Showing posts with label Clif. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Clif. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

RunnerBox Review

My grandfather is having surgery this morning (Wednesday) at 9 a.m. I thank you and appreciate your prayers (and so does he)! His spirits are high and he continues to joke with family and his caregivers. So far, he’s made several new “girlfriends” and he’s played matchmaker for his Doctor. It’s quite humorous, really. I’m hoping for a positive outcome. Please continue to lift him up in prayer!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

As I began to dig deeper into the world of fitness boxes, I discovered RunnerBox! The lovely folks of RunnerBox graciously sent the April box over for me to check out and share with you! Here’s my thoughts….

DSC_0233
DSC_0237

I loved the packaging…and it included a sweet little note from the Staci at RunnerBox!  I also LOVE the quote at the top of this box – it says, “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” –T.S. Eliot

DSC_0375

Also included was a list of each item in the box complete with item descriptions.

DSC_0238

I opened the box and was pleasantly surprised…and incredibly excited!

SO many of the items in this box were items I’ve wanted to try! Score for me!

DSC_0338

Let’s start with Cytomax.

DSC_0349 DSC_0394

Ever tried Cytomax? I have! Many of the races I’ve run over the years have had Cytomax instead of Gatorade at fuel stations. This box included 2 samples – Cool Citrus and Pomegranate Berry! I used the Pomegranate sample during one of my afternoon runs a few weeks ago and I loved it! I would definitely use this again!

Fuel/Recovery
IMG_4814

I was SO excited to see Huma Energy Gel and Agave #9 in this box and can’t wait for my next post-injury long run to try them!

Clif Shot Blocks Energy Chews – The latest nutrition option for endurance athletes. Shot Bloks come in chewable, 33 calorie cubes, making it easy to customize and track caloric and electrolyte intake during long outings and races. I LOVE Shot Blocks, but not during races. When I’m trying to push myself, it’s hard for me to take time to chew blocks. Honestly, I prefer gels myself – but I know everyone is different!

Huma Chia Energy Gel – Don't like gels that taste like cough syrup? Neither do we. Now you can enjoy your gel with Hüma, the great-tasting, all-natural energy gel based on Chia. 100% real fruit for a 100% real taste, with zero artificial or "natural" flavorings. Real food and easy to digest carbohydrates make even the most sensitive stomachs happy. Unlike eating other energy gels, Hüma doesn't take a gallon of water to get down. Hüma gels are based on Chia seeds - finely blended - and mixed with only all-natural, healthy ingredients – AND they are gluten free!

Chocolate #9 Agave Gel is different because it is sweetened only with organic agave, contains no refined sugar or other HIGH glycemic index sweeteners, and has been – tested and certified – as a “LOW” glycemic index (GI) item. Chocolate #9 LOW GI gel reduces the negative effect of repetitive insulin “spiking” during sustained exercise, won’t cause a sugar high or a sugar low – bonk, is an excellent energy choice for endurance athletes, is suitable for most diabetics, is an excellent choice for those not wanting to eat refined sugar, is vegan, low fat and gluten free, contains no synthetics – no unpleasant aftertastes – tastes great, contains no “mystery” ingredients, colorings, or preservatives, is easy on the stomach, and best of all — Chocolate #9 tastes great! Tastes so good you’ll want to run just so you can eat it! (I’m definitely looking forward to my next long run!)

Accel Recover is an all natural recovery bar that incorporates a unique blend of three carbohydrates, three proteins and medium-chain triglycerides, which are converted into energy rather than fat. No other bar activates as many essential metabolic activities critical for total muscle recovery. I tried 1/2 of the Accel Recover bar after Saturday’s 5K and I loved it! The flavor was Chocolate Peanut Butter and it was really good!

Energy
DSC_0357

Energy Bits
are something I’ve been interested to try! According to their website, Spirulina is nature’s equivalent to an energy drink – but its even better because it’s 100% natural, 100% green, is carbon neutral, has only ONE calorie per tab and contains no sugar, no caffeine, no chemicals, no gluten and no soy. It is the richest source of protein in the world (60% - 70%), has more beta carotene, more antioxidants, more iron than any other food  and is second only to mothers milk in its concentration of GLA – an essential fatty acid that is critical to brain health and behaves like an Omega 3.

Skin Care
DSC_0364

Also included in the box were a few sample sized items of Skin Strong: Slik, Slather, and Silk Dust. The combination of all three items helps prevent chafing and hot spots. I’m looking forward to using these items during the hot summer months here in Louisiana, I know they will come in handy! This company also has a complete line of Sun Protection that I’m interested in trying.

Detergent
DSC_0366

Do you wash your athletic clothes separate from your regular day clothing? I do. Enter: WIN Sports Detergent!  This detergent is fabulous for tech fabrics, making garments last longer, smell fresher, and perform longer! Longer wear out of my athletic clothing? Hello!  I will definitely check into this detergent for future reference!

Body Wear
DSC_0369DSC_0386

Was anyone else ever a huge funky sock fan growing up? When I think of toe-socks, I think of my crazy sock collection from high school. Let me erase that memory from your mind completely –

Injinji socks are nothing like that! Injinji socks are the original performance light weight performance series toe socks. They also help prevent blisters! I wore these during an afternoon walk with my puppy dogs and they were incredibly comfortable – so comfortable in fact, I forgot I was wearing them!

SiMbi is a product that gives back – each SiMbi band sold purifies 1 gallon of water per day and creates jobs for the people of Haiti! Each hair-bracelet sold keeps Haitians employed and helps raise money to install water filtration systems throughout the country, saving lives. A portion of their proceeds is dedicated to this cause. I have worn this hair band many times since receiving this box and I really like it! I have super thick hair and I have to wrap this band around my hair three times, but it holds tight and doesn’t slip! When exercising, that’s definitely something I look for! If it doesn’t slip, I’m sold! :0) Go check out their website – there’s so many colors/options to choose from!

DSC_0372

Along with all of the goodies already mentioned, this RunnerBox also included several certificates for discounted products!

When purchasing a box, there are three options to choose from: RunnerBox, TriBox, or GiftBox. They even offer a Gluten Free box option!

Currently, there is no runner referral program for RunnerBox, but they are looking into one so keep checking for that in the future!

Also, RunnerBox frequently holds discounts/promotions on both subscription boxes and gift boxes. A regular monthly box costs around $20.00, but as you can see, I received well over $20.00 worth of product in this box!

To keep in the loop of their specials and promotions, check out RunnerBox on:



  • Twitter
  • Facebook
    I would like to thank RunnerBox for the opportunity to review their product! If you are looking for a box service that is full of awesome items, this is definitely a great one!

    Have you ever tried a monthly  box service? If so, share your thoughts/opinions!
  • Thursday, April 11, 2013

    Kona Kase Review

    The winner of the Race-Kred Rafflecopter Giveaway is: Jen N.! I sent an email your way…Congratulations!!
    -----------------------------------------------------

    The wonderful folks over at Kona Kase recently gave Sweat Pink Ambassadors a chance to try out their product for review!

    DSC_0050

    I received the March Box in the mail last week and waited to write my review after I had a chance to try most of the products inside.

    DSC_0053

    I love this quote and I know my running buddy Kelli loves it as well. I thought of her when I opened the box. :0)

    Inside, I found all kinds of awesome goodies…

    DSC_0056
    DSC_0067

    …along with a list and description!

    DSC_0066

    Here’s the items I’ve had a chance to try out so far:

    Clif Bar Crunch Granola Bar

    DSC_0226

    For starters, raise your hand if you knew Clif bars like this existed? I DID NOT!

    DSC_0231

    There were two bars inside the package and I ate both of them before this past Saturday’s long run. The flavor was peanut butter and it was delicious! LOVED it! If I see these in the store, I’m so buying a box!!

    Description: Clif Bar Crunch Granola Bar is a delicious tasting granola bar with a natural texture and crunchy finish. Clif Bars are high in fiber and natural whole food proteins which are highly absorbable and easily digested by your body. They are great snacks to take on the road, on runs, bike rides, or even to work. www.clifbar.com

    Grade: A+

    Clif Shot Bloks

    DSC_0233

    I’ve tried Clif Bloks before and I like them, but I’m more of a gel person for races. It’s much easier to intake a gel for me than it is to chew something gummy while running. I also used this product on Saturday’s long run and really liked it. The cran-raz flavor is a good one, too. Again, Shot Bloks are not my personal favorite for races, but I do like to change things up every once in a while and throw something different in the mix on training runs.

    Description: Clif Shot Bloks take a streamlined approach to performance nutrition – delivering only what your body needs most while training and racing. Shot Bloks organic ingredients help provide clean essential energy and hydration, plus fast muscle recovery. Pick up a box of Clif Shot Bloks and other great products at www.clifbar.com.

    Grade: B

    TCHO Chocolate

    DSC_0239

    TCHO chocolates came as four separate squares in four different flavors. So far, I’ve tried two of them – a dark chocolate square and a milk chocolate with “fudgy notes” square. I liked both and am really looking forward to tasting the milk chocolate with “caramel notes” square. This chocolate is very smooth and absolutely delicious. A perfect afternoon treat!

    DSC_0238

    Description: TCHO is a San Francisco basted, craft chocolate manufacture obsessed with flavor. The obsession begins at origin. TCHO doesn’t just buy good beans, they help make the best beans through their TCHOSource program, with the aim of building a new way to think about chocolate, based on the pure flavors of cacao. Free shipping on orders over $75, code “FREESHIP75” at
    www.tcho.com.

    Grade: A

    Perfect Foods Bar

    DSC_0226

    Earlier this week, I felt really icky and stayed home during the day. I didn’t eat a lot throughout the day, but I did have a Perfect Foods Mini Bar as an afternoon snack. This bar was very tasty and I really liked the texture and flavor. I love that it was all natural, had no refined sugars, and used almond butter as an ingredient!

    DSC_0230

    Description: Besides their amazing taste and cookie dough-like texture, there is good reason why Runner's’ World Magazine recently named Perfect Foods Bar among their list of “10 Best Recovery Bars for Runners”. Every Perfect Foods Bar comes loaded with over 20 organic whole foods and contains zero refined sugars. Save 10% on online orders and free shipping with orders over $100. Code: KONAKASE at
    www.perfectfoodsbar.com

    Grade: A

    Sun Cups

    DSC_0239

    Perhaps the item I was MOST excited to try was the Milk Chocolate Caramel Cups by Sun Cups. Chocolate + Caramel?! Watch out!!

    My husband and I shared this sweet treat last night after dinner.

    DSC_0240

    Unfortunately, my Sun Cups were broken and a lot of the caramel leaked out in the packaging. I am NOT complaining…however – these babies were DELICIOUS! I will definitely look for these in the stores as well!

    DSC_0241

    I’d share, but you would have to fight off my puppy dog first!

    Description: Sun Cups’ challenge was to make a peanut butter cup that suits everyone. These chocolate cups are nut-free, gluten-free, and produced using cacao from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. Today, their Boulder chocolate factory is buzzing around the clock churning out delicious chocolate that is safe for individuals with nut allergies. A great post activity treat. Use code KONA13 for 25% off at www.suncups.com.

    Grade: A  (I didn’t give it an A+ because the shells were cracked – but I know that’s not really anyone’s fault so why penalize the product?)

    -----------------------------------------------------

    Other items from the March Kona Kase I’ve yet to try:

    Wild Friends Nut Butter

    I was sent the Chocolate Sunflower Seed Almond Butter and I plan on trying it out after Saturday’s run. I can’t wait to spread it on a whole wheat English muffin! A much deserved treat after a long run!

    Description: Wild Friends mission is to spread delicious, unique flavors of all-natural peanut butter and almond butter. Kelley and Erika were students at the University of Oregon when they decided to make wholesome nut butters with an exciting and healthy twist. You may even remember seeing this duo pitching their Nut Butter on ABC’s TV show, Shark Tank! Code KONAKASE for 15% off orders at www.wildfriendsfoods.com.

    Earnest Eats

    Dark choco-mint – it sounds right up my alley! I am planning on saving this for an afternoon treat when a chocolate craving hits! Can’t wait to try it out!

    Description: No spray-on vitamins or protein powders. No corn, peanut, or soy oils. no ingredient lists with long compound words, Earnest Eats makes their bars with whole nuts, fruits, seeds, grains, and rich roasted almond butter. All bars are baked in small batches in real ovens for a soft cookie-lie texture. All of this is done so that you can eat a bar carefree, and enjoy every last bite. Use code TRYME for 15% off at www.earnesteats.com.

    BruBar

    I love the packaging on this product – the yellow smiley face drew me to it instantly! I plan on eating BruBar out prior to this up-coming Saturday’s long run.

    Description: Crafted with all-natural ingredients, BRUBAR’s are rich with barley malt, a key ingredient in craft beers and a great source of energy. Pairing barley malt with dates and rolled oats not only creates a delicious taste and moist texture, but also provides a consistent release of energy so you can maximize your training efforts. Use code KONAKASE10 for 10% off single box orders or KONAKASE25 for 25% off orders of 2 boxes or more at www.brubar.com.

    --------------------------------------------------------

    Kona Kase has graciously offered the readers of Just Me & My Running Shoes a discount off your first month’s Kase!

    Fuel Your Active Lifestyle With A Monthly Box! Discover and try the best healthy performance foods from around the country to fuel your workouts. Once a month come home to a box of 8 premium nutrition products at your doorstep to fuel your  workouts.
    Join. Receive. Perform.

    $15 per month
    Give as a Gift
    Cancel Anytime
    Multi-Month Discounts
    Free Shipping on all Kases

    Use code: SEAL at checkout for 50% off your first Kona Kase – that’s $7.50 instead of the regular fifteen dollars!

    What are you waiting for? Try out a Kona Kase today!

    Have you ever tried a subscription box service? What were/are your thoughts?

    Monday, March 11, 2013

    What’s In Your Bag?


    DSC_0055

    Your running bag, that is!

    I ran 10 miles with a friend on Saturday and as I was preparing for my run, I came to a realization about my running bag…

    IMG_3464
    IMG_3465

    Its time has come to an end.

    This bag has been with me from the very beginning – I bought it in 2009 when I first started my running journey. It’s traveled to multiple races and events and it’s carried all of my junk essential race items every step of the way!

    R.I.P. Pink GoRun bag.

    I organized my closet this weekend and stumbled across this little gem…

    IMG_3466

    I won this bag from a race a few years back and forgot about it. Hello new running bag! :0)

    So, what’s in that huge pile of stuff?

    In no particular order:

    DSC_0075


    Music

    • iPhone case (that fits my Otterbox! Yay!)
    • YurBuds
    • iPod with strap (not used as much anymore now that I have one for my iPhone)
    • Ear buds my husband won from the Brooks Cavalcade at a Rock N Roll Expo

    DSC_0063


    Sunglasses

    • Ryer’s (from a giveaway I won a few years back)
    • Oakley’s (my husband bought them for me for my birthday the year I began running)
    DSC_0069

    Fuel

    • GU – I prefer Gels over Chomps but that’s just my liking
    • Luna Bar – sample size from an Expo
    • Clif Bar – sample size from an Expo
    • Lara Bar – I bought a box of mini’s from Target (did you know those were available? I didn’t!) and I like to keep a few on hand
    DSC_0081

    Tracking and Carrying

    DSC_0079

    Hair and Body

    • Ponchos for rain emergencies
    • Hand Warmers for cold races
    • Hair bands/bobby pins
    • Sweaty Bands (the blue Sweaty Band is Goofy specific from the WDW Expo and the Fleur de Lis Mickey/Minnie was made by a friend of mine!)
    DSC_0072

    Freshen Up

    • Tissues for a runny nose
    • Towel from my running group
    • Gum
    • Hand Sanitizer
    • Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad for warm days (if you’ve never tried one of these, you need to…it absorbs water and stays cool for a long time!)
    DSC_0076

    Safety

    DSC_0082

    Knee Essentials
    (If I could fit my foam roller in my bag, I would!)
    • Knee sleeve (looking to rid of this in the near future) :0)
    • Knee brace
    • Atomic Balm (Seriously AMAZING stuff!)
    DSC_0068

    Toiletries
    • Body Glide x 2
    • Deodorant
    • Sunology – all natural sunblock samples from the Rock N Roll NOLA Expo
    • H2O lotion from Disney Resorts
    • Chapstick
    (I left off two things from this list: Essential woman items – you know what I’m talking about – and Tylenol because I used the rest of it at Rock N Roll NOLA.)

    DSC_0083

    There you have it! Now tell me, what’s in YOUR running bag? Did I leave anything out that you carry from race to race?

    Blog Archive

    Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...