Are you looking for a new energy bar, healthy snack or food to fuel your performance? Then you should try KONA KASE!

KONA KASE #performancefueledmonthly

*Sponsored Post: I was provided with this product by KONA KASE, free of charge as a part of my ambassadorship with Fitfluential I was not compensated in any way for this review, and simply exchanged my time for product.  As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

KONA KASE was started by two guys John and Taylor who like many of us found themselves looking for better ways to fuel themselves with healthy snacks, energy bars, energy drinks, and more in their daily lives and in their athletic pursuits. KONA KASE is a monthly subscription box that is filled with all kinds of endurance nutrition samples.  The subscription costs $15 per month and comes filled with a variety of products to try. ( I have a one time first-time user code that you can use on your first months purchase at checkout. Just enter the code FF2 at checkout and your first month will be just $10.00) 

I was excited to receive my first KONA KASE in the mail as I always love trying new endurance products to fuel my runs. As you know from reading my blog I am always on the quest for better nutrition that will sustain me as I challenge my body to run marathon distances and beyond.

Now for the goodies:

KONA KASE

•  KIND PLUS–Almond Walnut Macadamia: I ate this bar while enjoying an apple and the combination tasted just like a caramel apple. My daughter (age 4) insisted on eating half of my KIND bar. 
• Zing Cashew Cranberry Orange Bar & Zing Chocolate Coconut Bar: These little nutrition bars are Gluten, Soy, and dairy free and were a heavenly snack. I would definitely pack these in my ULTRASPIRE Hydrapak on my next long training run and I think I even spied them at my local Littleton COOP the other day. 
• TRAC Health CHIA + Blackberry Hibiscus Green Tea: I am enjoying this as I write. I became hooked on CHIA seeds after learning about them from Sarah Stanley of the Blog INSPIRED LIVING and #Wellnesschat. This Tart Tea offers plant based nutrition, antioxidants, Omega 3′s, ECGCG, and fiber and tastes amazing too. It has a hint of raspberry but is not overly sweet.
• Sun Cups–Organic Milk Chocolate Caramel Cups: This sweet treat is both nut free and gluten free as well as Rain Forest Alliance Certified. A little indulgence post long training run . . . yes please!
• Justin’s Honey Peanut Butter Blend: I love the combination of peanut butter and honey and I love being able to purchase this product in these handy little packets as they are perfect to pack for long training.
• Barbara Llewellyn Brown Sugar and Rosemary Cashews: Cashews are one of my favorite nuts and the blend of brown sugar and rosemary boosts the flavor of this already tasty nut.
• I have three more products left to try and I can’t wait: Journey Bar–Savory Sea Salt Nutrition Bar: This may be a great on trail electrolyte replacement snack, Rickland Orchards All Natural Greek Yogurt Bar and a Soy Joy Blueberry Bar.

Now that you have seen what’s in my KONA KASE I bet you are ready to try one out for yourself. I am excited to try out a subscription to KONA KASE to help me on my quest for improved nutrition for my training.

And don’t forget to be INSPIRED in your training and everything that you do!

INSPIRATION

It’s official. I’m on the injured list.

Don’t be a tough guy . . . take care of your running injuries. Thankfully I do not have a ruptured achilles.

But not for too long.

Earlier this week I had an MRI on my foot to figure out if the pain in the outer edge of my left foot originating from under my ankle bone was a stress fracture or peroneal tendonitis. I started having pain in this area of my foot on and off following my 3:34 finish at the Boston Marathon. I felt during the marathon but in the days after the marathon I began having an unusual pain in my foot. The pain would subside during a run but would worsen in the hours after the run and especially in the morning just after waking up.  I knew something was wrong and probably ran more than I should have after the marathon. As an athlete it is often hard to deal with this news and can be tempting to just “run through it.” I decided that that would be a horrible plan and was thankful to immediately get an appointment.

I have not been injured in a very long time. My last “real” injury was in college and well let’s just say that was awhile ago. In college my life was on the water. I spent countless hours rowing with my awesome Colby Rowing Team. In the off-season we spent our days doing dry-land training which included a lot of running and I ended up with a stress fracture in my right leg. Wow, was that a painful injury! In order to rehab I was not allowed to run and spent a ton of time in the trainer’s room bathing my legs in the bone chilling water in the ice bath. Thankfully I could still row and so was at peace with spending extra time on the rowing machine (Concept II Ergometer aka evil torture machine) until we could get back on the water in our rowing shell.

After getting my MRI this week I was nervous about getting my results because the recovery from my last running related stress fracture was long and with the trees budding all around and the trails prime for fantastic running adventures I did not want to have a stress fracture again.  Thankfully the news was slightly more positive. Dr. Kauffman informed me that I have PERONEAL TENDONITIS which showed up as inflammation on the MRI.

TWO WEEKS in a boot. 4 to 6 weeks of no running. Ugh . . .

The latest craze in running footwear.

Well, I guess my body is in need of a break from running . . . but I will be back at it soon and stronger than ever when I hit the trails again. For now it’s time to get my rowing shell down to the river . . . Pictures to come SOON!

Since I am injured that does not mean you should take a break from running too. I’s love to hear all about your new running adventures and to see pictures too! 

HAPPY RUNNING!

As I drive past the Connecticut River this morning I am enticed by its glassy calm. The conditions are perfect for an early morning row where all you can hear is the sound of the seat in the slide, the boat slicing through the water, blades digging in strong, the sound of the oars clicking in the oarlocks and the sound of your own breathing.

I feel gratitude for what I have and for the possibilities. Even if I learn this morning that I will need to take some time away from running to let my foot heal I feel lucky that I can still get out and enjoy the serene beauty in the Connecticut River Valley. I am thankful for my health, and my strength and everything that I have. I am THANKFUL.

In the weeks following Boston my emotions have been a roller coaster. I am thankful for what I have while at the same time can become overwhelmed with grief for those still suffering after the Boston Marathon tragedy.  I feel anger for things that have happened that hurt innocent people for no reason at all. I feel fear . . . but we cannot let these emotions control what we do.

No matter what it’s important to get out an enjoy doing the things that you love and be with the people who make you the happiest. It’s time to get out and work your hardest. It’s time to choose a goal and make it a reality . . .

Life can be fleeting . . . Make every moment count.

Reflect

Do you have what it takes to show me “What’s Beautiful?” Please join me this summer on a trail running journey to find out why trail running is amazing! #IWILL

#WhatsBeautiful Running Long on a Beautiful Riverside trail.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Under Armour through FitFluential. No matter what I’d still be taking part in the campaign and would ask you to join my team to help me redefine the female athlete.

I am  crazy about trail running and here are my top ten reasons why (well, there may be more . . .)

1. You can run on the trails wearing a skirt and feel like a total bada$$
2. Everyone loves getting dirty now and then.
3. The adventures are endless (choose your own adventure!)
4. The scenery is amazing.
5. If the weather is warm you might find the perfect swimming hole for cooling off.
6. Did you know that trail running is secretly strength training . . . you will be a stronger you after a summer of running on the trails!
7. Trail running will work your abs better than the P90X Ab Ripper Workouts (well, maybe not but the uneven terrain keeps your core in gear as you run resulting in firmer abdominal muscles).
8. You will have an awesome story to tell when your run is done (perhaps you will encounter a bear or take an epic fall)!
9. You will have fewer injuries from trail running (well at least impact injuries) due to the softer surface that you will be running on (think moss covered ground, pine needle laden single track . . . well, you get the picture).
10. Your friends will love you for dragging them off the pavement and into the woods!

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and hit the trails! You know you want to!

And if you do . . . PLEASE join my awesome Under Armour What’s Beautiful Team “Beautiful Trail Runners” and we will challenge each other as we take on the adventure of trail running! I CAN’T WAIT to see your pictures. Go for it and say #IWILL!

What’s Beautiful. Under Armour 3.0. #IWILL #whatsbeautiful

Link Love:

Beautiful By Me-Matters of Course by Running Hutch

Under Armour What’s Beautiful–Go The Xtra Mile

Becoming Limitless with Under Armour What’s Beautiful 3.0–Fit Mom in Training

What’s Beautiful–Happy Fit Mama

What’s Beautiful . . . Knowing You’re Limitless–Living the Dream: Fancy Nanacy

I WILL . . .

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Under Armour through FitFluential. No matter what I’d still be taking part in the campaign and would ask you to join my team to help me redefine the female athlete.

What’s Beautiful. Under Armour 3.0. #IWILL #whatsbeautiful

I am truly excited to announce that I have been chosen to be a part of the Under Armour What’s Beautiful 3.0 Campaign as a part of my ambassadorship with Fitfluential. It is my job to inspire and motivate you to reach further than you ever thought you could by setting new goals for yourself. Please join my team “Beautiful Trail Runners” HERE so that we can build a community of women with strength both inside and out who will support each other as we reach outside the comfort zone and go for our dreams. You can achieve whatever goals you have by saying #IWILL.

Fitfluential is “Fitness Found”

Never underestimate yourself. Don’t listen to that voice inside your head that says “I can’t.” Try something new.

#whatsbeautiful #iwill

Take risks and go beyond what you ever thought you could do before. You will surprise yourself when you find out how truly strong you are! 

The task is simple:

• Set up your own profile HERE #whatsbeautiful
• Join my Under Armour #whatsbeautiful team Beautiful Trail Runners and set some new goals for yourself on the trail. Your goal can be as simple as exploring a new trail every week or trying your first trail race. The idea is to challenge yourself to do something new, to be positive, and to be inpired. You are WHAT’S BEAUTIFUL!
• Share this with all of your friends (WOMEN only) and we will join together to inspire each other to step off of the pavement and on to the trails for my next running adventure to gain strength both inside and out to show the world What’s Beautiful!

My first goal was to finish my first 50K with inner-strength and determination however a possible injury to my left foot (possible stress fracture or peroneal tendonitis) has caused a shift in plans. I need to make sure that I take care of my foot and let it heal before I the injury becomes more long-term. Sometimes life slows us down for a reason so that we take the time to refocus and to readjust. this is just a minor “root” for me to navigate as I continue this awesome running adventure.

Under Armour What’s Beautiful 3.0

My new goal for the Under Armour What’s Beautiful 3.0 Campaign:

I will train for the Loon Mountain Race in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I will be positive and continue to inspire others even as my body works to heal itself! #IWILL

Trail running heaven on The Kingdom Trails.

Trail Running–An adventure every running enthusiast should try!

Have you ever gone trail running? I first discovered my true love for running on trails when I first moved to this area in 2000. I was a teacher and was stressed out. Two teachers that I met who are now my best friends and training partners convinced me to try running the trails with them on The Kingdom Trails in Burke VT.

I did. I fell in love. Trail running is heaven. Trail running is peaceful. Trail running is challenging. Running on the trails as nature bursts into spring all around you is medicine for the soul.

Thank you Joanna and Bridget for showing me my heaven.

If you haven’t tried running on the trails before you should. Your body and soul will thank you. You may even become hooked like me!

Happy trail running!

Single Track Trail Running

Trail Running bliss on the Kingdom trails in Burke VT.

 Say YES to nourishing body butter for your skin!

yesTO Carrots Nourishing Body Butter Review

*Disclaimer: I was provided with this product by yesTO Carrots, free of charge. I was not compensated in any way for this review, and simply exchanged my time for product.  As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own!

When Yes To asked me if I would be interested in reviewing their natural skin and hair care product line I was very excited.  Yes To is a brand that embodies what is important to me and my family.  All of the packaging that Yes To uses is recyclable and the products are made with 95% all natural fruits and vegetables as well as some Certified Organic Ingredients.

Say Yes To the amazing ingredients that make up the different Yes To Beauty Lines: Nourishing, Soothing, Correct & Repair, Age Refresh, and Clear Skin

This company also gives back through the Yes To Seed Fund whose mission is

“to plant gardens around the globe to give kids fun and engaging ways to live about nutrition and healthy living.”

The Yes To Brand is also proud to be Cruelty Free which means no animal testing!

The first product that I decided to try was the Yes To Carrots Super Rich Body Butter. The first thing I noticed when I opened the body butter was the fresh smell. The fragrance was not overpowering and my kids liked it too. It reminded me a little bit of the smell of baby lotion which brings back memories of quiet moments with my kids as babies.  The main ingredients in the Yes To Carrots Body Butter are Carrots, Sweet Potatoes and Shea Butter. the ingredients also listed Green Algae Extract or Spirulina which I am sure my friends at Energy Bits would love! I like the fact that this body butter is 99% natural.

Yes To Natural Skin and Hair Care

I first used the body butter after taking a refreshing shower to remove the dirt from a trail run. Living in New Hampshire where the air is usually very dry I often have very dry skin so the YesTo Carrots Body Butter was a welcome treat. Although some body butters and lotions can feel heavy and greasy on your skin, this body butter feels light yet creamy. After using it for a few days my skin began to look more moisturized and feel softer.

Say yes TO Carrots, Sweet Potatoes and Shea Butter

Both of my children have very sensitive skin (my son, age 2, has had some trouble with eczema) so I am often hesitant to try new products on them. I loved this body butter so much I decided to try it on my kids. My daughter (age 4) loves it and enjoys putting it on by herself. We now use this body butter after baths to help keep their skin soft and nourished.

Have you ever tried any of the Yes To  Skin and Hair Care products?

Yes To Coupon

 Link Love:

Yes To Blog

Yes To Carrots Product Review!!-Planet Stylisoulstar’s Blog

From the Pages of My Lucky Mag- The Glossarie

Yes to Carrots’ New Haircare Line Gets Tingly-The BirchBox Shop

Glow Baby, Glow!-loveCraft, The Beauty Blog

Yes To Carrots to Remain Cruelty Free!-Logical Harmony

Muddy Trail Running at its best!

When was the last time you ran a race just to have fun? After the Boston Marathon I wasn’t planning on racing for a little while. However when my two amazing friends asked me to run the Muddy Moose 14 miler I decided it would be the a fun adventure and good medicine for my soul. Being with my friends provided the healthy laughter that I needed and running the gorgeous trails in the fresh air brought me peace.

The original Pete & Gerry’s Organic Chicks ready for some muddy trail running.

I proudly wore my Boston Marathon colors and got ready for a muddy adventure. I had no expectations but wasn’t sure if my legs would carry me. Bridget, Joanna and I warmed up and checked out the start of the course. The ground seemed fairly dry which I would later discover was not true.

Muddy Moose 14 Miler: Organic Runner Mom is #BostonSTRONG

The race director gave us all hints of the mud that was to come on the Muddy Moose trail racing adventure. The pace was fast off the line and as we turned onto the trail the mud greeted us. At first I tried to maneuver nimbly around the ever growing mud pits left in the wake of strong strides. But after a bit I decided to just go forth and have fun and get dirty. A few moments after this decision I ran into the quicksand mud and my left shoe was promptly sucked off of my foot. Rather than discouraged this made me laugh. I pried my shoe out of the gooey mud and tried to find a solid pace again.

After about two miles the trail evened to a nice dirt road by a lake (it was hot at the race and very tempting to bail out and jump in the icy waters). Then there was some climbing up to a beautiful vista. It was so peaceful in the woods, calming and healing.Just me and the trail and the occasional other racer. Amazingly my legs felt strong and I was able to focus on my strengths. I absolutely love the technicality of trail running. Nimble footsteps hopping over rocks and roots, and weaving around trees. The sweet smell of the earth and the giant canopy brightened by patches of cerulean blue. The other runners too were quiet and focused on the terrain.

Eventually I began to see racers returning on the out and back course as we headed towards a “choose your own adventure” pathway. My friend Bridget came flying by, a flash on the trail racing to stay ahead of the pack. The course had a lollipop loop and you could run either direction. I chose to go left and was surprised by a water crossing that was “skirt high,” reaching the lower edge of my Skirt Sports. The icy water felt refreshing but shocked my legs. My pace coming out was slowed by frozen muscles (nothing like a quick ice bath mid-race). But I quickly got back in the groove for seven miles back. The course was an out and back which is great if you are feeling good because you have already seen the terrain. On the way back I actually felt pretty amazing. Perhaps it was the endorphins. The other racers on the course were friendly and there were lots of big smiles (because who doesn’t like playing in the mud!).
The toughest part about the race was that I was hungry and needed more water as it was hotter than expected. I usually come well equipped with plenty of Ignite Naturals Reload Energy gels but for some reason didn’t bring enough. For the last two miles all I could think about was food and rehydration. My finish time was 2:24.16, 7th female, a strong finish post Boston. The hose at the finish was definitely needed!

The Aftermath of a Muddy Trail Race

I would definitely do The Muddy Moose 14 miler again next year. It was a challenging course but a blast in the mud and the trail running was gorgeous!

Have you ever run a super muddy trail running race?

My friend Joanna rocking the muddy trail at the Muddy Moose 14 Miler.

Muddy but having a blast at the Muddy Moose 14 Miler

The Women’s Winner at the Muddy Moose 14 Miler showing off her Moose Prize.

Defy your fears and set some new goals!

Goals! Goals! Goals! Don’t let fear be an obstacle!

Now that the Boston Marathon 2013 has come and gone (Actual race recap coming sometime soon, when I feel I am ready to share) it is time to set some new goals for the spring! Life can be fleeting. Make your dreams a reality and bring others along your journey.

I may be crazy but at some point during the winter I signed up for my first 50K trail race and now I’ve got to recover from the Boston Marathon, add in some miles and hit the trails. I can’t wait!

I run with the most amazing group of women. All strong and determined. When not running they work very hard in their everyday lives and when they are running their work ethic is the same . . .absolutely incredible! When my friends choose goals they don’t let anything stand in their way and they just go after it.

I am always so amazed when I see my friend Bridget at races. As soon as the starter says go she is off the line like a rocket. I have dreams of catching her. As soon as the race starts she is focused and she puts it all on the line, charging ahead with no fear . . . failure is not an option, there is no such thing as “I can’t.” When I run she is often someone who I think about. I am determined to “attack” my goals like Bridget, with strength and determination. I want to learn how to leave it all on the race course. 

When you run do you experience fear . . . fear of being too slow, fear of the pain you might feel when you run faster, fear of being passed, fear of not achieving your goals?

I think these are some of the most common fears that I have had as a runner on race day. It is such a mental game and it is so easy to talk yourself out of being successful. You are in control of the path to reaching your goals.

Don’t fear the obstacles in your life . . . Muddy Moose Trail Run 14 Miler

I am determined to not let fear stand in the way of achieving my goals!

Here are my spring GOALS:

1. Train for and race my First 50K Trail race at the Pineland Farms Trail Running Festival.
2. Do a core workout routine at least 3 times a week.
3. Try Mountain Biking (Real Mountain Biking without being afraid).
4. Do more yoga!
5. Ride my road bike (I haven’t ridden my road bike on the road in about 3 years).
6. Take my rowing shell out on the water for a row (I haven’t done this since beofre my daughter was born. I think it’s time to dust off my oars!).
7. Go to bed earlier.
8. Wake up earlier.
9. Start Meatless Monday at our house #MeatlessMonday
10. Go for more hikes with my kids.

What are your spring goals?

In London, Runners yearn for 2014 Boston Marathon : the Boston Globe

I am crying as I write this. My emotions are so raw these days. I am going to share pieces of my Boston Marathon experience as the weeks go by. It is hard to share it all at once.

This evening I learned that my friend Lynn who started the race with me drove down to pick up her Boston Marathon Medal today. Today was the day they would reopen Boylston Street to the Public. Today was the day that Lynn would run to finish the marathon, the day that she would run for the 170 victims at the finish line.

To give you a little history, Lynn and I first met when I was teaching first grade. I was her sons first grade teacher, a sweet blond haired boy with the whole world ahead of him.  A boy somewhere around the age of the youngest victim of the Boston Marathon tragedy. Full of vivid imagination and endless ideas. Full of energy and a wide smile that would light up when he would read me his stories and show me his discoveries on the playground. I lost touch with Lynn for awhile but am forever bonded for being her sons teacher for showing him how to gain confidence as a reader, as a student. Every child has a vivid bright light and fresh energy. The world waiting . . . the whole world ahead of them. It is not fair that a boy (Martin Richard)  who was just like my student, like my friend’s son, should have this light taken away too soon during the terrible tragedy at The Boston Marathon.

Lynn and I have reconnected through running and it is a bond that we share. Lynn has run the Boston Marathon for many years so I was happy to be able to meet up with her before the race to head to our starting corral. We spent the morning sharing running stories and she gave me helpful tips for conquering the marathon course. We also talked about the Gilford, NH Schools For Schools 26.4.26 race to remember the victims of the Sandy Hook School Shooting. Not being able to be there, Lynn wanted to support the race and had decided to wear the 26.4.26 race shirt at the Boston Marathon. We observed 26 seconds of silence prior to the race and I knew I would be crying at mile marker 26 knowing one of my close friends was directly affected by the loss of her stepmother in this horrific tragedy. Another runner, Jaime, who we met up with before the race was nervous being at the race while her husband was not able to attend due to being on a trip. She expressed how she was worried before coming to Boston for the marathon and had even talked with a friend prior to the race about the possibility of tragedy (terrorism) happening at something such as the Boston Marathon. Our discussion prior to the race gives me chills now . . . was it a premonition . . . a foreshadowing of things to come?

Lynn and I made our way to the starting line. I was jittery, race day nerves had definitely taken hold. Eager to get to the start we gathered our belongings into our yellow Boston Marathon Bags and put on the last few finishing touches of our race day outfits. I felt ready to run a strong race and was happy to have Lynn cheering me on all the way to the starting line (and I know she was cheering me on as I crossed the line too.) Just prior to heading to the starting line I helped Lynn by pinning a pair of pink and silver wings onto her back. The wings from the Flying Pig Marathon are something that she has worn now for many miles at many races encouraging race spectators to cheer her on with cries of, “Angel” as she would speed along any race course. Her energy and smile are contagious, lifting you up and inspiring you to be strong and to take on any challenge.

Somehow as we made our way to the starting line time evaporated . . . somehow we missed our starting corral and ended up having to start in the Third Wave, Corral Number 2. A slight shift in our own personal timelines for the race. Perhaps fate. In the end of the race I crossed the line with 14 minutes to spare and Lynn was stopped with .4 miles to go. We were lucky. Who knows what would have happened. I am thankful because perhaps for me on this day I was running with a true Angel. I am a believer in fate . . .

Here is a picture I took of Lynn and I just moments before the gun went off at the start of the marathon . . .

Boston Strong 2013

She has angel wings.

She holds up a sign of PEACE.

Today Lynn drove down to Boston after hearing that race medals would be handed out to the people who had not reached the finish of the marathon. Today Lynn finished her race. Today Lynn finished for all of the people who did not finish. Today she finished to remember the victims. Today Lynn finished to show the world that Boston is Strong.

Here is her story as told by her significant other Hal (who was sitting in the bleachers) . . .

“Angel”

“Just got this photo from Lynn. She heard they were distributing medals to those unable to finish the Boston Marathon due to the bombing. In a spur of the moment decision she grabbed her race number and drove to Boston to pick up the medal. Once there she was inspired to finish her run. Completely unprepared to do this, she went to Nike-town and was fitted with a tank top, shorts, peds and sneakers. She stapled her number to her singlet and made her way over to Commonwealth Avenue and found the fence she was leaning against when stopped just over a week ago. After some stretching she ran the last 4/10 of a mile of the race course. While running down Boylston street a woman saw Lynn finishing her race and cheered. Lynn strong.”

And when I read these words my tears began to fall . . .