Lovin’/Not Lovin’ – Summer Edition

August 26, 2015 by 16 Comments

I realized the other day that I haven’t done one of these types of posts since the spring so now seemed like a good time to share some of my fave…and not fave…things at the moment.

Lovin’

Brooks hatBrooks Running Hat — I received this hat as part of an awesome #TrainingRockBox that Rock ‘n’ Roll and their sponsors sent out to all of the Rock’n’Blog team – and it’s become an instant fave. I don’t think this picture does the hat justice – it’s a cute mix of purples and blues and has great mesh venting on the sides and even a zipper pocket!

LarabarLarabar Apple Pie — Apples, nuts, spiced with a little cinnamon – what’s not to love? Especially in these little bites.

FitBit

 

FitBit Charge HR — I got a FitBit for my birthday and have been having a lot of fun playing with it these past couple of weeks. (I may do a full review after I’ve had a chance to wear it for a while.)

ZealotsSaucony Zealot ISOs — Back in June I mentioned that I was going to give these shoes a try – and so far I’ve been really happy with them. As promised, the Zealot ISOs are light weight and have a similar ride to the Kinvara, but with much more cushioning – which my legs seem to appreciate lately.

Not Lovin’

Forerunner 10 — My Forerunner woes continue – It still seems to take forever to find a signal, and now it’s new glitch is the auto pause – it stays paused well after I’ve made it pass a traffic light…and the other day, it paused on its own. Needless to say, I’ve turned the function off. Back to customer support…

So tell me – what are you lovin’ lately?

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Filed Under: #RocknBlog, #TrainingRockBox, fave things, Garmin, Saucony

Friday Five – Fave Summer Activities

June 12, 2015 by 12 Comments

With temps now dancing just below 90, it is safe to say that summer has officially arrived! After such a brutal winter (yes, I think I’m still traumatized), I am not going to complain about the heat and look forward to making the most of the summer months ahead.

Courtney, Mar & Cynthia have invited everyone to share their favorite summer activities for this week’s #FridayFive linkup, so here are a few of my faves.

Time at the beach

Beach: When you say summer to me, one of the first thing that comes to mind is hitting the beach! I can’t wait to get in some day trips to one of my favorite beaches.  

Hiking: Hiking is another popular family activity.  A well-shaded trail is a welcome escape on a hot summer day.

hiking

farmers market

 

Farmer’s Markets: I could spend all Saturday morning at our local farmers market – great produce, cheeses, wine and other great local finds – nothing better!

 

Dining alfresco:  Whether at home on our deck or at a favorite restaurant, there’s something about dining outdoors that I just love – I just want to slow down and linger. 

al-fresco-dining

Lazing a day away: Sometimes my favorite activity in the summer is no activity. We’re always so go-go-go in the RWA household, and summer gives us a chance to just hang out. Sometimes doing a whole lot of nothing is perfect!

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Filed Under: fave things, Friday Five, summer mode, Uncategorized

Friday Five: Favorite Running Brands

April 17, 2015 by 26 Comments

Happy Friday All!

My goodness these weeks are flying by! I’m looking forward to a busy weekend with the family, with lots of gardening/yard work, lacrosse games and running the BAA 5k! But first, I’m joining Courtney, Mar and Cynthia for this week’s #FridayFive link-up as we dish about some of our favorite brands.

Fave graphic

Athleta — I have shared my love of Athleta clothes on many occasions in the past, so it should come as no surprise that they make this list! From great running clothes to figure flattering bathing suits, they have it all. I just got their latest catalog and let’s just say I need to hide my wallet!

Zensah — Long run recovery always includes some time in my Zensah sleeves – their calf sleeves are a must have for me!

Mizuno — Now I do have to say that I have much love and a long history with Saucony/Kinvaras. That being said, I do find that ever since I received a pair of #WaveRider18 to review back in October, they have become a my go-to shoes of late.

Koss Fit Series — Music is a big part of my workouts and my Koss FitClips are great ear buds – their lightweight, sweat-resistant and don’t fall out – win!

Vitamix — Yes perhaps an unusual choice as a “running brand” but the smoothies I can make with it makes my Vitamix a key part of my recovery.

So tell me what are some brands you’re loving right now?

Be sure to check out the link-up, you may find a new brand to try!

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Filed Under: #WaveRider18, Athleta, fave things, Friday Five, Koss Fit Series

Lovin/Not Lovin’ March Edition

March 6, 2015 by 20 Comments

Linking up once again with Courtney, Mar and Cynthia for their #FridayFive link up. Today’s them is “favorites.” Sounds like the perfect time for another edition of Lovin/Not Lovin.’

Lovin’

tortilla soupChicken Tortilla Soup — This soup has become a huge favorite this winter (in fact I just made it again earlier this week). It’s super easy  – dump everything in the crockpot and go — and you can dial the spice up or down.

Boots

 

Winter Boots —  These Timberlands have been my saving grace this winter. I truly love these boots! <Affiliate link alert!>

 

Arc Trainer

Source: Cybex International

 

Arc Trainer —
I recently discovered the Arc Trainer at my gym and it is quickly becoming my new fave cardio machine when I’m not on the mill!

Uptown Funk — With so much indoor training, the tunes are critical! I’m lovin’ this Bruno Mars song.

 Not Lovin’

The scary side of so much snow! — Roof collapses are starting to be a regular feature on the local news around here. Last Saturday morning, our town ice rink roof came down – thankfully no one was hurt! Definitely too close for comfort!

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Filed Under: fave things, Friday Five

Mizuno Wave Rider 18 Review

October 27, 2014 by 18 Comments

 

WaveRider 1

This post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Mizuno. As always, the opinions expressed here are completely my own.

Since this pair of Mizuno Wave Rider 18s arrived at my door a couple of weeks ago, I have been running in them exclusively. On the road, on the track and on the treadmill, they have quickly become my go-to running shoes. Quite simply,  I love these shoes!

I knew I was on to something good, when I logged over 9 miles in them straight out of the box on a rainy, wind-swept morning. The fit was snug, comfortable, and supported, as the shoe easily formed to my foot.

Wave RIder 2My next run took me to the track for 400-meter intervals  – I felt light and quick, something I haven’t been able to say for a while.  I was sold!

Wave Rider 3

You’ve got to love a shoe with a design that takes inspiration from the Japanese concept of “Hado” – the vibrational life force energy that promotes powerful transformations. Um yes I’ll take some of that please! Sounds good doesn’t it?

For me this translated into a shoe that is an ideal balance between fit and performance, providing a smooth ride that allows you to let go and get lost in your run. A welcome change for me during what has been a tough training cycle.

Wave Rider 4

At just 7.8 oz, the Wave Rider 18 is light and sleek, while Mizuno’s patented Wave technology delivers maximum responsiveness and just enough support for a stable, but unencumbered run. A combination that I think would appeal to a wide range of runners.

Mizuno Wave Rider 18s are available in three color combos (I’m eyeing the white-Fuchsia Purple next!), and retails for $119.99.

I am so looking forward to logging many more miles in these lovelies!

What are you currently running in?

Have you ever tried Mizuno?

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Filed Under: #WaveRider18, fave things, FitFluential, product reviews

Friday Five: Running and Fitness Resources

September 12, 2014 by 10 Comments

Happy Friday! This week the ladies of the DC Trifecta (Courtney, Mar and Cynthia) are asking everyone to share 5 blogs you love. Well I do read a fair number of blogs and there was no way I could just whittle it down to five. So instead, I thought I’d share five running and fitness resources that I turn to again and again.

resources

International Association of Women Runners — This is my coach’s site so you may say I’m bias. But, if you’re a women of a certain age (ahem…over 40) this is great resource to check out!

Runners Connect — A team of running coaches weighing in on all aspects of running and training.

Natural Running Center — A wealth of info on all things “natural running” related, including shoe reviews.

Fuel Your Future with Tina — Tina is an elite athlete with some great training tips to share.

FitFluential — Again, I may be biased here, as I am a FitFluential Ambassador, but I think the FF blog offers a great range of fitness/healthy living posts.

Now, I’m very excited to say I’m off for a date with an Alter G treadmill – a full report coming soon!

So tell what are your favorite running and fitness resources? 

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Filed Under: fave things, FitFluential, Friday Five

Friday Five: Fall Preview

August 29, 2014 by 13 Comments

I cannot believe this is the last Friday of the month – and with school starting for my boys next week, it’s really the last Friday of the summer! While it has been a wonderful summer – I am a Fall girl and love that my favorite time of the year is just around the corner!

Fall preview

So much to look forward to this fall, including….

Cooler Temps — While it wasn’t as brutally hot as some past summers, I’m just much more partial to the crisp cool days of fall. I’m happiest in jeans, boots, sweater…you get the idea.

Apple Picking — One of my favorite family fall traditions!

Cooking — We pretty much live off the grill during the summer – which I must admit is largely my husband J’s domain. But once fall kicks in, I love to get back into the kitchen and dive into some of my favorite recipes and to try out some new ones!

Football —  If you’ve been around here for a while then you know I’m a huge football fan and cannot wait to watch my beloved Patriots take the field.

Fall Races — Hello Philly Half! Having not done much racing this year, I’m looking forward to running 3 (maybe 4) races this fall.

I could go on and on about the good things of fall! I’m linking up with Courtney, Mar and Cynthia again this week so be sure to stop by and check them out.

What are you looking forward to this fall?

 

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Filed Under: fall racing, fave things, football, Friday Five

Nuun Energy Review & Giveaway

August 13, 2014 by 22 Comments

This post and giveaway are sponsored by Nuun. As always, all opinions expressed here are my own.

Since I started my half marathon training plan, I’ve also started testing out different options for fueling my runs. In the past, a big area where I’ve fallen short is hydration. Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been getting better with some help from Nuun.

Nuun Energy

Just as I was getting ready to start my half training, Nuun reached out to see if I was interested in testing out their newest product line Nuun Energy – perfect timing! I had tried the original Nuun tablets out a couple of times last summer and found them to be a nice alternative to traditional sports drinks – which my stomach just wants no part of! So why didn’t I stick with them? Pure laziness on my part truthfully – I got so obsessed with trying to figure which gel/Chomp/etc. to use that my hydration plan kinda took a backseat and I went back to just water.

But knowing my hydration needs some extra attention while training in the summer I knew I wanted more than water. Enter Nuun Energy! I’m happy to say that the best things I liked about the original Nuun haven’t been changed – all natural with no added sugars and less than 12 calories. Nuun Energy provides 40 mg. of caffeine and 5 essential B vitamins for more sustained energy. It comes in Wild Berry, Cherry Limeade,  and Lemon-lime — I tried out the last two flavors and was especially fond of the Cherry Limeade.  Overall, it’s light, refreshing and easy on my stomach – a definite win for my workouts! Additionally, I’ve actually taken to drinking it in the late afternoon when I typically start to fade and begin dreaming of iced coffee concoctions!

Ready to try it out for yourself? One lucky reader will win Nuun Energy tablets. The giveaway will run from now until midnight on 8/16. A winner will be announced on Monday, August 18th. Good luck!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Filed Under: fave things, giveaways, hydration, Nuun

Friday Five: Some Summer Faves

July 18, 2014 by 9 Comments

Hello Friday!

Seriously these weeks are flying by – hard to believe we’re more than half way through July already!

I’m linking up again with Courtney, Mar and Cynthia (aka the DC Trifecta) for my Friday Five. This week’s theme is “Friday Favorites,” so I thought I’d share a few things I’m loving right now.

 

pineapple bars

source: Outshinesnacks.com

Pineapple Outshine Fruit Bars: I am seriously addicted to these things! They’re a mere 80 calories, ooze pineapple goodness and are the perfect refreshing treat on a summer afternoon.

 

Lazy Dinners on the Deck: Dinners on our deck are truly one of my favorite things about the summer. The meals are slow and easy, tunes are quietly playing in the background, and no one is in a rush to go anywhere.

House_of_Cards_title_cardHouse of Cards: OK I may be late to the party on this one, but we just re-joined Netflix this week and J and I are hooked on this show!

New Recipes: With the abundance of fresh produce at this time of year I’ve been playing with some new recipes. Currently I’m perfecting my peach salsa.

Family Running: This month I have been enjoying getting in some family runs. At my chiro’s urging I have been logging some miles at the track to keep my healing hip happy. It’s been a great spot to run with this little guy 🙂

Track time

 

What are you loving right now?

DC_linkup

 

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Filed Under: fave things, Friday Five

Koss Fit Series – Must Have Gear

January 16, 2014 by 9 Comments

 

Koss Headphones

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Koss Fit Series Headphones. All of the opinions expressed here are, as always, my own.

It’s always fun to kick off the new year and a new training cycle with new gear. And, as I mentioned yesterday, for me that also includes new playlists. So given how important music is in my training, you can imagine how happy I was to be given a chance to try out Koss Fit Series headphones!

Koss’ female designers teamed-up with Gold Medalist Dara Torres to create the world’s first headphones designed specifically for women by women. I received both the FitBuds and FitClips headphones.

Fit buds

At 33% smaller than any earbud Koss has ever created, the Koss FitBuds are ideally designed for smaller ear canals. I loved the fit right out of the box, comfortable and secure –  they do come with three different sizes of ear cushions so you can find your ideal fit. They are ultra light-weight and delivered great sound, even during a wind-swept run last Saturday. Did I mention that they’re sweat-resistant too? Win!

I was pleasantly surprised by the Koss FitClips because I’ve not had the best track record with over-the-ear headphones. I find this style of headphone usually pinches – so not the case with the FitClips!

fit clips

They were flexible and very comfortable. Like the FitBuds, they included three different sized ear cushions, are equally light-weight and sweat-resistant. I loved that I could just put them on and forget about them – no fiddling necessary.

Both the FitBuds and FitClips come in five great shades and retail for $29.99. They’re available at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Walgreens, Kmart and Sears.

Overall, I loved the quality of both headphones, the comfortable fit they provide and the great sound they delivered – making them must have fitness gear in my book! With my training kicking off this week, I know I’ll be putting both headphones to good use both in the gym and on the road.

You can connect with Koss via Social Media

 

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Filed Under: fave things, Koss Fit Series, product reviews