Fitness Friday: Ready for the Cold

It's been frigid here in New England lately. Temperatures are low, wind chills are even lower. This season, I'm more prepared for my cold outdoor runs with a new piece of winter gear.

Lululemon's Brisk Run Neck Warmer:

After seeing my running partner wear this, I had to get one. This multipurpose piece is a neck warmer that can also be worn as a hood. I hate to wear hats because my head gets warm and then I have to carry the hat or end up overheating. But sometimes the temperatures are too cold to just wear bandless earmuffs. With the brisk run neck warmer, once you warm up, you can just pull it down and wear it loose around your neck. 

In below freezing weather and running against the wind, my head and ears stay warm and comfy. The BRNW has an adjustable cord at both ends so that you can wear it as snug a you like. The Rulu fabric is super soft and wicking.

Next weekend I'm heading up to Maine to run the Mid-Winter Classic 10 Miler in Cape Elizabeth. I have a feeling my new brisk run neck warmer will keep me safe and warm there.

What are you wearing this season to stay warm and safe from the cold?

Chilly Challenge Reminder: Log your miles for Team Escapades!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned

Review: Firmoo Eyeglasses

In a couple of months, my running partner and I will be driving to New York City for the NYC Half Marathon. Obviously there's a lot of miles involved: running and driving. I can see to run, but I need glasses to see when I drive, especially at night. Just a few of weeks ago, I went for my regular eye exam. Around the same time, I was contacted by Firmoo to do a review of their eyeglass wear. So I jumped at the chance to try some new glasses.

I used Firmoo's virtual try on system that lets you see what the glasses look like on similar shaped faces to help me pick my frames from the large variety of options on the website. Less than two weeks after choosing my frames and submitting my prescription, my new Firmoo eyeglasses arrived. They came with a hard case, pouch, cleaning cloth and tool kit. The durable plastic frames are strong yet comfortable, and just as stylish as they presented on the website. 

Firmoo offers men's and women's glasses, designer glasses, RX sunglasses, and fashion eyewear - that's right, glasses are officially a fashion accessory. There is also a First Pair Free Program for new customers. You only have to pay for shipping.

I'm very happy with my new eyewear and being the frugal shopper that I am, I already have plans to pick out some new eyewear for my husband. He is the one who attempts to take great race photos by riding around during a race reading a course map. 

Disclaimer: I received this product for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

#TrainingTruths: Bouncing Back

At the beginning of last week, I fell victim to some sort of illness. Whatever it was knocked me off me feet and put me to sleep for about 8 extra hours on Monday afternoon. One sick day later and I was bouncing back.

#TrainingTruth: It's ok to be down, as long as you get back up.

Monday's run did not happen. Tuesday became a sick day. Wednesday I was granted a snow day. As soon as I received notice, I changed into my running clothes and jumped on the treadmill. Usually a long run on the 'mill is torture, but I was eager to run. With the loyal hound keeping me company and the first episode of The Bachelor tuned in, I logged 7 miles. I forced myself to do an easy one mile warm up, then upped my pace to 9:30-ish for five, before ending with another easy one mile cool down. It felt good to be back.

Itching to run again, on Friday night I jumped on the treadmill. First, I wanted to stay on track to get at least three runs for the week. Second, I had some new shoes to try (review coming soon). Once again, I sandwiched my five mile run between a one mile warm up and cool down. This is pretty easy to do on a treadmill where pushing a button controls your pace. I need to learn how to do this on my outdoor runs because it makes my legs happy.  

 
On Saturday morning, Daisy and I met downtown for our weekly run for smoothies long run. We did the same loop as last week only she had the great idea to do it backwards. The tough hill was at the beginning, and the rest of the run felt mostly down hill and easy. Fresh fruit smoothies after proved that I was indeed feeling better.

How was your week?

#TrainingTruths is not just about me. We all like to see what everyone else is doing and use that information to assess ourselves. It's not judgement. It's a way to share and learn and make changes when necessary.

To participate all you have to do is share your #TrainingTruths:

1. Tag a Twitter post with the hashtag #TrainingTruths
2. Comment on the Running Escapades Facebook page 
3. Leave a link to your own blog post in the comments

I look forward to reading your #TrainingTruths!

Fitness Friday: #ChillyChallenge Update

I am so happy with the results of the first two weeks of the Chilly Challenge.

We have over 300 participants!

We have logged more than 8000 miles in just over two weeks!

Proof from Meagan Katherine Nancy Michelle

I've seen tons of motivation, encouragement, and inspiration on Twitter and Facebook!

We have awesome sponsor support from some of our favorite product lines.

from Janine

When Janine and I began talking about putting together a January challenge, I never imagined so many people would be interested in participating. It is so exciting to see so many people being motivated and having fun. To those of you who have taken the time to send me an email or comment online, Twitter, and Facebook: thank you for being fit, for being inspiring, and for your support.

Review: FRS Healthy Performance

During the day my energy levels sometimes dip, as if I could take a nap. On long runs I always fill my Simple Hydration bottle with some kind of performance drink to give myself a mid-run boost. I was pretty excited when  I received a box of sample product to try from FRS Healthy Performance. 

FRS is a product line that offers an energy boost from natural ingredients rather than using caffeine or high levels of sugars. The main ingredient in FRS is Quercetin - it's basically a source of energy from plant extracts instead of calories. 

My first test of the FRS product was a 20 calorie Healthy Energy Bottle. About mid-morning on a non-running day I drank the wild berry before hopping on the treadmill for a walking workout. When I saw the yellow color of the liquid I was expecting it to taste like oranges, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a very sweet berry flavor. Although the drink was good, I can't say that I felt a change in my energy level.  

I next tried the Healthy Slim Bottle during the slump between lunch and dinner when I sometimes feel like snacking. What I really liked about this product was the low 20 calories it packed; that's my kind of snack! I opted for the tropical flavor which reminded me mostly of grapes. It wasn't as sweet as the Energy Bottle, but it was still good and it held my appetite until dinner.

I tried the Energy Powder packets at work mixing them right into my bottled water. At first the bright yellow color of the orange flavor mix was surprising, but I was relieved to find the taste refreshingly sweet and quickly followed by an energy boost. The single serving packets are just 10 calories.

For one of my long runs, I put together an FRS line up. I used the cherry limeade Healthy Energy Bottle pre-run and also put some in my Simple bottle. I ate four orange Healthy Energy Hard Chews at the start of my run, but they left a slight chalky taste in my mouth, so I did not use the rest. The blueberry pomegranate soft chews were better. Even though I never felt sluggish during my run (which usually happens), I didn't feel a burst of energy either. The blackberry Acai Healthy Protein Bottle was very tasty after my workout and I can easily see myself using this as a recovery drink. 

My favorite FRS product is the single serving Energy Powder packets. After using these for multiple days at work, I have noticed that I do have more energy and the orange flavor is just yummy. I have already placed a couple of boxes in my online shopping cart. I also really like the Healthy Slim and Healthy Protein Bottles and can see myself purchasing these individually in a store. 

Do you use specialty drinks as part of your workout routine?

I received this product to review as a FitFluential Ambassador. All opinions are my own.