Tag: nuun

Friday Free-For-All – 06/03/16

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FFFA (1)

I officially have a part-time job at Athleta! I filled out paperwork on Wednesday and start training next week. I have absolutely loved everyone I’ve met at the store so far, and I’m excited to start learning. Also, I get a pretty sweet discount, which will make it really hard to *actually* save extra the money I’m earning to put toward student loans.

I relinquished my Nuunbassadorship. Unfortunately, they reformulated the product late last year, and I’m really not a fan. Firstly, they added Stevia, which I HATE. I actively dislike the taste of Stevia, and it totally ruined the flavor for me. Secondly, each tube used to have 12 tabs; now each tube only has 10 tabs, even though they cost the same. I loathe companies who start downsizing their products and still charging the same price. I get that prices change, but I think there’s something inherently dishonest in charging the same amount for less product (I’m looking at you, 16 oz bottles of soda-I want my 20 oz!). I’d rather just have them increase the price for the same size product. Is that crazy?

I went for my first post-marathon run today. My quads were pretty sore for a few days, but other than that, no issues, so I decided to take it to the new-to-me section of the rec path that I discovered during my walk yesterday. It was pretty hot and humid, and it took a while to warm up, but I’m happy to report that everything seems to be back to normal, so I’m ready to get back to regular running next week.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGKO1btGn8h/?taken-by=raeisadarlin

How long do you usually wait to start running again after a big race?

Friday Free-For-All – 11/13/15

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FFFA (1)

I’m behind on blogging. Quel surpris, non? I owe you a race recap, and probably a quick trip recap as well, but this week is eating me alive. I’ll get back on track soon.

I finally got a new phone! My old phone was in dire need of replacement. The silent button was broken. The headphone jack was broken. It liked to freeze and shut down whenever it felt like it. The battery life was atrocious. So I got a new iPhone 6s in rose gold and I’m in looooove!

This was a good news week. I found out that I get to remain a Nuunbassador and a BibRave Pro through 2016. Woohoo! These are two organizations that I truly love representing, and I’m so glad to be welcomed back into the fold for another year.

I’m really enjoying being backstage for a show for once. Working on the makeup crew for White Christmas has been AWESOME so far. The time commitment is really minimal compared to what it would be if I were in the cast, but I still get to be a part of the show (not to mention the parties!) and see all of my friends. Of course, on stage is where I always want to be, but it’s nice to do something different for a change, and still be involved with a show that I wasn’t able to audition for.

White Christmas

They got my names mixed up, but whatevs…

Did you get any good or exciting news this week?

When is the last time you got a new phone?

Manic Monday – 06/08/15

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Manic

Monday 06/01/15:  Active Rest Day 

I didn’t run, but Ben and I moved two carloads of stuff into our new apartment, which is on the third floor, oh, and there’s no elevator. It was actually a great leg workout.

Tuesday 06/02/15:  Active Rest Day

Like Monday, I didn’t run, but Ben and I spent several hours hauling crap up three flights of stairs, and Tuesday night was our first night sleeping in the new place–wahoo!

Wednesday 06/03/15:  Active Rest Day

More moving. More lifting heavy things. More stairs. I intended to run for National Running Day, but was just too tired.

Thursday 06/04/15:  5k Virtual Race for National Running Day/Nuun Running Day

Nuun sponsored a virtual 5k race for National Running Day, partnering with the Motigo app. It was my first (and honestly, probably only,) time using the app, and it was pretty cool. I got to hear some inspirational messages from Team Nuun, Kara Goucher, and my fellow BibRave Pros. I love the idea behind the app, but I just don’t think it’s right to ask your friends and family to pay to cheer you. If anything, the runner should pay a per race/monthly/yearly subscription fee that allows friends and family to cheer them for free. But that’s just my two cents.

Friday 06/05/15:  Rest Day

I intended to get up and run, but I was just feeling lazy and re-set my alarm. I had lunch with my friend Emily, and went out for drinks with the Legally Blonde crew after work.

Saturday 06/06/15:  Active Rest Day

More moving. Hauling things up 3 flights of stairs is a GREAT workout. We also took our bikes to Old Spokes home, which is a bike repair shop/used and new bike seller. Unfortunately, the Schwinn I scored last week needed a LOT of work, more than would have been reasonable to pay for, so I donated it to their charity program and bought my dream bike instead:

Please forgive the terrible picture.

Please forgive the terrible picture.

A 70’s era 3-speed cruiser. I have ALWAYS wanted one, but have never been in a position where I could justify the purchase. Now that we live in a place where bike commuting is often faster and easier than driving, I decided to throw caution to the wind, and I couldn’t be happier. She’s perfect.

Sunday 06/07/15:  Run for Martha 5k Race

Recap coming soon! You may have seen on my Instagram that it was a short course, but I’ve got some thoughts I’ll share during my recap. Then I had Chess rehearsal, and afterwards, Ben and I had dinner and drinks with our friend Erik.

Hello, gorgeous!

Hello, gorgeous!

Yes, that’s a lot of whiskey. No, we didn’t drink it all. Not for lack of trying, though!

Now that the bulk of our moving adventure is over, I’m hoping to get back on a somewhat normal schedule this week. Here is my tentative workout plan:

  • Monday: Rest
  • Tuesday:  3 miles (Maybe throw in some intervals?) in the morning; run-walk with my friend Emily after work
  • Wednesday:  3 miles
  • Thursday:  3 miles (Maybe some hill repeats?)
  • Friday:  Rest day
  • Saturday:  First meeting of the Lake Champlain Running Club (stay tuned for a post on this!)
  • Sunday:  Rest day

What’s your drink of choice? Mine is vodka and soda with lots of lime. Or a margarita 😀

Warm Weather Running Gear (TotR Linkup)

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Happy Tuesday everyone! I’m joining the lovely ladies of the Tuesdays on the Run linkup again this week. Thank you so much to Patty, April, and Erika for hosting!

Tuesdays-on-the-run

This week’s topic is warm weather running gear. This is definitely a good one, as we’re (theoretically) moving into the summer months. Although, judging by the fact that it snowed 3 inches last week, I’m not holding my breath. Anyway, having the appropriate gear for any weather is important, and it can take time to acclimate to the spring and summer heat after running through sub-zero temps like we had this winter. Everyone has their necessities, and here are a few of mine, in no particular order.

Color Run 5k in September

Hat and handheld bottle in action!

1. Hat. A hat is a necessity for me for two reasons. First, it helps keep my hair out of my face. This was especially necessary when my hair was too short for a ponytail. Second, it helps to shade my face from the sun. I have a Brooks Nightlife running cap, and it’s great. I got it for $7.99 at TJ Maxx and my only regret is that it’s white.

2. Sunglasses. They prevent me from squinting in the sun, and allow me to actually be able to see where I’m going on sunny days. They also prevent bugs from getting in my eyes when running through wet or wooded areas. I currently have a pair that are too big for my face though; they sit on my cheeks and get fogged up, so I’m in the market for a new pair.

3. Handheld water bottle or hydration belt. Any time I run more than 5 miles, I bring some form of water bottle with me to prevent dehydration. For anything less than double digits, I’ll bring my Nathan handheld bottle, and for more than 10 miles I’ll wear my Fitletic 16oz hydration belt. My Nathan bottle is actually 18 oz and might be more suitable for longer runs, but I get tired of holding it in my hand after a while.

4. Nuun. Nuun electrolyte tabs help keep me from getting dehydrated on those hot days. Zero sugars, no artificial colors, and only 8 calories per tab means I’m not getting a bunch of extra crap like I would by drinking Gatorade or Powerade, and it’s much less expensive. One tab turns 16 oz of water into a flavorful electrolyte beverage with a light fizz. There are lots of flavors to choose from, so there’s something for everyone. (Full disclosure–I am a brand Ambassador for Nuun, because I truly love it. I receive a discount on their products, but do not receive any additional compensation for talking about the products).

shorts

I have these and plain black

5. Old Navy 8″ inseam compression shorts. It took me a LONG time to find shorts that I could run in. I was blessed with large thighs that rub together when I walk or run, so I need shorts that will a) be long enough to prevent chafing, and b) won’t roll or ride up during a run. These shorts are PERFECT. Not so long that they look dorky or awkward, but long enough to protect me from chafeage. The waistband comes up high enough to prevent muffin top, and they come in cute colors and patterns. They’re also very affordable.

What is your favorite warm weather running gear?

Is it warm enough near you to wear shorts yet?

Have you ever tried Nuun?

#Nuunlife

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I was just sitting at my desk at work yesterday, casually checking my email, when I got the most exciting and surprising email I’ve gotten in a while…  I get to be a Nuun Ambassador and spread the #NuunLove!

nuunbassador

I’m really, really excited about this ambassadorship, because Nuun is a product I use and love on a regular basis.  I NEVER expected to be chosen, because, let’s face it, I’m hardly an elite athlete, here.  In the application, they asked for me to list “Recent athletic accomplishments,” so I just listed all of my race distance PRs… I guess it worked!

Do you/have you used Nuun?  What’s your favorite flavor?