Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

A Few of my Favorite Things

So I maybe a total shoe geek, but at least I admit it.  I love my new shoes from Vivobarefoot.  They are so great to run in.  I think my favorite part is how minimalist, but very comfortable they are. 

Got to put in my new Lock Laces today (check out my review) and they felt great during me speed workout.  My knee may have been giving me pain after, but these shoes definitely weren't!

I'd say they are quite an improvement from the poor old pair I used to wear.  I think I used these guys nearly every single day...


Looks like I tend to run on that front right side a bit much.  Need to keep working on that!


And who doesn't like to see a lovely hen at the end of a post.  I'm not sure which one this is so I can't give you her name, but she does look gorgeous in the fall leaves.  Have a great night!-Relizabeth Runner

Monday, November 18, 2013

Miss Paleo Mixes



                   www.misspaleomixes.com
What a treat it was to get to try these cookies, brownies and bread from Miss Paleo Mixes!  After a morning full of Cross Country practice and my first CrossFit practice, I came home to find a lovely package with the mixes inside, all ready for me to make.  I didn't waste much time making all three that very afternoon so the family could test them out after dinner (before dinner, as a snack, etc.)!


 I tried to get some good pictures of them, but I didn't have access to great lighting due to the fact that well...the sun was down and that is my favorite lighting...so this will do for now. : )

Check out these cookies.
One of my absolute favorite things to do after a nice hard workout is bake something for my family.  I love to listen to my favorite health podcasts while baking a new recipe or trying out a new product to review, just like these mixes.  I really appreciated how simple the directions and ingredients are for baking these mixes.  Did you notice that they are Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and completely Paleo-friendly?  Got to love it!
 To me, one of the most telling tests of taste and appeal is when even a gluten eater enjoys a product.  Sure, those of us who have been off the nasty stuff for a while love the taste of Miss Paleo products...but I always like to assess the appeal by offering the really good stuff to someone who's still eating the Standard American Diet.  Well, I made three batches of Miss Paleo's treats on Saturday afternoon.  By Sunday afternoon, all but one small part of the bread were gone (and that had been squirreled away by one who wanted some for breakfast in the morning.)  So that's a dozen brownies, 24 cookies, and a loaf of bread, all gone in 24 hours.  Also, the quality was just as fresh and delicious the second day as the first.

Miss Paleo Mixes currently offers three mixes to make either Brownies, Cookies, Bread, or Muffins.  Check out their website here at www.misspaleomixes.com.

My brother especially was already asking for me to make some more brownies the next day...was it even that night that he was asking for me to make more?!  He really seemed to like them. 

I like how these mixes are free of grains (which I personally can't handle very well at all), gluten (which many of us can't tolerate or chose to abstain from), and dairy. 

imgThese mixes are such a great option for those looking to transition into a Gluten-free diet, Paleo diet/lifestyle, or for those who are looking for something to support them in a more health-conscious way of eating.  Try some today!  I think you'll be amazed that something with such simple ingredients can taste so good.

imgHere is a little more on Miss Paleo Mixes:

"Welcome to Miss Paleo!

Our Mixes are made completely without GRAIN or WHEAT and are sweetened with low glycemic coconut crystals!
We use no refined sugar, additives, chemicals or preservatives in our products. Just nutritious, delicious natural ingredients.
If you are Celiac or Gluten Free our Mixes are for you, however, EVERYONE loves Miss Paleo Mixes because they taste so good and and are so very good for you!
img
Check out our product lables for our ingredients and nutritional guides."-misspaleomixes.com




Sunday, November 17, 2013

The Stick

                          A Toothbrush for Muscles



What a great tool this is!

I was so excited to try this Physical Therapy type product called The Stick.  It was recommended to me by our Cross Country team's physical therapist after a recent race when I was really struggling with IT band pain.  I was instantly intrigued by how it worked and was hopeful that it may help my injury.
I can now say that I think it has really helped!  I have been trying to use it everyday, before and after practice, and last week I was able to do my first practice with speed work!  This a product I highly recommend.

Whether you are a runner and/or CrossFitter like I am, Triathlete, Biker, Walker, Swimmer, or whatever type of athlete or "regular" person looking for some muscle therapy, I think The Stick could be a huge benefit to you!

Using The Stick on your muscles helps break up those knots and scar tissue that tends to collect  in certain areas when you push yourself or have an injury.  Try using The Stick...it could really improve your performance in your sport and movement in your daily life!


Want to learn more about The Stick?  Check out some cool information I found on their website.


"About

What is The Stick?

The Stick - the health and fitness benefits are manyThe Stick is a revolutionary device used to segmentally compress and stretch muscle. It is highly effective in the treatment of muscle pain and trigger points.
The Stick provides many benefits. Here are a few of the fitness and health benefits associated with The Stick:

  • Prevent & Predict Muscle Injuries
  • Dramatically improve strength, flexibility and endurance
  • Rapidly prepare muscles for physical activity
  • Disperse the effects of lactic acid following activity
  • Accelerate muscle recovery
What is the Stick Made of, how long will it last?
Stick products are made of a space-age plastic that allow necessary flexibility of the tool and provide maximum compression of the muscles (the Stick contains no rubber or wood). The center rod of the Stick is surrounded by spindles which roll independently over the muscle. The handles provide maximum comfort in the grip. The Stick comes with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee, and a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty against defects. With proper use, The Stick should last a lifetime.
Medical Talk:
The Stick converts non-compliant muscle to compliant muscle by performing what Dr. Travell calls stripping massage. In fact, this noted medical physician relates that, “deep stripping massage of the tender spot in the muscle was generally the treatment of choice for muscular rheumatism (myofascial trigger points) long before the turn of this century, and for fibrositis afterwards.” The Stick allows people to self-perform general as well as segmental therapeutic procedures with a high degree of precision. These procedures remove the barriers to peak physical performance. It is the unassisted rolling, stretching, twisting and compressing of the muscle that diffuses barrier trigger points and converts non-compliant muscle to compliant muscle.
See How it Works for more technical/medical details on how The Stick can help you."-thestick.com
  Stiff Stick
The type of stick that I use is called Stiff Stick.  It is 24-inches long with neat nobs that move back and forth to get the deep massage effect.  I appreciate how sturdy and nice it feels in your hands.  I have loved being able to find those knots and give them a real good working over.

Not only do they offer Stiff Sticks, but they also offer flexible sticks at differing levels for a more lighter massage.  The marathon stick is an example of a stick with more give to it.   Marathon Stick 


"Made popular by world-class distance runners!

Most flexible of all short models. It is for those who prefer light massages.
It contours nicely to the muscle; primarily used on legs ( calf).
LENGTH: 20-inches
TYPE: Flexible
GRIPS: Yellow

Warranty Information

The Stick comes with a 90-day warranty against breakage or manufacturing defects, and a 30-day unconditional guarantee."-thestick.com
Did you notice the warranty?  How many companies offer this...love it! 
  Little Stick 
"Great for Kids!
The Little Stick is the shortest of all Sticks. It is ideal for traveling and perfect for the treatment of calves.
It is highly effective in the management of growing pains and shin splints; light to medium deep massage.
LENGTH: 14-inches
TYPE: Basic
GRIPS: Black"-thestick.com

They even have this great stick for kids!  This would be a perfect tool for the young athlete in your life.  I think it would make a sweet Christmas gift.

In addition to more options of sticks like the ones listed above, The Stick has other great tools to help your posture, feet and even massage your pet!  

This neat company is even offering Free Shipping right now.  That's a deal I always love to take advantage of. Go to the website to learn more: www.thestick.com.


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