Pro Compression Athletic Performance Socks Review

I have a new love! I love my new Pro Compression Athletic Performance socks!

I've had them now for several weeks and I've been wearing them religiously...every cardio workout! Not only are they cute, they make me feel like I can go for hours..(:

Eric at Pro Compression sent me 3 styles to try. And honestly, I love all of them!

My favorites are these~ the Limited Edition "MJ Endurance." These *Stars* were inspired and designed by Olympic Silver Medalist and Ironman Hawaii world champion Michellie Jones.

 This style is the Marathon Lite. It is the lightest weight, graduated compression sock available.

Eric also sent me two pair of the Trainer Low style. I like wearing these. To work, shopping, or just around the house. 

Why compression?

Doctors will often prescribe compression footwear for patients who have poor circulation in their legs and feet. The compression footwear applies squeezing action to the legs and encourages better, faster circulation.

The same principle applies to compression running socks, and has been found to be of special benefit to the long distance runner. The repetitive movement of the runner's legs applies outward force to the blood, or pressure towards the ends of the feet. This discourages blood flow back to the heart and lungs, which in turn affects the rate of oxygenated blood carried back to the legs. By squeezing the legs around the ankles and calves, the blood is helped to circulate through the legs and feet more efficiently.

While it hasn't been confirmed whether compression socks actually improve oxygen consumption efficiency, there are a number of other benefits that runners have reported:

*Reduced distraction ~ the socks don't slide down your legs or slip and twist during the run, which also helps to reduce the formation of blisters

*Reduced muscle fatigue and pain

*Reduced development of shin splints by helping to hold the muscles in place

*Improved sense of balance

*Faster lactate recovery rate after a run.

Keep in mind that compression socks will not instantly transform you into a great athlete. But they do make a noticeable difference and can help you get a little bit more out of your workout and aid your performance.  By helping flush the lactic acid from your muscles, you’ll experience a faster recovery time, too. 

I highly recommend Pro Compression Athletic Performance Socks!! Check out their website here. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks again Eric and Pro Compression for the opportunity to try your fabulous products! 

**Note the opinions in this post are my own. I was given product to use and review and was not paid for this.

PR* Bars~The Review

I was recently contacted by PR Nutrition to try out some of their products. After reading about the PR*Bars online I was excited to try them. They sent me a box of PR*Bars and a customized Adaptive Nutrition Program.

The first test I put the bars through was the "Kid Test." Both my ten year old and my five year old liked them. Score! Oh, and I liked them too! Not only do they taste great, they have 15g of protein, 23 carbs, relatively low sugar, and are around 200 calories. Some of the other things I liked about them are...

* They are all natural

* They are gluten free

* They have no sugar alcohols

* And did I mention they have 15 grams of protein

The PR*Bar Fast Burn Nutrition Program includes a personalized nutrition and weight loss plan based on your lean body mass, individual requirements, and weekly training. According to PR*Bars, the program "aids in losing body fat, enhancing athletic performance, building lean muscle, and improving nutrition..." The main elements to the Fast Burn Nutrition Weight Loss Program are...

* Use of stored body fat for energy
* Reduces hunger and sugar cravings for 3-6 hours
* Increased levels of physical and mental energy
* Less fatigue, light-headedness, and mood swings
* Improved tissue repair and recovery, resulting in fewer injuries
* Increased metabolism as a result of an increase in lean body mass

I really liked the PR*Bars. I tried them before and after workouts with great results. They aren't just selling a nutrition bar, they're also encouraging better nutrition for improved performance and better health and body composition.

PR*Bars have been named the Official Performance Nutrition Bar of the US Olympic Team. You can find complete information on PR*Bars and the Fastburn Program on their website.
You can also find PR*Bars on Facebook.  If you have been looking for an all around good nutrition bar, look no further!

Run Like a Girl Book Review

I was contacted a several weeks ago to review Mina Samuels' book Run Like A Girl: How Strong Women Make Happy Lives.  

Run Like A Girl is part locker-room confidential and personal memoir, revealing how women build confidence by participating in sports, whether it's running, rock climbing, or yoga. Sports can indeed transform a woman's life in profound ways. Throughout the book the author illustrates how participation in sports can boost confidence and strength, and how it can then be seen in other areas of life. This book is inspiring, funny, and at times, heartbreaking. The candid stories of nearly a hundred women fill the pages. From a U.S.-ranked amateur triathlete who’s raising an autistic son, to a woman who runs her first marathon at sixty; and a young mother with scoliosis who cycles her way back to health; as well as sports icons Kathrine Switzer, Rebecca Rusch, and Molly Barker. These women all share how sports helped them overcome life’s obstacles and achieve the happiness and success they’d been running toward. Through Samuels personal experience, we are given suggestions on how to cope positively with all the negative self-image, and all of life's challenges. It is a light hearted, enjoyable read that leaves you feeling empowered. It truly shows how sprots can play a vital role in a worman's life. 

“For anyone looking for a dose of inspiration before lacing up their sneakers, this book is it: part manifesto, part motivation, use it to go a little farther, faster, and feel better about every step.”– Lucy Danziger, editor-in-chief, SELF magazine, and co-author, The Nine Rooms of Happiness

"A book that is needed and important and life changing — all the things running has been for us!” – Kathrine Switzer, author of Marathon Woman: Running the Race to Revolutionize Women’s Sports, Running and Walking for Women Over 40 and co- author of 26.2 Marathon Stories

“I was hooked after the first page. Run Like A Girl reminds me, once again, the power and importance of sport in young girls and women’s lives. As a mom and an athlete, I will continue to proudly run like a girl and support my kids as they do the same!” – Summer Sanders, Gold Medalist and TV personality

“A compelling and insightful book about using sport and physical activity to balance the extraordinary challenges women face. . . a must read for women athletes and non-athletes alike.” – Donna Lopiano, founder and president of Sports Management Resources; formerly CEO of the Women’s Sports Foundation

About the author: Mina Samuels is a former trial lawyer, a human-rights advocate, a freelance writer and editor. In addition to many ghostwriting projects, her previous books include a novel, The Queen of Cups, and The Think Big Manifesto, coauthored with Michael Port. When she is not writing she might be off doing triathlons, marathons, biking, cross-country skiing, yoga, rock climbing, kayaking, snowshoeing, or hiking in far off places.


I have really enjoyed reading Run Like A Girl: How Strong Women Make Happy Lives. I agree that transformations can and will happen and by staying focussed, we can overcome our obstacles and become better equipped to achieve happiness in our lives. "To be strong in body is to be strong in mind.”  Check out Mina's blog and get your copy of Run Like A Girl here.

Wordless Wednesday

Do you think it would improve my running if I did this.. Ha!

Active Bands

Active Bands is having a fabulous giveaway over at their blog! You could be one of two lucky winners to get a free $50 gift card.  Go check it out here! 

I actually have two Active Bands and I love love love them! They don't slip and they keep your hair just where you want it...out of your eyes! Go on over to Active Bands and see for yourself how great they are!

The First Time

There is NOTHING like crossing that marathon finish line for the first time! It is the most empowering feeling...Once you do it, you KNOW you can do anything you put your mind to!

That is my brother in law Jason.. He ran his first marathon a couple of weeks ago. It was so awesome to watch him accomplish this goal! We had been talking over the past few months as I had on the "Coach Stacey" hat. (: Sharing things that work for me and giving the last minute advice was so fun. It was exciting to live that "first time" through him. It made me stop and think and put things into perspective. That nervous energy you feel that week before the race, not being able to sleep much... I have long since outgrown that, and it was fun to feel/remember those wonderfully anxious feelings. 

This race was also a first for me...I have never been on the cheering end of a race.. I have always been the runner.. It was fantastic to be able to watch the runners come in.  As I looked at each runner I knew exactly how their races had gone by the looks on their faces, and I teared up each time. It was so emotional for me. It confirmed my love for the sport! I love running! I love the way it makes me feel! I love when I can say "Yep, I ran 26.2 miles this morning!" 

Jason had a huge cheering section. Most of the family was there... And clearly, by the look of these kids, cheering for runners is tough work...ha!

Jason is signed up for his next race.. in September. Racing is so addicting!  

Congratulations again Jason!  Well done! We are all so very proud of you!

Ten

It was nearly 10 years ago that I ran my first marathon... 25 marathons later, I feel like I have learned a lifetime of lessons. So, in lew of my recent birthday and being that I have entered a new decade.. I wanted to share the top 10 things (not in any particular order) that I have learned over these past years.

1. Less is MORE. When I was a young runner I was a little okay, a lot obsessive compulsive about my running. I loved running so much that I thought I knew better than the experts and added 2 miles to each training run... *sigh* Needless to say I did not make it to the starting line of the race I was training for. Three years and three stress fractures taught me I need to listen to my body, relax, and take it a bit easier. I have learned that in training for a marathon LESS is definitely MORE. Four running days a week is perfect for me!

2. I have learned that running is not the only thing that defines me as a person... I have just in the last couple of years realized this little gem, and it is actually quite a liberating feeling.

3. We have a saying in our house, "Can't walks on won't street." I have learned that you CAN keep going long after you think you can't.

4. Being a Mom is HARD. I am so grateful to have two fabulous kidlets who bring out the best/worst in me and teach me how to be a better person.

5. Pursue your goals and never give up!

6. Believing is everything! Believe in yourself. Believe in your goals. Running is 98% mental! If you believe you can, YOU WILL ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS! It really is that simple!

7. Don't take anything for granted. Especially your abilities, your family and your friends. Always be  grateful. Let the people you care about know that they are important in your life.

8. Maintain a strong sense of humor.

9. Be flexible. I am a creature of habit and change is very hard for me. Being flexible with a training schedule or in life for that matter, is a great asset to have. If you miss a run, it isn't the end of the world. Sometimes you just have to make adjustments.

10.  Anything worth having/achieving/keeping is going to take lots of hard work and effort. Finding the joy in the journey is key!

40

I'm 40! And you know what? It wasn't as hard as turning 39 was! I must have got over the big 4-0 last year when I realized I was only a year away from that number..ha!  I was going to do a 40 Things Post but I forgot the 40 things I was going to tell you....grin. So, what does being 40 mean to me?

*I am a Master Runner!
*I feel like I have "arrived" at something...a milestone..?
*I am middle aged
*I don't feel like I am "Over the Hill"!! In fact, I don't really feel any different than I did when I turned 30...only I look better now
*I kind of like my crows feet..heaven knows I have earned them

Thank you to my family and friends for making it such a fabulous day! I am a lucky girl..well technically, I am no longer  a "girl" but I am definitely NOT a "Ma'am" either! (:

Almost Wordless Wednesday

I saw this video today and thought it was inspiring...hope you like it as well.

Easy Canvas Prints

This post has been a long time coming... I have had a little bit of crazy in my life lately...

Back a few weeks er, I mean, months ago Megan from Easy Canvas Prints contacted me and offered me a canvas print of my choice. This is what I chose...

I love this picture of my kids. I love it because they are running... on the beach! It captures perfectly some of my most favorite things in life!

The whole process of the Easy Canvas Print was just that...EASY! It took just a few minutes and it turned out great! I couldn't be happier!  So head on over to Easy Canvas Prints and create your own print! Thanks again Megan!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

My boy won his race! Yep! He took first place in his 200 meter heat this morning! He was so excited! I was so excited! And proud! Yes..watching him win made me cry! There is nothing better than seeing your kids succeed in what they do!

The Protein Bakery Giveaway WINNER!

 

The winner of The Protein Bakery Sample Box is The Happy Runner! Congratulations Felice! Email your address to me at runnergirl371 [at] gmail [dot] com.

Thanks to all of you who participated!

The Protein Bakery Review and Giveaway

A friend of mine on Facebook shared a link to The Protein Bakery awhile back...everything looked so good...my sweet tooth got the best of me and I had to try it for myself. I contacted Stephen Lincoln, the owner and founder of The Protein Bakery and he graciously sent me a box full of delectable goodies! Yes, I got cookies, brownies, and blondies!  Let me just say OH. MY. GOODNESS. We have been snacking on these little gems for a week. Everything has been so yummy, you would never know there is 6-7 grams of whey protein in every cookie and 11-12 grams in the brownies and blondies. You can find all the nutrition facts here. In fact, they even passed the kid test! My 4 year old was asking to have more constantly. (I thought I had a sweet tooth.. but she knocks mine out of the ball park!) Even my 10 year old liked them...and he is very picky with what he puts in his mouth!

Just look at these:

And these...

A few more...

Mmmmmm...

The Protein Bakery was founded by Stephen Lincoln 11 years ago. He has created a high quality product that is not only delicious but a healthier choice. Every item is all natural and wheat free. (Although the Allergen Alert on the packaging said: may contain peanuts, soy products, wheat and tree products, so if you do have a wheat allergy...?).

He believes that "the key to a better body is as much what you put into it. Not just regular exercise." I believe that as well! And who doesn't need more protein in their diet? The Protein Bakery has over 12 featured flavors and each aids in the ongoing development of the 600 muscles in your body. 

 

Wondering where you can get these delicious, guilt free treats? They are primarily an online bakery. Their gift workshop/corporate office is located in New York City. Most of the retail stores that carry their products are on the East coast, but you can find a list of retail stores that sell the Protein Bakery here. But the best way to get the product is online here.

OR you can enter my giveaway! Stephen is going to give one lucky winner (sorry, US residents only) the Protein Bakery sample box! SCORE!! You will not be disappointed with these yummy treats!

How to enter the Protein Bakery Giveaway:  (Leave a separate comment for each for 6 possible entries)

1. Tell me your favorite snack/treat.

2. Like The Protein Bakery on Facebook and let me know

3. Follow The Protein Bakery on Twitter and let me know

4. Blog/FB/Tweet about this giveaway and let me know

5. Follow my blog and/or let me know if you already do

6. Like Runner Girl's Blog Spot on Facebook and let me know

I will randomly choose a winner on Tuesday morning April 19th. Good luck! You will not be disappointed with these delicious protein packed treats! Thank you again Stephen for sharing your wonderful product and talent!

It's Wednesday..

I heard this story several years ago and was reminded of it again last night. It is not running related but it really touched my heart and I wanted to share it with all of you...

No Limits

"The greatest limitations you will ever face will be those you place on yourself." ~Denis Waitley

Do you put limits on yourself? Or is it just me? Why do we do it? Why do we put limits on ourselves? Why is it that sometimes other people see our potential before we see it in ourselves? 

A few weeks ago I had an experience that got me thinking...I had an A-ha moment...

As I was laying on the weight bench under a barbell loaded with 135 pounds I was almost giggling, "I won't be able to do this! There is no way!" And with encouraging words from my hubby...I totally did what I "thought" I couldn't do! I bench pressed 135 pounds!...3 sets of 8! 

As I finished the first set something clicked inside me, in that moment I realized I can do anything I put my mind to. Yes, I have had this epiphany before in my life, like the first time I crossed a marathon finish line...there were no limits on what I could accomplish! It was completely empowering. But somehow over the years I got stuck in a rut, so to speak and I have put limits back on my self not even realizing it.

"The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible." ~Arthur C. Clark

"In each of us are places where we have never gone. Only by pressing the limits do you ever find them."  ~Dr. Joyce Brothers

As simple as it was, this experience has given me my mojo back. I have needed some kind of a jolt to kick me in the butt and get me going and this was just the jolt I needed! I have set some new and exciting goals for myself, not ready to share just yet, but I am really excited about what the future holds! I am not going to hold myself back any more! There are simply no limits to what I can do!

St George Marathon...The Video

In case you wondered...This is exactly what it is like!  I can't wait for October!

You can go here to enter the lottery... You know you want to! (:

Three Things Thursday

 1. The Sand Hollow Marathon. All of the reports/feedback I have read have been outstanding, and I wanted to give them another shout out! Jason Smith, the race director, put on an amazing inaugural race that went off without a hitch! I wish I could have been there! Damn Stupid knee! All day long last Saturday I was thinking about it and so disappointed that I was not out there running in the rain...you know, I run my best races in the rain! Well done Jason and the Sand Hollow Marathon crew! I WILL see you next year!  I snagged this pic of the medal from Fast Cory. You can read his race report here. I want that "bling!" (:

 

2. Since I am on the subject of marathons...The St George Marathon lottery opens on April 1, 2011. That is TOMORROW! Can you hear the excitement in my words? Race day is October 1, 2011...you will not be disappointed with this race!

3. I have an awesome giveaway coming up...stay tuned!

Wordless Wednesday

What the.... ? There are no words for this....

Three Things Thursday..The Irish Version

 

1. "Bricks and mortar make a house, but the laughter of children makes a home" I love St. Patrick's Day! Lenny the Leprechaun came to our house again this year! He moved some furniture..the chair from the family room ended up on the kitchen table..pictures were turned upside down..green milk...and of course some gold chocolate coins and a few prizes were left for the kids. My 4 year old was all over it...she has been talking about "Leprechaun day" for weeks! I think my 9 year old may have "figured" it out...sad...

2. "May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, And may trouble avoid you wherever you go!" I went off all painkillers (ibuprofen/Tylenol) this week...not a great thing when you have degenerative joint disease, aka osteoarthritis! But my body needs a break, I need to detox! The last few days I have been feeling a little sorry for myself, which is never productive...I realize that I have a lot to be grateful for! But whenever I see someone running I think, "Do they REALLY know how good they have it?!" To be able to run pain free...I was telling my woes to my husband yesterday and he put it into perspective for me...There are people who can't even walk and I am complaining that I can't run the way I want to...yep, that is perspective for you! "Life is like a cup of tea, it's all in how you make it!"~ so I will be happy (and grateful) for what I have to work with, because it could be A LOT worse!

3. "May the luck of the Irish lead to happiest heights, And the highway you travel be lined with green lights. Wherever you go and whatever you do, May the luck of the Irish be there with you!"

Happy St. Patrick's day!

"I was gluten stuck...

"...Now I'm gluten free!" said my four year old the other day.

We have been talking a lot about a gluten free diet in our home lately... the benefits, things that are/are not gluten free, weight loss, the list goes on. I thought it profound when my girlie said, "I was gluten stuck, now I'm gluten free!"

When we lived in Hawaii I did an experiment. I went gluten free for a week to see if there was a difference in how I felt. Surprisingly, there is something to it! I had more energy, I didn't feel like I had a "brick" in my belly, and heck, I lost 8 pounds! But after that week of feeling great, I ate a yummy turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread...This is where the real test took place. It was almost immediate, that heavy feeling was back and I just felt blah and icky! That was all I needed...I was convinced!

As with most good things that take effort, this gluten free way of life has gone by the way side. When we moved back to the mainland a year and a half ago and we were staying with family...who are NOT gluten free, by any means, I just got out of the habit...In the back of my mind I knew what I needed to do but it was just easier not to. I have just been being lazy! It's not easy being gluten free, especially when I was the only one wanting to do it.

Gluten is found in everything...from cosmetics~ lip stick, lip balm, chap stick and shampoo/conditioner to over-the-counter medications and vitamins. It is even in crayons, markers and paints! Gluten is used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in many foods. Being gluten free takes effort and planning. Since I am not a celiac, I don't think that I will ever be 100% gluten free.. I don't want to buy special shampoo and I'm not changing my lipstick, but I think there is benefit in being gluten free with what I put into my body.

This past week my husband has been eating gluten free and it has inspired me to do it too! I am definitely back on the wagon! I have even lost a few pounds. I just feel better on a gluten free diet! And isn't that what it is all about...feeling good and finding what works best for you?

Are you gluten free?

Wordless Wednesday

A Monday 26

I have seen this on several blogs over the last couple of days...and I wanna play too... Here are the ABC's of me...

Age: 39
Bed Size: Cal King, of course (My husband is a big man... 6'5")
Chore you hate:  Ironing and dusting but I love doing the dishes! (I know, crazy!)
Dogs: Oh, how I miss my Alex

Essential start of your day: The LOO!
Favorite color: Pink
Gold or Silver:  White gold
Height:  5'10"
Instruments I play:  I can 'pick' at the piano
Job title: Administrative assistant.. mixed with a little of this and a little of that...I love my job
Kids: Two. My boy is 9 and my girl is 4... Love them so much!
Live:  Southern Utah
Mom's name:  Amy.
Nicknames:  Stace, Mom
Overnight hospital stays: Nada
Pet peeve: When toilet paper is put on the wrong way...MUST be over...NOT under!
Quote from a movie:  "Sharks are like dogs, they only bite when you touch their private parts." 50 First Dates
Right or left handed:  Right
Siblings: Two sisters, I am the oldest
Time you wake up:  5 am except on Sundays I will sleep in until 7
Underwear:  Yep, I wear them
Vegetable you dislike:  Brussels sprouts...ick!!
What makes you run late: Going to the loo...one more time
Xray you have had done:  Dental, right knee (3 times)
Yummy food you make:  What makes you think I cook? grin...
Zoo, favorite animal:  Giraffes and tigers

Rain, Rain...

It's raining this morning and I find myself excited to hit the wet pavement! I love running in the rain! I don't know exactly when that happened, but I like it! I like the way the world feels when it is raining...quietly being renewed as the staleness is washed away. It makes me feel alive. It makes me feel happy. I think I may just have to jump in a few puddles to renew that inner child in me..the bigger the splash the better! (: