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Grilled Tempeh Kabobs - #TastyTuesday

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This week, our #TastyTuesday recipe comes from Kiersten, the writer behind the blog twenty-six for a twenty-something. We knew she'd be a great fit for our blog because she's a runner! On her blog, she writes about her quest to run a marathon on all 7 continents (which is Meghan's goal!) and chronicles her daily life between marathons, training, racing, and creating yummy recipes. The recipe she is sharing today is easy and one her new summer favorite!

My boyfriend moved in a few months ago, and it has been a challenge to make dinners that satisfies both my love for veggies and his love for meat. Although this recipe is meatless, the tempeh has the same chewy texture as meat, so even he likes it! It is also super quick to make, and easy to customize depending on what vegetables you like. It's a quick, easy summer meal that is full of all the things runner's need- protein, veggies, and whole grain carbs.

Grilled Tempeh Kabobs:

Ingredients:

5 teaspoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon lower-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons dark sesame oil (or just regular vegetable oil if you don't have sesame oil)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 (8oz) package organic soy tempeh, cut into 16 pieces
2 tablespoons honey
4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon canola oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 package cherry tomatoes (around 16 tomatoes)
1 8oz package baby bella mushrooms (cut in half if some are really big sto they are all about the same size)
1/2 sweet onion cut into chunks

To make:
1. Combine 3 teaspoons vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil and garlic in a small zip-top plastic bag and then add the tempeh. Marinate in refrigerator for 2 hours, turning occasionally.
2. Combine remaining 2 teaspoons vinegar, honey, lime juice, canola oil and salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; cook 2 minutes or until the honey mixture is slightly thickened.
3. Preheat grill to high heat
4. Thread tempeh, tomatoes, mushrooms and onion alternatively onto skewers. Place skewers on grill and grill for minutes or until browned; turn after 5 minutes and basting occasionally with half of the honey mixture. Drizzle the remaining honey mixture over the skewers.
We like to serve the skewers with brown rice or quinoa. I like to take everything off the skewer, put it on top of the rice, and add a little more of the honey sauce.
  

Check out her blog to see what else she is up to these days!  

 

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Just Keep Going

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I read this motivational quote this weekend and it resonated with me as I'm getting back into race training mode after a brief hiatus. I'm in my second week of 1:34 half marathon training and I'm reminded that I can't just jump back to the pace I was running this spring. Instead of pushing myself to hit those times (causing possible injury), I've backed off a bit to run a slower pace, be consisent and do all of the workouts. I know I will get to my required tempo pace or my 800 split times. I'm going to keep at it and know I'll get better. We're not meant to be perfect or the best at everything all the time. Even the best in the world require practice, coaching and support. I've got my coach (Jessica) to help me adjust and talk through my plan - yup, even coaches need some coaching every now and again! :)

So, today's motivation - just keep going!

happy running!

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10 Minute Core Power - #FunDay Friday Workout

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Most runners don't focus enough on their core, i.e, their abdominals, lower back muscles and glutes. These muscles are key focus areas for runners because they provide the stability, power and endurance. If your abs are weak, it can lead to funky running patterns, i.e, overstriding, understriding or a pelvis that swings from side to side and eventually injury.

How does a strong core help runners?

Strong glutes provide power and stability to power you up hills and they provide support and absorb the impact on the downhills. Strong and stable lower abs, mainly the transversus and rectus abdominis, generate more force and speed as you push off the ground, making you a faster runner. Strong obliques help support your torso and maintain proper form over long distances, and they help you move laterally around a runner in a race or dodging those pesky tourists on your favorite run!

We designed the below workout to hit those target areas. Do this exercise for a week before each run and feel the difference. Overall, incorporate core work into your regular training at least 3 times a week.

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Interview with a Runner - Meghan's Dad

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Our dad's have inspired us in so many ways. This week, we are featuring Meghan's dad, Joe Reynolds. He announced that he was going to take up running again this past May and committed to follow our soon-to-be released beginners program. He's 70, a retired Brooklyn native, tells the best stories, follows our "talk-test" to a T and loves woodworking.

When did you start running?
I initially started running when I was a kid in 1954 after Roger Bannister broke the 4 min mile record. I went out and ran a mile on a track. I only had a watch at the time (not a stop watch). I think i did it in 10 minutes and I was exhausted. I've run on and off over the years since then. Meghan was the reason I started running this summer, after a very long hiatus.

Who inspired you to run?
Roger Bannister and, more recently, Meghan.

What is your favorite running route? Why?
I used to run to the Reservoir in Central Park from my place in the Upper East Side. I'd run the loop and then head home before work. I used to see Jackie O and her bodyguards in the mornings. I loved being in Central Park.

Favorite post-run meal?
English muffin with red pepper jelly and club soda. I'd really like to drink 2-3 tall boys but i just can't do that anymore, especially since I run in the morning - that would really throw my whole day off. (Meghan is just shaking her head).

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
The advice Meghan gave me - to keep my body forward and pump my arms. Every time I feel a little tired or awkward, I lean forward and pump my arms and I get my rhythm back.

Who would you love to run with and why?
My father in law who is now 92 and not a runner anymore but was very active. He grew up in Boston and has stories about the Boston Marathon when only 70 people ran it. He's a talker so it would be fun to shoot the sh*t with him during a run.

Are you running for fun or sport? 
Fun...and to look really good at my nephew's wedding.

Favorite way to sweat other than run?
Working out in the garage, making benches and wood working projects (he made our logo into a 3d wooden image!)...and all the "honey-do" projects that your mother has me do. 

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Hydration - #TastyTuesday

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In honor of the heat and humidity that has become a topic of conversation - it's as if it's that crazy aunt that we all gossip about - today's #TastyTuesday post is all about hydration!

During the summer, you sweat more! Thus, you need more water and need to pay attention to replenishing your electrolyte levels everyday. The general guideline for water is 6-8 8-ounce glasses per day, or half your body weight in ounces. This is for the general public though. Let's be real, you're an athlete and you sweat. You even seek it out. So, let your thirst be your guide - if you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Here's what your body needs during this season to sustain you on your runs:

  • Pre Workout: Drink 8-16 ounces of water 30 minutes to 1 hour before working out.
  • During Workout: Stay hydrated! During the summer, aim to take in 6-8 ounces of water for every 30-45 minutes of exercise AND take in extra calories, preferably in the form of simple carbs so they are easily digested and burned. Examples: gels, chews, bars or drinks such as Gatorade. 
  • Post Workout: Quickly replenish lost fluids and electrolytes after a workout. By quickly, we mean starting to drink water and your favorite electrolyte replenishment drink (e.g. gatorade, coconut water, nuun tablets) within 10-15 minutes after working out. Continue to replenish throughout the rest of your day. 

Tips for staying hydrated on extra sweaty summer runs:
(1) Add Nuun tablets to your water.

(2) Eat saltier foods post workout.

(3) End your run with an electrolyte drink. We love the drink cart guys in NYC because Gatorade is always available. Buy a water and a gatorade and make a watered down version of Gatorade for the subway ride home.

(4) If you are running and ending someplace besides home, bring money to buy something or keep a smaller cooler in your car with your favorite electrolyte drink.

(5) Find a route with water fountains or bring a water bottle (we recommend amphipod products).

And sometimes we get a little sick of just water so we add some flavor:
(1) Add fruit to your water. Our fave mixtures: Oranges, limes & vanilla bean. Or just add single fruits - anything goes!

(2) Eat watermelon after your run, it's yummy and helps satiate your thirst.

(3) Freeze slices of fruit in your ice tray, for example, a slice of strawberry, pineapple or mango.

(4) Freeze lemon wedges and pop them into your water bottle for a different taste and cooler water.

 

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How to Run Hills

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Running hills builds strength, stamina and improves running form. Here are our top tips for proper form when running hills.

Running Uphill

PACE:  Run the first third of the hill relaxed and slightly accelerate the last part.  You are aiming for equal effort.  Try to maintain the same effort not pace you were running on the flat. You can make up for the time of the downhill.

For Long Hill Repeat Workouts: (1) Accelerate over the first 10-20 steps increasing to your fastest pace you can maintain with good form for the rest of the hill.  You should be breathing hard at the top, but not gasping for air, and (2) maintain a consistent pace the entire length of hill and finish each repeat in the same amount of time as the others. This helps you avoid starting out too fast and understand pace limits for races. 

MENTAL:  Visualize the top of the hill ending 20 meters higher than where it actually does. This encourages you to always run through the top of the hill rather than relax once you get there. Also, learn to respect the hill, but feel confident in your ability to conquer it, even dominate it – it makes a difference!

HEAD/TORSO: Keep your head and chest up. Don't slouch.  Many runners put their head down, which wastes energy by throwing off their running form. Fix your gaze directly in front of you.

ARMS: Use your arms in a straight back and forward and up motion to drive you up the hill – not across your body. Concentrate on really overusing the arms to help power up.  Increase your arm swing as if you are using ski poles to help your legs push you up the hill.

SHOULDERS: Before tackling a hill, do a shoulders check. Are they creeping up to your ears? If so, roll them forward then backward and wiggle out your hands and arms to relieve tension.

FEET: You want your feet to land underneath your hips not out in front of you. When you start running uphill, shorten your stride. Push off your toes to create the upward motion that propels your body up and forward.  Think: shorter strides; up on your forefeet; pushing off your toes; and knees high to help your stride and keep you upright.

Running Downhill

PACE:  Accelerate gradually into the downhill – do not sprint (which causes muscle soreness later on) or fight gravity by hitting the breaks (which fatigues the quads).

MENTAL: Visualize gravity pulling you down the hill and stay in control.

HEAD/TORSO: Maintain an upright body posture with a slight forward lean on steep hills to go with gravity – always keeping your torso perpendicular to the horizontal running surface. Keep your head and chest up and eyes looking ahead

ARMS: Use your arms for balance as you let gravity help your upper body push you down hill – let your arms swing to the sides and across your body if that helps you keep your balance.

STRIDE: Slightly lengthen out your stride to take advantage of the hill with feet landing underneath you and knees bent. Downhill running can be very injurious to knees, so try not to "pound" the road on downhills.

FEET: Land on the mid-foot, not on your heel, and underneath your knees. Practice landing softly to protect the knees.

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Motivational Monday

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This month I am definitely taking on the mantra - Do 1 Thing A Day That Scares You. I am settling into my new home in Portland, OR - making new connections, new friends, finding my new coffee shop, favorite bar and restaurant and of course, my favorite runs!

Each day is another opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone and discover, or rediscover, my strength, fortitude and openness. I've had great experiences so far but not everyone is going to be my champion and help me out. It's scary to ask for help and be vulnerable when meeting new people. I haven't been in that situation for years and I feel like a kid on the first day of high school all over again. Even after a not so great experience, I'm reminded that I AM on the right path because I'm doing what I want and what makes me happy.

That's what is most important. Create goals, write them down and then go after them. You will take some wrong turns and some of the moves to get you to your goals might be scary; do them anyways. Challenge yourself, put yourself out there and rewards will find you. I'm experiencing it everyday. Happy Motivational Monday - now get out there and do 1 thing that scares you!

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Interview with a Runner

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This week we're highlighting someone extra special, Jessica's dad, Dennis Elliott.  Dennis inspired Jessica to start running at a young age because it was a way for her to spend time with him and he made it look so cool. With a marathon PR of 2:47, this dad of six is one natural born fast runner.  One of the best parts of moving back to Oregon is getting to run with this guy again!

When did you start running?
I started running during my first year in law school. I had a friend who introduced me to it as a way to stay in shape. I needed something to counteract my part time smoking habit. It actually worked.  I quit smoking after law school and kept running.

What inspired you to run?
I spent a lot of time in Eugene, Oregon in the mid 70s, and it was a hot bed of distance running. The crowd I hung out with was into marathons. I ran to keep up with them. I'm still trying to catch them.

What is your favorite running route? Why?
My favorite running route is Tryon Creek State Park in Portland, Oregon. It is shady and cool in the summer, full of color in the fall and awash with trilliums in the spring.

Favorite post-run meal?
Margarita on the rocks, no salt.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
Train on hills. It gives you twice the workout in the same amount of time.

Are you running for fun or sport? 
Six years ago I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I now run to help keep the disease at bay. My pace and distance have reduced considerably, but I still enjoy running (flat and short).

Favorite way to sweat other than run?
An intense game of family pickleball. I spent years purposely losing to my kids. Now that they're grown up, they never let me win.

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Chia Seed Pudding - #TastyTuesday

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I've been playing around with this recipe for awhile now - adding and subtracting ingredients and amounts. I think I finally figured out the perfect ratios!

Why do I love this snack? 1) It's healthy (good source of protein and Omega 3s) 2) it's sweet and 3) it's easy to make. Each serving is about 125 calories, 8g total fat, 0mg cholesterol, 94mg sodium, 9g dietary fiber, 0g sugar, 3.5g protein.

Ingredients:

  • 2/3 cup chia seeds
  • 2 cups unsweetened vanilla almondmilk (or any milk substitute)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

In a deep bowl, combine the almond milk and the vanilla extract. Add the chia seeds seeds and whisk. Cover and refrigerate until very it thickens and becomes pudding-like, about 4 hours or overnight. Stir occasionally to help break up chia clumps.

Makes 4 servings. Add on your favorite toppings. I like unsweeted coconut flakes, bananas, fresh raspberries and maybe a little maple syrup!

Mizuno Wave Sayonara - Review

The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Mizuno.

Jessica and I love our Mizuno shoes. I've been a huge fan and completely in love since I got my first pair of Mizuno Wave Elixirs in September 2010. Since then, I've run 3 marathons, a bunch of halfs and thousands of miles in Mizunos. I have 7 pairs - the Prophecy, the Creation, Wave Elixirs and Ascent (their trail sneaker).

The latest addition to my collection is the new (released today!) Wave Sayonara. It's a lightweight everyday training shoe that makes speed more accessible. For me, Mizuno already equals comfortable (serious comfort - like my feet are running in fluffy clouds) and speed. These shoes take it to the next level; they are 7.1 ounces with a G3 SOLE that provides lightweight traction so you feel your connection to the ground without feeling heavy.

I was ready to test out these shoes and, as Mizuno says "wave goodbye to slow and say hello to more energized, mezamashii running" after a month of humid runs in Florida (where I felt like I was running through molasses)! I threw them on and went out for a run. My goal was to run descending miles, with the last mile being 7:30s. My run was stopped when I got BLISTERS on both heels after about a mile. This has NEVER, EVER happened with any Mizuno shoes and I honestly can't remember the last time I had a blister from running. I was really bummed. I reached out to my friend who is a Mizuno tech rep for some help understanding why I got blisters in these shoes. He had a good tip for those of us use to wearing the Elixirs - tie your laces tighter. That did help but I still have the remenants of the blisters so I have to wait until they heal completely before I can begin to fully appreciate the Wave Sayonaras.

I was able to get a few runs in them (with the help of bandaids and mole skin).  I LOVE the colors and I like how light they feel on my feet. It's very easy to increase cadence and turn over your feet for a fast run. They don't have the toe spring (the curl at the top) so while they are roomy, they feel a bit more secure.

I'm in a new town - Portland, Oregon (!) and have yet to find a track and am enjoying just crusing around the city during my runs. To get my interval workout while exploring the city, I did this fun and easy speed workout:

I'm looking forward to a lot more #brilliantruns with the Wave Sayonaras and all my other Mizuno sneakers! Have you tried out Mizuno's sneakers? Tell us which ones in the comments below.

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Designer Whey Review & GIVEAWAY

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*Disclaimer: Designer Whey provided these products to me. I was not compensated for this review, expect for my time. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I'm a huge fan of Designer Whey products. I use their Protein Powder and Protein2Go packs all the time (great tasting and convenient). I recently had the opportunitity to try out their new product - Sustained Energy Protein Powder. DW sent me the Vanilla Bean and the Chocolate Velvet flavors to try.

Over the course of about 8 days, I used their Sustained Energy Product (instead of their Protein Powder) in a variety of ways: morning smoothies, afternoon smoothies, post run pancakes and on-the-go protein drink.

The Sustained Energy formula provides more endurance and sustained energy because of the proprietary Endurance Blend™, a combo of "fast absorbing whey protein and slower absorbing soy and casein proteins, giving you a steady supply of essential amino acids while helping you control hunger with fiber" (via http://designerwhey.com/products/powders/sustained-energy/). One scoop of either flavor provides 16 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber and 19 essential vitamins and minerals and is only 100 calories.

6 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber and 19 Essential Vitamins & Minerals - See more at: http://designerwhey.com/products/powders/sustained-energy/#sthash.aPwaOJBB.dpuf
6 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber and 19 Essential Vitamins & Minerals - See more at: http://designerwhey.com/products/powders/sustained-energy/#sthash.aPwaOJBB.dpuf
Whey is pure so your body quickly absorbs it for maximum post-workout recovery and nutrition. • Whey is a “complete” lean protein with the right balance of amino acids and protein to help your immune system. - See more at: http://designerwhey.com/about-us/whey-benefits/#sthash.qykFznvv.dpuf

Want to try Designer Whey Sustained Energy?
The good folks at Designer Whey are giving me 6 cannisters of the Sustained Energy protein. That means, 6 of you will win!  This is open to US residents only and the winners can choose to try out vanilla or chocolate.

Additional entries:
As always, you can gain extra entries. Remember, though, you must complete the required entry first! And, yes, I'll check. (Leave one comment per entry for the additional ones to count.) So, here's what to do:
  • Follow us on Pinterest, or let us know that you already do 
  • Pin the image from this post to share the giveaway on Pinterest
  • Follow us on Twitter, or let us know that you already do
  • Tweet about the giveaway: "Enter to win FREE Designer Whey product from @hotbirdrunning: http://bit.ly/17t8EKq"
  • Follow us on Instagram, or let us know that you already do
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FunDay Friday Workout - Intervals

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This is one of our favorite, go-to interval workouts when we aren't near a track and need to add some variety to our runs.

The speed/fast portion should be done at 80% max which is a very fast effort but not a sprint. You should be able to recover and jog SLOWLY after each fast repeat. If you have to walk or have a pukey feeling after one of the repeats, you ran too fast.

If you are new to speed/interval workouts, do 2 sets of the pyramid with a 2 min break between sets. Build up to 3 sets.

Enjoy and happy (fast) running!

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Interview with a Runner

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This week's runner is as dedicated as they come to her running AND her cross training! Nicole Steele is a Seattle native, but has lived in Los Angeles for 13 years working at the same post production company for 12 years (she's now VP of Production!).  Living with her boyfriend in Silver Lake with their cat Vinnie, Nicole's obsessions are traveling, book club, wine, Vinnie and her recently planted garden.  And of course running... We'll be cheering for her this weekend as she takes on the Pasedena 10k! 

When did you start running and why?
I started running off and on in college, mainly because it was a cheap way to get in shape. Over the years I've gotten bored or hurt, and strayed from regular runs, but I always came back. After a disastrous first half marathon, I even swore off running forever! Famous last words!

What inspires you to run?
Any strong woman, whether they are Olympic athletes, my friends that are runners, or the chick that's passing me at the lake.

What is your favorite running route? Why?
Probably my most frequent route, which is around Silver Lake. It has varied terrain, nice views, and a really nice bathroom. Also amazing people watching...hipsters wear the most insane work out gear (jean shorts??).


Favorite post-run meal?
A fresh kale protein shake, with the kale from my garden. I'm living the dream!

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
Don't run every day! For years I felt nagging guilt if I didn't run daily, but that guilt made me hate and resent running. Also I got hurt. A lot. Now running is something I look forward to, rather than dread.

Are you running for fun or sport? 
I run for fun, but signed up for a 10k to keep me focused on my goals. My current goal is to finish my 10k strong and uninjured, and to get faster.

Favorite way to sweat other than run?
I really enjoy the Bar Method and spinning. They push me to the limit both mentally and physically. I have a love/hate relationship with the pain and sweat!

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Koge Vitamins

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I was sent a Koge Vitamins Energy Pack in exchange for my honest review; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Full disclosure: I've never been "good" at taking vitamins - I either forget them or don't take them regularly. When I had the chance to review Koge Vitamins, I decided to go for it because I wanted to 1) see if I could do it - take vitamins for 15 days straight and 2) wanted to know for myself if I felt a difference on vitamins.

Well, 18 days later and I almost succeeded! I went away for 3 days and forgot to bring them with me so I had a few extra days. I did feel a difference on the Energy tablets. I woke up feelling more refreshed and I didn't feel any cravings or need for coffee. Also, I was much more alert during the afternoon - never felt "foggy brain" in the afternoon.

Koge offers a few different vitamin pack options: Daily Essentials, Antioxidant Collection, Weight

Management and Energy Pack. Additionally, they have a Whey Protein powder. Koge vitamins are cheaper than buying from brick and mortar stores because they have streamlined the process. It reminded me of Trader Joes - they are able to keep their prices low because they cut out the middle men/the distribution process. 


I took the Energy Pack which consisted of the following 4 tablets:

  • Korean Ginseng – believed to relieve the effects of stress and enhance mental and physical performance.
  • Ayur Indian Ginseng – supports energy production, which improves the body's mental and physical performance
  • Guarana - a nature, powerful and long-lasting dose of caffeine - a concentration of 3.6% to 5.8%, compared to coffee's 1.0% to 2.0%. (When I was living in Brazil, I regularly had Guarana in smoothies and juices.)
  • Coenzyme Q-10 with L-Taurine - Coenzyme Q-10 is a natural antioxidant that protects and rejuvenates your body against wear and tear, improves heart health and lowers blood pressure. Taurine is known for lowering cholesterol and repairing the body against natural external damage.

Overall, I'm happy with the results and I proved that I am capable of taking vitamins everyday, 2x a day (well, at least when I remember to bring them on vacation with me!) Another, to buy their vitamins, they are giving back and doing good - they have pledged to donate a percentage from every Koge vitamin sale to help provide the proper Vitamin A concentration children in developing countries need to survive.  Also, they don't take themselves that seriously:

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Chocolate Almond Smoothie - #TastyTuesday

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I've been in Florida for the past few weeks and it's been crazy hot and humid here (funny saying this, but "unseasonably" humid). I've been getting some runs in but if I wake up past 8am, it's not a fun run. Today, I woke up a bit late so I decided to head to a Pure Barre class. I've been going to a studio here in Sarasota, Florida and really enjoying it. (I highly recommend Chaz's classes!) After, it was 11am and instead of doing a fruit smoothie, I decided to try a chocolate smoothie. Designer Whey has a recipe for peanut butter but I don't like peanut butter so I used almond butter from Trader Joes. It was a frothy delicious drink and kept me full for a few hours. It's 240 calories, 21 g protein and 15 g fat.

Recipe:

8 oz Almond Milk

1 scoop Designer Whey Sustained Energy Chocolate Velvet

1 tbsp Almond Butter

3-4 Ice Cubes

Blend until smooth and enjoy!

Not setting limitations

Set big, grand goals. Visualize the life you want and then start making it happen. Set 6 month goals, 1 year, 5 year and 10 year goals. Your BHAG (Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal) isn't going to happen overnight - it might take 10 years - however, it's living the life you've always wanted better than living a life you aren't passionate about? Today's motivational quote reminds us that we are our own enemy in terms of success. Stop saying "can't", "shouldn't" or "impossible". Switch your vocabulary and you'll switch your way of thinking. You can achieve what you want in life.

FRS Review and Giveaway

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The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of FRS.

My first experience with FRS was a few years ago after a hot, hot, hot run in Chicago. The race finished on the beach, there was no shade and we were spent. FRS was a vendor and their drinks were like a mirage – cold and surprisingly tasty.  I think I had about 3 – one might have been used as an ice pack to just cool my face!

About a month ago, FRS asked me to review a few of their products - Healthy Energy beverages, chews and powered drink mix. And, added bonus, giveaway their (??) on our blog. Since I’m training in Florida (hot, humid, hot) for the month and knowing how their drink saved me in Chicago, I said yes.

FRS sent me 6 Healthy Energy Drinks. I used the drinks after workouts (hot, humid and sweaty runs) and in the afternoons as a pick-me-up. I brought the orange powder with me on a trip- I love easy access powders when I’m traveling that I can just drop into a water bottle, shake and drink. I made the mistake of drinking one of the drinks when it was only somewhat cold – big mistake! These drinks need to be ice cold (kinda like coconut water in my opinion). My stomach was upset after drinking it. When it’s cold, I loved it.

FRS produces a full line of products, including ready-to-drink beverages, chews, powdered drink mix and concentrate. Their products deliver energy and immune system support. It’s made with vitamins, green tea extracts and the antioxidant Quercetin, which is found in the skins of blueberries, red apples and grapes. What’s cool about this product is that is was originally developed by a team of health scientists for chemotherapy patients.  The main ingredient, Quercetin, has been demonstrated, in multiple clinical trials, to provide sustained energy, increased endurance, and immune system support.  FRS products are available at GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Whole Foods, Rite Aid, Walgreens, and FRS.com.

What I think is great:

-The ready-to-drink Healthy Energy drinks – great variety of flavors and little aftertaste.

-Flavor variety – there’s a bunch of different flavors and I liked them all.

-Easy access – shake, open and drink or pour!

-Sustained energy – no crashing 20-60 minutes after drinking.

What I think could be improved:

-The orange powder – the aftertaste wasn’t my cup of tea.

-The color -it’s neon yellow, which kinda freaks me out so I didn’t look at it!

-The soft chews – Overall, the taste was okay – a little chalky for my liking though. I’m not a fan of a lot of chews or gels in general because my stomach doesn’t handle them very well. 

GIVEAWAY

Ready to try FRS? If the answer is YES, go here for a coupon: http://www.frs.com/coupon

And, enter our giveaway for a FRS trial pack worth $30. Open to US residents only. To enter, visit http://frs.com, check out their products and leave a comment telling us which product you would like to try. We'll pick a winner on Friday, June 28 at 9am EST. Good luck!

 

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Interview with a Runner

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There's a lot of adjectives to describe this week's featured runner: fast, determined, fun, fast - did we mention that? Kim Levandoski, a Brooklyn Heights resident for 8 years and NYer for 12 years, came to us in December with a goal. She's going to kick that goal's ass this weekend at Grandma's Marathon.  In her downtime, she works for LinkedIn selling talent data solutions to big companies, skis and takes running vacations that make us jealous!

When did you start running and why?
My running career started in 2003 with a 5K race in Central Park. I remember 'carb-loading' the night before at Grimaldi's petrified about the next day. I started running because my friend EJ said a bunch of folks would run these races then meet up afterwards for brunch. The brunch part sounded appealing.

 

What is your favorite running route? Why?
The 5.1 mile loop from Fulton Ferry Landing down into the Red Hook piers and back. The water and skyline soothe me.

Favorite post-run meal?
Recoverite. It's magic powder. After I have that, I really don't have a preference for what goes into my belly.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
Drop the shoulders and chin up. (Thanks Meghan)

Are you running for fun or sport? 
Oh depends. I tend to confuse the two.

Who would you love to run with and why?
Joan Benoit Samuelson - Olympic gold medal winner and a fellow Mainer. Solid combo.

Favorite way to sweat other than run?
Love to ski.