Category Archives: Sweat Pink

February 24, 2013

Workout Updates & Core Foods Review

I know I haven’t posted much lately but I promise its for a good reason. The past few weeks I have been studying everything I’ve ever learned in OT school for my licensing exam and finally took it last Tuesday (I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to jinx it!). I’m still waiting for results so in the meantime I’m trying to de-stress with lots of running and strength training!

I’ve gotten in a few short runs lately, which have all been pretty good although very cold. I am really SO ready for spring-time running weather! I also did some speedwork on the treadmill, which I find is the easiest place to do it. My fastest speed the other day was 7:31/mile during speedwork! I only held that for .25 miles but for about 6 repeats. I was very proud!

There has been lots of neon going on lately.

There has been lots of neon going on lately.

I was going to shoot to run 7 miles today but the weather this weekend was so bad I decided to wait til tomorrow since it will be almost 50 and sunny. Crossing my fingers the run goes well and the weather is on my side!

I have also been doing a lot of strength training and got the chance to try out Equinox with Karl using his guest pass (he is a member, I am not). Karl is great to lift with since he really pushes me and helps me work out like a guy (aka makes me stop being so much of a wimp). I decided I want to build muscle by the summer and get serious about toning, so I am really pushing to my max during lifting.

I used this machine for the first time. But that was Karl's weight, NOT mine that's for sure.

I used this machine for the first time. But that was Karl’s weight, NOT mine that’s for sure.

I have been breaking down strength training days by muscle group according to Karl’s schedule and had a great time using all the machines/equipment for arms, legs, etc. I already noticed a very small amount of definition in my arms the past few days that I didn’t see before. Me likey! I’ve also kept up with #AbsByApril and loved the workout this week, my core is starting to feel really strong!

Lots of planking!

Lots of planking!

I am also OBSESSED with the Kiehl’s shampoo, conditioner, and lotions in the locker room at Equinox. Ah-mah-zing. I have been smelling my hair all day after I washed it there. It probably would have been better if I never tried it at all because now its all I want to use! I wish.

This week I have planned more running, lifting, and perhaps a few spin classes. Since I have some time now after taking my exam, I’ll be working out lots and lots.

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As you know, I am a Sweat Pink Ambassador and through this great group I recently got the opportunity to try out and review a cool new product from a company called CORE. They sent me three varieties of their CORE Defender Meal, which are high-fiber full meals to go. Since I am usually busy and always running out the door for a run or to get to spin class, a quick meal is exactly what I need.

CORE Defender Meal Bars

CORE Defender Meal Bars

About the company: 
CORE was founded by Corey Rennell, who researched the biology of food while living around the world with various cultures and tribes. Corey then used what the learned and started CORE, a not-for-profit company with 100% of their profits “being reinvested in food, community, and the planet.”


About the product:
  • CORE Meals are bar-sized fresh, raw oatmeal you can eat on the go.
  • Store in the refrigerator or bring anywhere for up to 1 week.
  • Included in each bar is all 13 amino acids, high plant fiber, and essential fatty acids.
  • Eat a bar and drink water for the equivalent of a bowl of oatmeal.
  • Created from 7 whole, raw, 100% organic, tested GF ingredients.


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What I thought:
I was very excited when I got these in the mail but was a little surprised at first at the calorie and fat content which seemed a little high. But in looking closer at the ingredients it was clear that all the ingredients were balanced and included healthy fats such as from nuts and seeds. As a huge lover of almonds, I’m familiar with healthy fats. Plus this bar is a full meal which justifies the calorie count also.


I definitely like the high fiber aspect of these bars, which I think it what helps you stay full for so long after eating one. I personally didn’t get hungry until about 1pm after eating one of these around 8:30am. This is a big deal for me since I am pretty much always hungry. I love that these bars are 100% organic and seem in line with my “clean eating” goal for 2013.


The flavor of these bars is pretty good, but can taste a little dry if you don’t let it thaw a little bit after taking it out of the fridge. Once I let it get room temperature, I thought they tasted better. In comparison, the Clif Bar I usually eat isn’t as dry as this is. But its can be a personal choice of taste I think. If you are looking for a quick on-the-go meal, this might be worth a try! FYI: They cost $40/10 meals.


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Want to try it? Click here for a $5 off coupon and a chance to win a free package of CORE meals!
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How have your workouts been this week?
How do you de-stress when life gets crazy?
Would you try CORE meals?

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Filed under core workouts, crosstraining, food, product review, Sweat Pink

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August 12, 2012

Running Around Brooklyn

I had a run-filled weekend, and it was great. It feels so good to be back in the game with no IT Band pain (knock on wood it stays this way!). Thanks Finishline Physical Therapy for getting my horrible body healthy again, you guys are the best!

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Saturday:

Saturday started off as a lazy-ish day. I had a really long week so I gave myself the chance to sleep in a bit, all the way to 9am! My 14 year old self would be disappointed in me, but I was happy with it. As the day went on I pumped myself up for a run by basically talking myself into it.

I went out in the afternoon for a 3 mile run around Downtown Brooklyn and DUMBO, down by the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. Its a great place for wedding photos in general and since the weather was nice, everyone was out in full force. I ran around about 7 or 8 wedding groups! Insanity. The run itself wasn’t one of my best. My breathing was difficult and I’m not sure if its just me being out of shape or the heat making my asthma go crazy. Either way, I wasn’t into it. And I realized I’m really more of a morning runner than evening, when I can wake myself up for it :)

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Sunday:

So I took what I learned from my Saturday run and headed out early Sunday morning for my solo 7 miler in Brooklyn. I decided to head to Prospect Park, which is beautiful this time of year (actually most times of the year). I practiced using Instagram (follow me: runlikeagrl) with this picture of the Bailey Fountain at the park entrance. It was so hot on my run and it took everything I had not to jump in this. But that would be inappropriate. Boo!

Baily Fountain at Grand Army Plaza

Running the loop in Prospect Park reminded me of the Brooklyn Half in May. That is definitely one of my favorite races because the course is so awesome, and its nice to run somewhere besides Central Park for a change (where most NYRR races are held). Everyone seemed to be out Sunday: runners, bikers, walkers, etc. It was almost like being in a race because of all the people!

I always look forward to running past the lake here, too. Its so pretty and there are swans. Someday I have to come here for a picnic or some non-running related reason because it really is a great park.

The lake in the park

Swans!!

One of the things I hate about running in the summer is how my water gets so warm! I use a handheld water bottle and it doesn’t stay cold long enough so I always end up drinking warm water towards the end of my runs. Some day I’ll find a solution to this and be rich! Someday…

After running in the park, I ran home to finish up my mileage. Running the streets isn’t nearly as fun because of all the lights and other people not paying attention on the sidewalk. But I made it and finished up my 7 miles! My longest run in a really long time. Oh, and I wore my new Sweat Pink Run Tank (yes, I got the tank too) and am in love. The material and fit are awesome. Get one!

Looking sweaty and gross. Just wanted to share this with you all. Aren’t you lucky?!

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I had some awesome food this weekend too! Karl and I tried out a new place near us and fell in love. It might just be “our” place, we’ve been waiting for so long for this! They have great food and even better dessert. I had a homemade Dulce de Leche pie with pretzel crumbles. Um, amazing. I wish I could give this to you all to try, you would love it.

I’m in love.

I also discovered a new flavor of Kind granola bar this weekend: Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew + Antioxidant. This bar is So good and has “50% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamins A, C, and E, which fight free radicals, and help maintain the immune system and healthy skin.” I like the sound of that a lot. Plus, it tastes really good and has dark chocolate on it. What could be better than that?! This is definitely one to try, go check it out.

SO GOOD!

What did you do this weekend? Tell me about it!
Did you run at all?
Do you have any new food finds?

37 Comments

Filed under City life, food, IT Band Syndrome, summer running, Sweat Pink, weekend

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August 10, 2012

Last Things List

I was a bad blogger and I’m sorry. I totally forgot to write a Three Things Thursday post this week! I love writing lists (the semi-organized person inside me likes it, rather) and I’m sad I didn’t get to do it. Because of that I’m giving you a list anyway… a Last Things List to start off the weekend!

Here’s some of my last things…

1. Last TJs item I ate

Couscous is my new obsession, its SO tasty and goes really well with so many types of food. I typically eat it in place of rice because it is less heavy. But I am looking for recipes or ways to give my couscous some variety! Ideas are welcome :)

2. Least meal I ate out at a restaurant

Indian Food! Yumm

I’m obsessed with Indian food and recently went out with Karl and my sisters to satisfy my craving. I usually get the Chicken Tikka Masala, a tried and true winner, but went out on a limb and got the Chicken Madras this time. Ah-ma-zing. With some Naan bread, its heaven.

3. Last weird thing that happened to me

I was checking my mail on my iPhone the other day and got this weird email…

No sender, no message. And it was “sent” in 1969. Um, what? I think my phone is haunted and its freaking me out!

4. Last thing I got in the mail

I keep Sweating Pink…

Sweat Pink Run Program tee (and Sparkly Soul headband)

I got my FitApproach Sweat Pink Run Program tee in the mail the other day and I was SO excited, I wore it on a 3 mile tempo run the other night and it wears really well. Plus the material is fantastic (moisture-wicking and super soft). I just might get myself the tank too because its so awesome!

5. Last race I registered for

Poland Spring Marathon Kickoff 5m
I’m still working on my 9+1 for guaranteed entry to the 2013 NYC Marathon, and this nice (and supposedly fun) 5 mile race will put me one step closer. Plus, the finish line is the same as the Marathon so it will help put me in the spirit of things!

6. Last grocery store purchase

More Vega Protein! This time I’m trying the nutritional shake.

I’m addicted to Vega products! Not only are they are plant-based and provide protein and other nutrients, but the powders really taste good! I tried the Energizing Smoothie flavors when I reviewed them a month or so ago, but now I’m trying the Nutritional Shake that I picked up from the Vitamin Shoppe today. I’m sure I’ll love it just as much as the other products I’ve had from them!

7. Last new drink I tried

Last weekend when Jamie and Elyse from FitApproach came to NYC, they ran a bootcamp in Central Park that I attended. They also handed out some Sweat Pink swag which was a nice treat! In the bag we got this drink from bcalm. Supposedly it decreased stress and provides mental clarity.. well, I don’t know if it did that for me, but it did taste good. Nice and bubbly.

8. Last sweet treat I ate

Obsessed. I am in love with Green&Black brand, and it doesn’t hurt at all that its organic! I only really eat dark chocolate and this one is at the top of my list. It tastes so real and yummy. I seriously need to control myself when I buy it though!

9. Last tweet I sent

10. Last thing I pinned on Pinterest

What are some of your last things?
What are your weekend plans? Any races/events?

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Filed under food, Last Things List, Sweat Pink

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