Managing my Macros with Nugo Egg White Protein Bars

I received Nugo Egg White Protein Bars as part of being a BibRave Pro. (Ambassador) Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews.

I'm 7 weeks into Marine Corps Marathon Training and while I'm not hard core trying to lose weight, I am trying to balance out how I eat. I don't have any problem with fruits and veggies, I definitely don't have problems with carbs (except maybe that I eat too many of them), but I do struggle with getting enough protein.



Nugo came to my rescue with these amazing bars, each having 12 to 14 grams of protein in them! They are made with real fruits,nuts, and egg protein, leaving each bar virtually fat and cholesterol free!



They have been super handy as well. I have been bringing them with me everywhere! I brought them to Colorado for Revel Rockies, and had one as my pre race breakfast.



I also brought one to the Coors Brewing Tour, since I was rungry the whole next day!






I absolutely love it for my double workout days. On Fridays, I go to the gym for yoga and then Body Pump directly after. Since I don't eat before yoga, I really need that pick me up in between!



I brought them on a girls trip to the beach, since I knew my eating would be otherwise horrible!



I've also used them after my cycling/swim days as I walk home.
These delicious bars have been a life saver during these first weeks of marathon training.
They are high in protein, low in calories and carbs, and are reasonably priced! I will be stocking up for the remainder of my training to keep my protein intake up!



Get yours here, and be sure to use the code BIBRAVE for 10% off!

Blueberry and Peanut Butter are my faves! Which do you think you would like best?

Facing My Fears 2018:Bonus Yoga Edition

Ok, so for those of you catching up, I made 2018 a year of facing my fears.
It all started when a group of friends went line dancing but didn't invite me. I had recently said I wanted to go, and my feelings were hurt. The hubs suggested I go alone, and I realized I was actually scared to go alone. What?
Right then and there, I made a list!



I've been keeping up with my monthly fears, and this month I added an extra.









Actually, I added two extra, and one stemmed from the other. My July fear is to take a spin class. They have always intimidated me, and I don't like to do things that I think I'll be bad at. That is happening next week.

Just after Independence Day, I shocked myself by getting in the car and driving to Asheville to spend the long weekend with Mirna Valerio and 20+ strangers on a trail hiking retreat. I was super excited to be spending the time with one of my all time heroes, but terrified of the whole idea of the retreat.
What if nobody liked me?
What if I made a fool of myself?
What if it was too hard?



Not only did I make amazing new friends, but I did hard things, I didn't really make a fool of myself, and I met this crazy lady:



Jameelah is an ultra runner and for the last year she's been running barefoot. She is about to embark on a run across Tennessee, a race put together by the same insane guy who does the Barkley Marathons. Never heard of it? Look it up!
She told us her story and challenged us to pick something hard and do it.



I decided to have faith in myself and I pulled the trigger on something I have been trying to get up the courage to do all year.



I am getting my Yoga Teacher Training done! I've been working on it for at least an hour a day since Monday, and cannot wait to get past the boring anatomy stuff!



The weekend with Mirna renewed my love for yoga and I cannot wait to share that love!



Get out there.
Do hard things.
Be proud of yourself!

What is one hard thing you want to do someday?

Speedy Races with HOVR Sonic by Under Armour

I received a pair of Under Armour HOVR Sonics as part of being a BibRave Pro (Ambassador). Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews!

Awhile back, my friend Lissa told me that every time she wore her new kicks she ran faster. This felt like fake news to me, but I figured if it worked for her, then who was I to disagree?

When the opportunity to try them out came my way, my first instinct was to say no thank you. I was just getting used to my newest kicks (after my strained tendon debacle) and I was wary of trying anything new. Then I decided I had nothing to lose.



I've been wearing them for a few months now, only on shorter runs, since I'm still nervous about my stupid foot. They are super comfy and I've never had any reason to think that they would cause any injury. I'm just a nervous Nellie.



Lissa and I even went twinning at a Run to Remember in May!



I even brought them on a beach trip and ran along the ocean in them. They felt amazing! I felt like I could run all day!



The ultimate test was race day on Independence Day. I ran a Charlotte race, all hills, and I'm not gonna lie... I was having a super speedy day. Lissa might be on to something!



I'm not pulling out any age group wins like she is, but I'm definitely enjoying the lightness and flexibility of these shoes!

So let's talk about the specs!

This is not the connected version so I cannot speak to that version. You can get them at the website, if you're a total tech geek!

• They have a zero gravity feel that eliminates impact, which has been great for my feet!
• Ventilates mid foot panel allows for breathability!
• The tongue is attached to the footbed, the stretchable support wings maintain a snug fit!
• The sock liner is removable and is anti microbial.
• Blown rubber under the forefoot is super light weight, but also responsive
• Each shoe weighs 8 ounces!

• I feel like it fit like any other running shoe as far as size goes.

If you opt for the Connected version, the technology will track, analyze and store all kinds of running metrics to help you improve your run! It connects to your phone and works with the free MapMyRun app!



I'm definitely keeping these in my training shoe cycle. Maybe I'll buy blue next time....

What color would you get?

Slow AF Trail Retreat with Mirna

Ok y'all, I'm currently at the most amazing retreat, in Morganton NC, and Mirna Valerio is leading it!



We started on Thursday night with dinner and intros, and then all got up Friday morning for yoga. Picture cred: Mirna



Friday afternoon we went for our first hike and as we arrived the storm began. It mostly moved away, but it was still raining and you could still hear thunder.



It was so freeing to run in the rain and splash through the puddles!



We also started vision boards!



Our second run was cancelled by flash flooding, but we did get to visit with Ben from Merrell.



Saturday morning began with another rainy trail run, which i skipped because (boys, skip this part) it's my time of the month. i did go along for the ride, just in case the rain stopped.



It didn't. After breakfast we had some free time, so I read a book and took a lovely nap. Then it was time for Camp Mirnavator.



She kind of killed us just a little. After lunch it was time for another hike/run!



I'll just post a few pics, I took many!









We walked up and then ran down.



There was yoga last night but I was showered and in my pajamas, so I stayed in and read a book. Ahhhhhh

Today is the last day and we are starting with yoga, which my aching body needs!

Have you ever gone on a retreat? What kind was it?

American Four Miler Recap

Yesterday I joined a large group (not all pictured) from my running club and a couple thousand others on a run through Charlotte to celebrate Independence Day!
It was warm and very humid, so I wasn't optimistic about my time. I'm trying maintain what I have dubbed Marine Corps Miles at my races, which are 14 minutes or less, the time required to beat the bridge at the Marine Corps Marathon.



I lined up at the back of the pack, where I ran into my friend Sandra. We leap frogged a bit at the beginning but eventually I lost her somewhere!



My first mile was rough. The sun came out and it got very warm, plus it was hilly as usual in Charlotte. My legs were tired from Tuesday's track workout.



The next miles got easier, the pace got a bit faster, and the crowd around me got even thinner.
Mile 4 was by far the best mile. It was mostly down hill and my pace was close to 13 minutes!



Check out my final time!



Marine Corps Miles baby!



The bling was pretty awesome as well!



I was glad to be done, I'm not gonna lie. I was also glad that I had clothes and a towel for changing in the parking garage before I drove home!

Did you run a race on Independence Day?

Flat Mama.... Tuesday

It doesn't quite roll off of the tongue, but I do love when Flat Mama days are not Fridays! Being a running coach definitely put a damper on my race schedule. We do our long runs on Saturdays, which is race day here in the Bible Belt. I wouldn't trade it for anything, so I just race whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Tomorrow is the American Four Miler, in Charlotte NC, and I'm looking forward to another year!



I ran it two years ago, and the medal was so pretty and sparkly. I skipped it last year, and this year is a new course. I'm hoping I like it, although I hear that parking is a pain. We will see!



Are you racing on Independence Day?

I'm Running the Charlotte Hot Chocolate 15k in 2019!

I received entry into the Hot Chocolate 15k in Charlotte as part of being a BibRave Pro! (Ambasador) Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews!



Some races make me ridiculously excited and the Hot Chocolate Race Series is one of them! I have been running their 15k for the last 4 years or so, starting in Philadelphia and then adding Atlanta and Charlotte last year!
Who doesn't love a race that gives you chocolate on the course?
Oh, and also when you finish?



I ran Charlotte this year and knew that I would run it again in 2019!



The course was hilly, of course, since it's Charlotte, but I loved every minute of it.



They also give you a jacket instead of a shirt...



And the mug they give you at the finish is reusable...



Oh, and did I mention that the race photos are free?
They.are.free.



Act fast, because the price goes up in 2 weeks! Use the discount code at the top of this post for a free armband at the expo.

Have you ever run a Hot Chocolate Race?