I may punk out with that.

Most of my training for this, as I said has involved upper body. I’ve been lifting a bunch lately in my cool Reebok gear (which just makes me feel stronger) with various machines, but especially the Olympic bar. I love using the bar because I’m sure some guys don’t think I can curl it and I love proving them wrong.

Lifting the bar. Heck yes.

Lifting the bar. Heck yes.

And then Karl goes and lifts all this..

And then Karl goes and lifts all this..

I also am loving the way lifting makes my body look and feel, even if I do still have work to do. If you do it right, you can also get your heart rate up a little bit while you are toning up your body. One thing is for sure, once my hip heals I am keeping lifting a huge part of my routine. I just love feeling strong and powerful!

Love working out the back. Ignore the hyperextended elbow on my left arm.. I'm working on that :)

Love working out the back. Ignore the hyperextended elbow on my left arm.. I’m working on that :)

What I’m wearing in my photos from Reebok/Fitfluential:

PWR Wide Strap Long Bra Top: This racerback top is long and I think flatters most body shapes (slim-fit). Plus its moisture-wicking and super comfortable.

PWR Fitted Capri: I am OBSESSED with these (check my instagram, you’ll see). They are a great length and super comfortable moisture wicking capris you can wear anywhere. Love.

Sublite Duo Run: I’ve mentioned these before but they are so comfy and lightweight. I love them for walking and lifting in (haven’t run in them for obvious hip issue reasons). These are winners.

Reebok!

Reebok!

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Don’t forget to enter my ZeeBee Threads Giveaway!

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Have you/would you ever do an obstacle race?
What is your favorite upper body strength exercise?
-Bicep curls and any back exercise

6 Comments

Filed under clothing, crosstraining, FitFluential, product review, races, Reebok Spartan Race

ZeeBee Threads Review and Giveaway

Disclosure: ZeeBee Threads provided me with a shirt free of charge to review. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

While I’m sick in bed today, I am distracting myself by bringing you a review of an awesome product and bringing you images from a time I was not sick.

I was recently contacted by a company called ZeeBee Threads and asked to review one of their items. I always like to learn a little bit about the company and what their mission is. ZeeBee Threads  aims to provide clothes for active women and moms that is casual, comfortable, simple but also stylish. One look at their website confirms this, all their clothing is not only adorable but perfect for on the go individuals like me.

zeebeethreads-1360209589_600

They have three main collections:

Active
Vintage
Eco-Friendly

However, all the clothing is for active women no matter the style. I especially love the Eco-Friendly line which uses recycled materials while maintaining the quality we all want in our clothing. Oh, and did I mention their clothes are very affordable? Prices range but they have tanks for around $20, tees for around $25 and long-sleeve shirts for around $28. Perfect for those of us who are on a budget but still want to rock cute styles.

I looked through the site and had a hard time picking the item I wanted to try out–so many were catching my eye! I eventually was swayed by the Eco Line and chose the Show a Little Shoulder Eco-Friendly Pullover in purple (I am currently obsessed with purple as you know :)

IMG_5189

IMG_5188

I have been obsessed with this ZeeBee Threads pullover and wear it all the time in various ways. There are so many options to wear this shirt, and I have tried:

With a tank top underneath for a double layer look
With just a bra underneath
Pulling the arms up to my elbow

Leaving the arms long to the wrist
With tights for working out for an active sporty look
With jeans and a necklace for going out at night

 IMG_5190

 

There are so many options for this top and it is very versatile, which is what I love about it. Plus the purple color is beautiful. Also the material is super comfortable and light, but not too light that you get cold on a chillier spring day. It is also a great cut so it doesn’t cling to your body but doesn’t make you look frumpy either.. I don’t know how they did it!

Hanging out with my mom this weekend for mothers day. I planted flowers in this top!

Hanging out with my mom and sister this weekend for mothers day. I planted flowers in this top so apparently its good for gardening!

So now for the giveaway.. want to win this top?! Enter via the Rafflecopter form below for your chance to win this top too!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway will end on Monday May 20th at 11:59PM EST. The winner will be announced shortly afterwards. Good luck!

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Filed under clothing, giveaway, product review

Running with a happy stomach: Huma Chia Energy Gels

Disclaimer: Huma gel provided me with free samples of Huma chia energy gel. All opinions expressed, as always, are my own.

I haven’t run this week, since I’m still recovering from whatever the heck I did to my hip flexor. But I have something to share with you that’s long overdue to take my mind off my injury.

I was contacted by a company called Huma recently, which has created an energy gel that is 100% all natural and based on blended chia seeds. They also promised that the gels wouldn’t cause any stomach issues like most other gels I’ve tried, so of course I had to check it out for myself. I haven’t had much luck in the running fuel department and most gels/chomps like Gu just make me nauseous during long runs. Enter Huma!huma

 About the company:

I really wanted to share some background of the company since one of the founders is a former Army Lieutenant. Since my brother is in the Army currently this hit home, and I am always happy when I can support soldiers. The idea for Huma came from Lieutenant McCollum, who was serving in Iraq and learned about a Mexican Indian tribe that used chia seeds to fuel themselves on ultramarathons. The company is Nashville-based and run by two MBA students who really care a great deal about providing a great product.

Huma Gels

Huma Gels

About the product:

Huma is:

  • Tasty! Its made of 100% real fruit, with no artificial flavors
  • Easy to digest and good for sensitive stomachs
  • Easy to eat without drinking a ton of water
  • 100% all natural: based on a chia seed blend

I can personally vouch for each of the above and am always thrilled to share with you natural products. I generally try to eat clean and avoid artificial anything. Huma definitely fits the bill in this department. There are currently only two flavors: Strawberry and Apples & Cinnamon. While I wasn’t too sure of the Apples and Cinnamon at first, I did like it. But I absolutely loved the Strawberry the most. It was delicious and so super easy to eat while running. I didn’t even have to stop to get it down!

Check out the nutrition facts here for more of the details.

IMG_4594 What did I think?:

I tested these out on two of my long runs before the Nike DC Half. I usually take gels at around the 6 mile mark depending on how long I’m running and how long I’m feeling that day. I did the same with these, taking them at just about the time before I generally start to feel a little tired. In the past when I’ve taken gels during a run I have to stop running, scarf it down, drink water, and walk for a little bit before running again. And then soon after my stomach starts acting up. Not fun.

But with Huma I had none of that. I was able to take a gel while running without any problems, although I did slow down a bit because I’m not very coordinated to do two things at once. The chia seeds in this make all the difference! But for the first time I didn’t feel like I needed water after taking the gel (but I did anyway just because its habit, and also because water helps my breathing). But the one thing I wondered was whether or not my stomach would start hurting.

Miles passed after I took the gels, I waited for the discomfort but it never came on either of my runs. This is one of the biggest selling factors for me and I’m pretty sure Huma will be fueling me when I run the NYC Marathon this fall. I needed something like this to get me through 26.2 miles with a happy stomach! Plus it gave me the energy I needed to complete the run.

energy gel 101 PNG

Interested in checking out Huma gel? Click here to try a sample pack. Trust me, you won’t regret it especially everyone like me with sensitive stomachs. This product is great for runners but also cyclists who want some quick energy!

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Also, HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to all the mommies out there. I spent the day celebrating with my own amazing, wonderful mom. The ladies of the house spent the day planting flowers in the backyard: our long-standing Mother’s Day tradition. Momma Run Like a Grl is the best and there is absolutely no mother better than her. I love you mom!

mothersday1

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Also, I wanted to announce the Vega Prize Pack Winner! It is…

Jonathan Levitt

Please contact me within 48 hours at runlikeagrlmegan [at] gmail [dot] com. CONGRATS!
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What do you use to fuel your runs?
What did you do for mothers day?

5 Comments

Filed under food, product review, weekend