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. When you are ready to ORDER 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

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

#MotivationMonday

I’ve got big dreams for what I want to do with running and am surrounded by such inspirational people who have dreamed amazing dreams, focused on their goals and dedicated themselves to making their dreams a reality. I want that reality too! Now, if only I could get over this wicked cold virus so I could get back down to business! I am trying to heed the advice of my coach Denise (The Sustainable Athlete) and take it easy but it’s hard. Just when I was feeling my strongest physically and mentally my immune system crashed. It’s pretty hard to avoid getting sick when you spend your days with little ones who want to snuggle and need help blowing their cute little noses all day.

The Boston Marathon is in about 7 weeks or so and training was a complete bust last week. I ran once on my treadmill and ran the Winter Wild Mountain Race on Saturday Morning at Pat’s Peak. Running the mountain race probably wasn’t the best decision since I was not feeling in 100% health and I had to get up at 3:30 in the morning to get to the race on time. But you know what it’s like when you are a crazy runner–I had to do the race to get my points for the series since I am currently holding steady in second place.

Sweet 2-lap 4 mile mountain race course at Pat’s Peak (yes, I even run up mountains in the winter in my Skirt Sports!)

The weather on Winter Wild Race Day was gorgeous. Light snow was falling and the temperatures were in the high 20′s. WARM! Unfortunately for the runners (in MICROspikes) the running surface was a bit mushy under foot making footing a bit tricky especially on the way down the mountain. The racers on skis and snowboards (“Heavy Metal” division) were loving the conditions though! I was happy to be at the race on such a beautiful morning with some of my favorite runners and competitors. Before the race I warmed up on the ski hill and enjoyed the gorgeous view of the sun just starting to paint the sky in pastel hues. When we lined up at the starting line it was just perfect seeing the smiles and feeling the positive energy coming from this somewhat crazy group of athletes. There were many kids at the race too trying to win money for the athletic programs at their schools through Michele Obama’s “Let’s Move!” Campaign. To be totally honest though I’m not sure who had bigger smiles, the kids or the adults.

I wasn’t sure how I would feel as I headed up the mountain but quickly discovered that I had no “Go Power.” My body felt like a noodle . . . not strong at all. Usually when I get to the top of the mountain and am ready to descend I am able to switch gears and just go for it. Not this time however, there just wasn’t any more . . . Have you ever felt like that during a race? So, I just decided to run and have fun . . . as fun as you can have running 4 miles on a 2-lap mountain race course. Even feeling less than 100% I still managed to pull of a third place finish in my age group which I was pleased with. My prize, a sweet Winter Wild beer mug!

Cheers to another awesome Winter Wild Mountain Race at Pat’s Peak!

There are three races left in the Winter Wild Race Series. One is a dog race at Whaleback Mountain. I am not sure if my crazy cairn terrier Lucy is up for the challenge but my friends and I had some good laughs imagining Lucy riding in a sled behind me up the trail.

Crazy Lucy AKA “The Scrambler”

The final two Winter Wild Mountain races are at Mt. Sunapee and the Championship is at Bretton Woods right before St. Patty’s Day so be prepared for a mas of runners clad in green descending down the mountain at morning’s first light!

So now, it’s time to nurse myself back to 100% health and get back to some serious Boston Marathon training. I dream about a marthon PR at Boston and I am ready for the challenege.

Now I am going to make a giant pot of chicken noodle soup when I am done writing, I am going to drink a lot of water, take my vitamins, and go to sleep early like a good girl! I want my body to be able to function like a well oiled machine on marathon day and the focus and hard work begins now. Even though it’s been tough to take it easy, I know in the long run my body will thank me and hopefully I will reap the rewards of some amazing race results this spring!

I dream of being a faster stronger tougher mountain and trail runner. What about you?

I AM READY. BRING. IT. ON!

Oh and just for a little extra challenge for my race schedule this summer I have entered the lottery for the Mt. Washington Road Race again. Fingers Crossed that I will get an entry this year. I will keep you posted!

Am I crazy? The ultimate Mountain Road Race Challenge–The Mount Washington Road Race

How do you stay motivated and focused when you get sick?

#MotivationMonday Link Love

Marathon Monday Week 1: Happy Fit Mama

Monday Motivation: Little Fancy Nancy

Training Truths NYC Half Week 6: Running Escapades

34 Ways to get in 30 minutes: Food & Fun on the Run

Two Races in 16 Hours: Dangergirl 

 Yoga–heart openers and some peaceful quiet rest

Yoga. Practicing Heart Openers.

Head cold. UGH . . . no running . . . at least not on the trails today. I have been so healthy up to this point in my Boston Marathon training perhaps my body is telling me I need a day off? Today I will use some yoga and the power of positive thinking, perhaps some extra vitamin C and some extra sleep to nurse my body back to 100% health.

I hate being sick! The top 2 reasons why I hat being sick . . . 1. It affects my running! 2. It is hard to be a Mom when you are sick and your kids are swirling around as usual as though you fed them straight sugar and coffee for breakfast.

Ok . . . now that I am done complaining, how do you stay motivated when your body is telling you it is time to go an snuggle up in bed with a good book instead of sticking to your training plan?

YOGA–Love yourself, Find Your Energy and Your Inner Happiness

I decided that for today yoga and working on “heart openers” was the perfect answer to try to lift the foggy feeling hanging over me.  When I practice yoga I usually like to go to a class to gain the additional feelings of energy from those practicing around me. However, recently I discovered GAIAM TV  through FitFluential (did you know I am a FitFluential Amassador?) where you can stream films, interviews, yoga and fitness videos.  This is perfect for when you don’t want to leave the comfort of your home but want to get in a good workout or quiet yoga session. Today I chose to try some “Happy Heart Flow”  yoga from Nicole Wienholt.

I love the quiet focus of yoga and the open release and energy flow at the end of a practice. Even though I have had to skip a few runs I am working to heal my body and get some rest so that I can find my motivation later this week for some renewed energy for some trail running and focused marathon training.

Link Love:

Sniffles, Flu, Fever: When it’s OK to workout

Blizzards Make for Some Crazy Racing

Valentine’s Gifts For Runners–Running for Dummies

Running in the Snow-Happy Fit Mama

I’m a Tough Girl–Review of Skirt Sports from MizFitOnline

RRCA Certification Recap–Mommy Run Fast

The Happy Heart Project–The Misadventures of a Darwinian Fail

Avocado Egg Salad

Motivation . . .

It’s Monday and wow! am I tired! I will have to dig deep to find my motivation for the week ahead. What about you? What will you do to find your motivation this week to get out and run? . . . do you have a big race coming up? Are you training for a marathon or do you just have some personal fitness, health and wellness goals that you are trying to achieve in your everyday life?

Here are my goals for the week to help me keep my motivation and hopefully I will be able to check my goals off the list at the end of the week.

Organic Runner Mom’s Weekly Goals

1. Go to BED earlier!!!! I am so busy these days–Running around taking care of my busy kids (ages 4 and 2), Working for our family business (Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs), Fulfilling the weekly requirements for my Health Coaching Program (Integrative Institute of Nutrition), and of course TRAINING for the Boston Marathon. I am in the habit of going to bed WAY too late which has got to change!
2. Make at least 2 new recipes! (Check HERE for last weeks new delicious recipe!)
3. Clean and Organize the toys. This clutter post holidays is driving me NUTS! Do you have any awesome systems for organizing your home?
4. Complete core strengthening exercises twice this week because those abs of steel are not going to happen on their own unless perhaps you use the “As Seen on TV AB BELT” which claims to tone your abs through muscle stimulation without any exercise at all!!! (REALLY?!?!?)
   

   The AB BELT!

5. Do some YOGA to achieve some inner-peace. 
   

   My little yogis in training

6. RUN!!!!! The next Winter Wild Mountain Running race is coming up this weekend at Ragged Mountain (Check out the race details from last year HERE) and I need to work hard to maintain my standings in the series (currently 2nd overall in my Age Group!).

Winter Wild Mountain Running Series–If you take on this winter challenge brought to you by Team Amp (Chad Denning) you might be the winner of some Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs in the awesome post race raffle!

(make sure you notice the “photo bomb” by fellow #Fitfluential and blogger “BigzigFitness” in the back. He is now hooked on this crazy mountain running series thanks to me!)

And now for some extra motivation and entertainment for you today and the rest of the week here are my kids doing their early morning “Winter Wild” mountain running race at our house.

What Goals do you have for yourself this week to keep up your motivation?

 

This holiday gift guide is full of trail running gear for the obsessed trail runner in your life.  In my last post I featured trail running gear that is great for more extreme trail running conditions. Now I want to share some of my favorite fun gear for trail runners (caution: trail running gear may include bold colors/wild patterns, and maybe even some sparkles-because who doesn’t need a little sparkle to add a little spring in their running step?)

Organic Runner Mom’s Holiday Gift Guide for Trail Runners (Part 2)

1. Sweaty Bands

I used to think that this type of headband would never work for me. Other headbands would always fly off of my head mid trail run (no joke-I think my head is a strange shape). But then my friend Alison introduced me to Sweaty Bands. They come in all kinds of patterns and animal prints and even in this awesome Viva Diva Turquoise Sparkle. These headbands absolutely do not budge even when you are putting in high miles and they keep the annoying little fly-away pieces out of your eyes when the wind is whipping.  This is definitely a trail running

Turquoise Viva Diva Sweaty Band-For Glamourous Trail Running

Skirt Sports-Lotta Breeze Capri-Perfect for Trail Running

If you read my blog your probably already know that I am a #runningskirt addict.  When I run in a skirt (which is on most runs) I love Skirt Sports. I love the wild patterns and bright colors of Skirt Sports plus the functionality of these skirts is amazing. The compression shorts/spandex under these skirts is super comfortable, does not chafe, and has pockets that can hold anything from an iPhone to several energy gels.  When the weather is a little colder and I am hitting the trails I still love my skirts. The Lotta Breeze Capri is very comfortable and perfect for running during this crazy warm December weather that we are having in New Hampshire (Where is the snow?). If you are looking for an alternative to running shorts I would definitely check out Skirt Sports and #converttoskirt!

Skirt Sports Lotta Breeze Capris-Lapis with Celebration Print

3. SLS3 Women’s Compression Socks from SL3S Intelligent Race Apparel

I have been running in these compression socks since last spring and love the feeling during and post run. They are supposed to aid with blood flow and also to help with recovery after runs. I also like them when trail running and mountain running because they help to protect my legs from gnarly things such as prickers and ticks that you can encounter on the trails. The other reason why I like these socks are the colors-Hibiscus Pink/White or Azure Blue/White.

SLS3 Women’s Compression Socks

4. LuLuLemon Run: Bundle Up Jacket

I do not have this jacket (YET). But every woman LOVES Lululemon. This jacket is simply pretty but functional too with reflective details, micro-fleece, water resistant technology, goose down . . . and MORE!  I bet the trail runner in your house would love to find this trail running jacket under the tree this year! (I know I would!)

Lululemon Run-Bundle Up Jacket

5. Women’s Swix Star XC 100 Gloves

These gloves are perfect for nordic skiing but have become my go to glove for winter trail running. They are lightweight but warm with a nice PrimaLoft filling. These gloves are warm and do a good job of wicking the moisture away from your hands.

Women’s Swix Star XC 100 Gloves-For toasty fingers when trail running

Hopefully these holiday gifts will be the perfect gift for the trail runner at your house this holiday season! Happy running!

Organic Runner Mom wishing you a Happy Holiday and Happy Running!

LINK LOVE:

Holiday Gift Guide for Athletes-From Jess @ http://www.blondepontytail.com

Fitting in Some Fun Shopping-From Outdoor Mom

Holiday Gift Guide for Your Fitness Fanatic-From Running Rachel

The Gift of Running-From Running Times

#OrganicHolidayHappiness Challenge

Happiness is . . . Dressing like a rainbow when you go out for a wintry run . . .

I am a huge fan of wearing crazy colors and wild patterns every day and that definitely extends to my running wardrobe. In the winter when the days are dark bright colors and patterned close help with lifting my mood.  Some of my favorite pieces include teal blue Under Armour Women’s Cold Gear running tights with a silly zebra-like pattern at the waist, a bright pink Under Armour Women’s Cold Gear Turtleneck which you can pull up over your nose when the wind is whipping and includes everyone’s favorite . . .thumb-holes to give you an almost eighties-like glove appearance (you know the half-gloves with the fingers cut off).  To keep the warmth from escaping through my chimney (my head) I like to top things off with a Skida Hat or headband. Skida is an awesome Vermont Company started by a Nordic skier at Burke Mountain Academy. You can get the hats either lined with a soft fleece or unlined which is nice on days when you are heading out for an especially sweaty workout.  The Skida Hats come in all kinds of awesome patterns-flowers, polka dots . . .tons to choose from.

Bold and Bright Patterns for your run, ski or just to stay warm and toasty.

What is some of your favorite winter running gear?  Do you like to “dress like a rainbow” when you go for a run?

#OrganicHolidayHappiness Challenge . . .

Happiness is . . .  Finishing your run at the top of a mountain where the view goes on forever and the mountains and sky surround you.

Sweet reward-Top of the Zealand Falls Trail in the White Mountains of NH

I have always wanted to run the Zealand Falls Trail in the White Mountains. I finally had the opportunity to do it with my friend Meghan. the day we picked to go turned out to be a clear, warm (warm being the 30-’s) day.  We enjoyed a nice relaxed pace up to the hut, a a power hike to the summit (which required the use of microspikes although we did spend some time slipping and sliding on the icy chutes along the trail).  The view at the top was absolutely spectacular and definitely worth the trip to the top.  The top of a mountain is a place to meditate, to think, and to just breathe.

Reward yourself

Challenge yourself with something new-an adventure run, a new trail, running with a new friend.  You never know what the rewards will be along the way.

Be Positive #LifeisGood

Happiness . . .

Happiness is . . . when a new recipe turns out to be as delicious as you had imagined it would be . . . #OrganicHolidayHappiness

Cold weather runs crank my appetite into full gear. As if my metabolism weren’t fast enough when I run in the cold weather I become extra hungry. The kind of hungry where if I wait to long to eat I become silent, stone-faced, “hangry” . . .

Definition: HANGRY (according to the Urban Dictionary:

In order to combat this feeling post winter run I always crave hearty, comfort foods such as lentil soup. Recently I decided it was time to try making my first lentil soup. I was craving the rich taste of the lentils and dreaming of smoky bacon flavor with parmesan cheese on top. I didn’t have a good recipe for lentil soup so I went to Pinterest and searched for lentil soup to find the perfect recipe.  I ended up choosing about four different recipes and mixed and matched the ingredients to come up with the flavor that I was craving. The recipe that I used as my jumping off point was Lentil Barley-Soup from myrecipes.com.

Here is the ingredient list with my changes:

• 2 teaspoons canola oil  Olive Oil
• 1 cup sliced leek
• 3 cups organic vegetable broth
• 1 cup water
• 3/4 cup beer (I used Long Trail Harvest Ale)
• 1 cup chopped organic carrot
• 1 cup chopped organic celery
• 1/2 cup chopped organic parsnip
• 1/4 cup chopped organic celery leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 cup uncooked Bob’s Red Mill pearl barley
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup Bob’s Red Mill Petitie Green lentils
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 Can Muir Glen Organic Whole Peeled Tomatoes (to add some acid to tie the flavors together)
• 5 Slices of VT Smoke and Cure Natural Thick Sliced Bacon (because who doesn’t love bacon!)

Leeks

carrots and celery

parsnips and bacon

Lentil Barley Soup to Warm Your Soul

Have you tried a new recipe lately? What is your favorite comfort food to make to refuel after a winter run?