We Run As One

It's a big day in the running world.

Today I am looking forward to cheering on ALL the runners. The one's I know. The Hometown Hero. The survivors. Those running for the victims.

Stay Strong runners.

Today the world is cheering for you.

I'll be cheering from New Hampshire.

Where will YOU be?

Yoplait Greek 100 Taste-Off

When Yoplait invited me to participate in the Yoplait Greek 100 Strawberry yogurt versus Chobani Simply 100 Strawberry yogurt, I couldn't resist. All across the nation, consumers have been taking part in this taste-off.

I saw the opportunity as a win-win for me. I love Greek yogurt and both brands are gluten free. Plus, I'm a sucker for good tasting snacks that come in 100 calorie packaging. GUILT FREE!! 

After recruiting youngestC to join me, we decided to set up a blind taste test for each other. The loyal hound volunteered to remain in the room to ensure 100% authenticity of the taste-off!

After careful consideration and multiple tastes, we both agreed that the Yoplait versus Chobani yogurt had a clear winner.

We both thought that Yoplait was definitely sweeter and clearly tasted like strawberry. Going into the Yoplait Taste-Off, I thought that I would prefer the Chobani. It just goes to show that I should grab a spoon and try new products more often!

This yummy 5.3 ounce cup of 100 calorie yogurt comes in 12 flavors and is available nationwide. Good thing because in a national taste test, Yoplait Greek 100 Strawberry beat Chobani Simply 100 Strawberry. To find Yoplait Greek 100 near you check out the Yoplait website.

So I've taken the Yoplait Greek 100 Yogurt #TasteOff, now it's your turn! Let me know what you think!

I want to thank Yoplait for sponsoring this taste test and allowing me to express my honest opinion.

Fitness Friday: Stay Strong

Over the past year we have repeatedly heard the phrase Boston Strong. As runners, we have continued to find ways to Run Strong to show the world that you can't mess with the running community. As we get ready for an emotional Boston Marathon weekend, we are all looking for ways to Be Strong.

Lately I have been dealing with a knee issue that I learned on Monday is in fact a meniscus tear and today I am recovering from my successful skin cancer surgery. To start my one week of no running with my Boston Marathon running friends on my mind (like Dani, Sandra, Christine, Sarah, and Christy), I am focusing on a new phrase: Stay Strong.

Last week, Momentum Jewelry offered to send me a sample product. Momentum jewelry puts inspirational messages on Motivate Wrap™ bracelets and Foot Notes™ shoe charms. As soon as I saw the Stay Strong Foot Notes shoe charm, I knew it was meant to be.

I love that I can look down at my feet during a workout and see that message! Momentum Jewelry also makes Suede Cuffs, Necklaces, Headbands, and Earrings.

Momentum Jewelry wants to share some inspiration with you in your own Foot Notes™ shoe charm. These charms come in single shoe pendants or coordinated pairs like mine. In addition to entering the giveaway, from April 15 - July 15, you can use code GGS158 for 15% off your total website purchase.


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I was given the opportunity to review this product as part of the Girls Gone Sporty Network. All opinions are 100% my own.

5 Tips for Running with your Dog {Giveaway}

My dog loves to run. It makes him happy. His favorite race is the My Dogs are Barking 5K.

Exercising with your dog is a lot like training for your next big race. You need to have a plan, the right tools, and be prepared to practice.

Just like there are apps for runners to use to plan and track activity, Purina has created Purina Pro Plan P5 App, a user friendly app that allows you to track your dog's activity, work on training goals, and see achievements.

Through the Purina Pro Plan P5 App you can also access training videos on a wide variety of topics including obedience, agility, running, and strength training.

Fueling is just as important for your dog's exercise as it is to your race training. Purina has launched Purina Pro Plan PRiME and ReFUEL bars that can be used pre and post-exercise to manage your dog's energy stores.

Booney really enjoys earning his treat.

Here are some tips for running with your dog from Dr. Brian Zanghi, a research nutritionist and one of the canine physiologists behind the development of the Purina Pro Plan P5 App:

1. Consult Your Vet – Before you begin running with your dog, check with your vet to make sure they are in the proper physical condition and receive the proper nutrition for this type and level of activity.
2. Start small – Begin your activity program with short walks, jogs and training sessions at fifteen minute intervals.  It’s important your dog understands basic commands to make activity time more enjoyable (the heel command is crucial). Dog owners can also download the P5 app for free to set exercise and nutrition goals, as well as access step-by-step instruction, helpful video demonstrations and insight from top Pro Plan trainers.
3. Pick the right conditions – When possible, always choose to run on grass or a soft path, rather than pavement. This is not only easier on the pads of your dog’s feet, but it’s also less pressure on their joints and bones. If you have to run on pavement, make sure to check the pads on your dog’s feet both before AND after your run, for cuts or abrasions.
4. Ensure your dog receives proper nutrition for exercise – Unlike humans, a dog’s main energy source comes from fat – not carbs. A diet higher in fat and protein will increase an active dog’s metabolism and his endurance during exercise. The Purina Pro Plan Sport line delivers fine-tuned nutrition to promote strength and endurance for dogs of all activity levels. And for highly active dogs, the Purina Pro Plan PRiME and ReFUEL nutritional supplement bars can be fed before (PRiME) and after (ReFUEL) exercise to deliver concentrated targeted nutrients that help optimize performance.
5. Provide proper hydration – It is important to let your dog her have access to water at all times, especially during long walks or locations away from home.

Purina has generously offered to give two winners the chance to try the Purina Pro Plan PRiME and ReFUEL bars. Each winner will receive 4 PRiME and 4 ReFUEL bars. Enter for your chance to fuel your dog below.

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Disclaimer: I was sent samples of Purina Pro Plan PRiME and ReFUEL bars for the purpose of review.

Training Truths: It's a Struggle

The struggle with my crunchy knee problems continued last week. It's been a daily roller coaster of not knowing what my knee will feel like when I wake up.

Monday - This is a regular REST day for me, so I did some planks for the FitFluential #FFAprilAbs challenge and that's about it.

Tuesday - As soon as I woke up I knew something was wrong. My knee felt "puffy" and my crunchy was back to being painful with more intense popping. I called the doctor and he scheduled a MRI to get a better look. After school, I took some ibuprofen and iced.

Wednesday - Much improved knee conditions...almost like Tuesday never happened! Just crunchy, but no pain. Planks.

Thursday - My knee was still feeling good, so I went for a run. No problems during the 3.4 miles with mrC or when I played with the dog after.

Friday - Another REST day

Saturday - Planks. SurfSet, and 3 mile run downtown before heading to my MRI. Ironically my knee was SILENT most of the day. It felt weird to write crunchy knee on the in-take form when my knee wasn't being crunchy. More confusion...

Sunday - Headed to the trail for 8 miles with mrC. It was chilly when we left, so I changed into my Athleta capris (you can't tell in the picture, but they are actually BRIGHT coral!). About 1.5 miles in, the sun came out and I quickly regretted my decision. Thank goodness I wore a racerback. Other than that annoyance, it was a quiet and pain free knee day. Still confused...

Yes, I AM wearing pants ;)

This was my last long run for awhile. Although I've been helping mrC train for the Newport 10 Miler, I'm having surgery to remove some skin cancer and won't be able to run per doctor's orders. Ironically, that is how I would normally deal with the stress of having surgery.

How do you deal with struggles/stress when you can't run or exercise?