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.

TrainingTruths: NYC Plans

Training for the New York City Half Marathon has officially started. In a short nine weeks, I will be lacing up my Mizunos and readying myself for a running tour of Manhattan. My running has been in maintenance mode since the Manchester City in November, so my training plan for NYC is really just upping the mileage on my long runs. 

#TrainingTruth: I plan to be running for as long as I can and have no plans to stop - Frank Shorter

A busted water heater at Daisy's (sorry chick) led to a cancelled run date, so I went home for a runch (lunch run) with my husband. The weather was a cool 42 degrees, so I pulled out the Nike capris and matched my Mizuno Wave Rider 15 Limited Editions to my new pink Nike thermal top. We enjoyed a quiet unplanned run. 

Thursday's six mile run after school served up some challenges. First we had melting snow puddles to dodge, followed by slippery sidewalks and some strong headwinds. At the end my Wave Inspire 8s looked like they been on a trail run. 

We took our Saturday morning long run to downtown Manchester. The heavy fog at the start never dissipated and was even joined by some drizzle. Our run ended at Baked, a new local cafe, where we ordered fresh fruit smoothies with a shot of protein as our reward.

My goal for the week was to do a walking workout on my rest days. Walking workouts have many benefits for runners. It keeps leg muscles loose, alleviates soreness after a tough run, and helps maintain good circulation. For me it's about elevating my heart rate to burn as many fat calories as possible, and I can add my miles to the Chilly Challenge for my team.

Are you in maintenance or training mode?

If training, what are your training for?

Chilly Challenge Reminder: Log your miles for Team Escapades!

Fitness Friday: No Gym Required

When I lived in Ohio, I was a member of the local YMCA. It was affordable, conveniently located, and offered many amenities that appealed to me. Since moving to New Hampshire, I have opted not to join a gym and instead find other ways of working out.

Running is obviously my first choice and because we have a treadmill, I have the option of running inside when the weather is bad. Lately I have also been using the treadmill to do walking workouts on my non-running days.

One thing I have learned over the last couple of years is that to be a better runner, you must cross train and do strength training. One way that I incorporate strength training is by following various 30 day challenges. Several sites publish calendars to follow making it easy to find one that works for you.

I also search for workouts in magazines that I can tear out, tack to the bulletin board, or save for future use. 

A new workout that I recently learned about is a challenge from TribeSports called British Military Fitness: Blue Workout. It's a circuit workout that anyone can perform because all you need is your own body weight. 

I like these workouts because they are easy, quick, and can be done indoors or out. No gym or equipment required.

How do you feel about gyms or fitness centers?

Chilly Challenge Reminder: Log your miles for Team Escapades!

Review: Rock My Run

I live in a very rural area in New England. Now even though it was deemed one of the best small towns in New Hampshire, I would never run on the roads and use earbuds to listen to music. Instead I save my music for indoor workouts or blast the volume from an armband.

I first heard about RockMyRun after running the Rock 'n Roll Providence Half Marathon. It was one of the goodies I found in the swag bag. I used my free download credits right away and fell in love with the mixes. Here are a few of my favorites:

I love that you can choose music by the beats per minute. I really started using the RockMyRun mixes consistently when I was training for Reach the Beach and the ZOOMA Cape Cod Half Marathon. I knew I would be running solo and needed a way to maintain my pace. Lately I have been using the mixes more during interval treadmill runs or walking workouts to keep me entertained. 

Do you have a favorite playlist?

RockMyRun is one of the prize sponsors for the Chilly Challenge. If you haven't already, show them some love on Twitter and Facebook and tell them I sent you!

I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I just really like RockMyRun and they were generous enough to donate prizes to the Chilly Challenge that I am hosting on this blog.

TrainingTruths: Fun Challenges

Last week my training coincided with the kick off of a couple of fun monthly challenges. Challenges are fun because you can find motivation, sometimes win prizes, but most importantly improve your overall fitness.

#TrainingTruth - If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you

This month I am hosting the Chilly Challenge with Janine from The Purple Giraffe and I want my team to win the prizes. I logged my first miles for Team Escapades with a 10K race on Tuesday. 

Shrinking Jeans has me motivated again with Fab Abs January. This 30 day challenge is meant to supplement your current fitness routine (like running) and build your strength by progressing each day. I did a couple last year with positive benefits to my running and overall fitness, so when I saw this one I had to do it. 

With temperatures at a feels like 8 degrees, I took my Thursday run indoors where I could wear my favorite Oiselle shorts. After logging another 10K on the treadmill, I cooled off in front of the fan - which just feels weird when it's so cold outside.

Temperatures warmed up to 29 degrees on Saturday, so it was time to head back outside. I layered up in my favorite Nike thermal top with built in mittens and mixed up some Cytomax to put in my Simple bottle. For the first three miles around the frozen lake I felt like I was overdressed, but the higher elevation and winds kept me cooler on the second half.

Last month I mentioned that I was learning how to use my Polar HRM. Mid-morning Sunday, I drank half a serving of FRS and then fired up the treadmill for a 30 minute walking workout determined to get in one day of cross training for the week. I listened to Grrl Power Vol. 2 from RockMyRun and watched the end of Legally Blond while treading out 1.77 miles.  

How was your first week of 2013?

Want to know more about how to join Team Escapades in the Chilly Challenge? Check out all the details here or skip right to the sign-up part and be sure to choose #TeamEscapades! Already a member? Don't forget to follow #ChillyChallenge on Twitter and join the Facebook group.