The Toughest Race I Didn't Run

I've been racing long enough now that I've been running some of the same races for three to four years now.  I have my favorites and my "traditions".  Once of those is the St. Patrick's Race in Fairfield, CT.

It is a four mile race and it takes place on the Sunday closet to St. Patrick's Day.  This year it was actually on the holiday.  It run by the beach and afterwards there is lots of food and music.  The beach is right there too so you can walk along it afterwards.

Everyone gets a little crazy in their costumes so its right up my ally.

Anyway, as you know, I sprained my ankle pretty badly a little over a month ago.  I thought I'd be fine for this race.  I thought it would be completely healed by now.  But I didn't listen to those who "told me so".  It is still swollen and while I've managed a few slow runs with Roxy, I didn't know how I'd fare in a race.

And so I traded having my ankle continue to heal and rest for attending the race.  It was one of the hardest choices I've made.  It sounds silly but I look forward to it all year and bowing out gracefully is sometimes much tougher than plowing through.

So I stayed home, rested my ankle and thought about all the races I will run in the future...hopefully that much sooner because my ankle will be up to full strength by spring.

Why I Run

Someone else I know recently posted this video on their blog, but it was so moving that I had to share it too....

I realize that I run for a few reasons:

1.  Is to stay healthy for a long time in my life.  While I love racing and meeting goals, my long term health is really the biggest reason I run..

2.  I run to help Roxy stay happy and healthy.  She loves running and our time together is an amazing bond we share.

3.  I run so I can think things through.  I am the most creative and problem solving when I'm running.

4.  I run to be outside.  It is my small time to be outside in nature.  In a society in which we work and play inside, we need to sometimes find time to get outside.

5.  I love it.  I always have and always will.  I'm not about the time or the distance.  It is about the thrill of the run for me.

Ellie Apparel

Cute, comfy and hard working...all my favorite things!  I'm in love with Ellie apparel! Every month they send you two selections based on your style profile.  You get to choose before everyone else does and the items are sent right to your door.  It is a great way to refresh your workout wardrobe, treat yourself and shop easily and quickly!

Use this coupon fro 20% off!

Energy Bits

I was recently researching a way to get more algae in my diet.  (And for my husband who suffers from chronic fatigue).  I came across Energy Bits, pressed algae tabs.  

They are made up of 100% organize spirulina algae and can be chewed or swallowed.  (I suggest swallowed.)  They have about 1 calorie each and should be taken in 30 pill doses.  I love being able to get a healthy supplement to my diet and get my husband some of the energy and nutrients he needs, easily.

They are expensive to purchase.  A 1000 count bag costs $115.  However, it is the only product of its kind on the market.  (At least that I could find!)

Here is the description from their website:

About ENERGYbits®

ENERGYbits® algae tabs are your answer for raw energy and health. All naturally too. With just one calorie per tab, ENERGYbits® will stop your cravings, slay your hunger and give you a steady stream of energy all day or night. They may even make you want to leap over tall buildings in a single bound, but we think that’s best left to the guys in the red capes and blue tights.  Remarkably, our ENERGYbits® have just one ingredient, spirulina algae which is a super hero in the world of super foods. Spirulina’s nutritional pedigree is so impressive that The World Bank, NASA and Olympic athletes have all declared spirulina to be the most nutritious food in the entire world. Why? Well for starters, it effortlessly and naturally boosts your energy like an energy drink, energy bar or coffee  but without the downside of chemicals, caffeine, calories or sugar and gram per gram, there is no denser source of nutrition than spirulina algae. Research done by NASA showed that that 1 kg of spirulina had the nutritional  equivalent of 1000 kg of fruits and vegetables.  That's a  lot of groceries! But if an endorsement by NASA isn’t enough to convince you of the health benefits you’ll get from our ENERGYbits® and spirulina, consider that many International Health Organizations including the United Nations have hailed spirulina as one of the “Greatest Superfoods on Earth.” Don’t worry if you haven’t heard about this super food yet. You will. It may be virtually unknown in America but for the last 50 years, millions worldwide have taken it to improve their energy. Now it’s your turn. 

Note that they do have other tabs made with different algae.  They can all be purchased here:

http://www.energybits.com/

Cocomo Joe Review

If you're like most of us, you're always looking for good food that actually tastes good.  Well Cocomo Joe fits the bill.  For health reasons, I've been spending a lot of time researching what is going into some of the "healthy" foods out there.  It is shocking that what you think may be healthy, is really filled with preservatives and chemicals.  The founder of Cocomo Joe felt the same way and developed a line of snack foods that can be easily transported. 

Cocomo Joe's philosophy is to eat your food, love your food, eat less and enjoy yourself.  Buying and consuming healthy food now saves you from the doctor later on.  So very true.

I was able to try Cocomo Joe's granola first of all.  Usually granola is filled with oils and fats.  This granola comes in Cranberry, Egg Nog, Milk Chocolate, Ginger Apple and Salty Chocolate.  I tried the Milk Chocolate and Ginger Apple.  They are amazing.  Very flavorful and filling, so you don't have to eat a lot.  These are VERY satisfying as a dessert or an afternoon snack.  I love having some of this with a cup of tea.  These granolas are organic and made up of healthy ingredients that you can feel good about putting into your body and feeding to your family.

Coconut Joe sells bars.  These bars are packaged individually and can be thrown into your car, purse or gym bag.  They are vegan, paleo, organic and most importantly, yummy!  The come in Cocoa, Baby Bar (for kids), Coffee, Cranberry, Fig, Green and Mango.  I have yet to try a flavor I didn't like.  They vary in calories, fat, etc.  However, I love the sustainable energy and fulfilling qualities of the bars.  It is so hard to find something healthy to eat on the go.  

If you have a sweet tooth, try Cocomocorn, the best, and healthiest, popcorn you will ever eat.  It's sweetened with coconuts instead of corn syrup and other chemicals.  Kids love this! 

Take a peek and order all of these great snacks here: http://www.cocomojoefoods.com/

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Activyst Athletic Bags ~ Looking Cute and Helping Women

@activyst is making athletic bags and funding girls' sports programs worldwide. If they hit their crowd-funding goal, they can start production and build a soccer field for Soccer Without Borders Nicaragua. Check them out here and help more girls play! www.indiegogo.com/activyst