Friday Funny

What do you get when you cross an elephant with a rhino?

Elephino!

Happy Friday!

Any fun plans for the weekend?

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sport science performance tee review

When true technical performance fuses with incredible comfort and versatility, smarter performance™ is the result.  

"sport science is for Whatevering"

run a marathon, run a 5k, run farther than you did yesterday. do yoga, lift weights, jazzercise. eat well. get big, trim down a little. get in beach shape, get in game shape, get match fit. work late, take off early. have a coffee. ski, snowboard, skate, surf, roll around in those awesome shoes with the wheels in them. chill out. drive to work, bike to work, carpool. have a drink, drink water. take the trash out, recycle. 


do more. enjoy.

Heading out for a run with my sport science tee .

I wore this versatile performance tee running on the treadmill and outside and for everyday use.  The super soft wicking fabric feels like cotton, but kept me dry and comfortable.  I love the easy care - machine washable and dryable and wrinkle free.  In addition, the tee is treated FreshGuard® to reduce odor buildup in the fabric, which is a huge plus over regular technical tees.  If I had to change one thing, it would be to make the tee just a tad shorter.

Check out Kovas' review of the men's version of this shirt at Midwest Multisport Life.

To see their entire line, check out the sport science website, and/or follow on Twitter, and on Facebook.

(Disclaimer: I was sent this product for free to review on my blog, courtesy of sport science. I did not pay for the item, receive payment for this review, or agree to give a positive review. Aside from information gleaned from the company website, the opinions are my own.)

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I am a Tough Chik

I'm excited to be part of a group of great women doing what they love - Team Tough Chik.  

Team Tough Chik - a team for all women! Team Tough Chik's mission is for women to encourage each other to get out there and have fun! Whether you podium or persevere, all that matters is that you are out there doing what YOU love to do.

Heading out for a run with my Tough Chik visor:)

With over 170 members representing 5 countries and 36 states, we are force to be reckoned with! We are all shape, sizes, ages, nationalities and ability levels.

Check out everyone's intro, including mine on the Tough Chik blog.  Also psyched that my Tough Chik gear arrived recently...more pictures soon!


 
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Tuesday Tidbits - Barefoot Running

Although I am not a barefoot runner, I can see the benefits of going shoeless.  During the summer, which seems like now with our crazy midwest weather, I spend a lot of time barefoot, and even do some barefoot running on the beach and on the local high school track.  Even occasional barefoot running is touted to help with running form by naturally promoting a forefoot vs heel strike landing.



The above infographic has some interesting information on barefoot running- to see the whole thing go to http://runningshoes.com/barefoot-running.

Do you incorporate any barefoot running in your training?

 
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Blake's Natural Winner

Congratulations to Jordan, 

who is the winner for the 

Blake's Natural Foods giveaway!

What do you have planned for the weekend?

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Your Body On...

Women's Health Magazine has a great series, Your Body On...  Love this month's especially:

Your Body On... A 30-Minute Run


In the first few seconds: Your muscles start using adenosine triphosphate (ATP), energy molecules made from food and convert it into adenosine diphosphate (ADP)

In the first 30 seconds:  In order to release more ATP cells break down glycogen from muscle stores and also pull glucose directly from blood; muscles release lactic acid

In the next few minutes:  heart starts beating faster directing blood toward your muscles and away from functions you don't need; heavy breathing for increased oxygen demand; muscles engage keeping you upright, controlling gait, pushing feet of ground; you begin to torch calories; burning of glycogen raises body temp leading to a healthy flush and sweating

Within 10 minutes:  if in good shape - you feel strong; if not - every minute feels more like a slog;

After 30 minutes:  as you slow to a walk, energy demand falls and breathing gradually returns to normal; you feel energized; brain has triggered rush of dopamine, the mood elevating hormone;

...resulting in the runner's high:)

For the complete article see the April 2012 issue of Women's Health Magazine.


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Wordless Wednesday

Our beautiful weather has me thinking of this...

Little A Bomb surfing:)

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Tuesday Tidbits - Maximize Your Results

Cyclists who warmed up with 6 minutes of moderately hard activity were able to work out at their highest intensity for significantly longer than athletes who rested.  Exercising before a ride or run activates an increased number of muscle fibers. (Shape)

Image from cyclingnews.com

Taking a break in the middle of a sweat session can actually increase fat burning, according to researchers from the University of Tokyo.  Study volunteers who did two30-minute stints of cycling with a 20-minute rest in between converted 20 percent more fat to energy compared with when they cycled for 60 minutes straight. (Women's Health)

Training for shorter races will improve your power and cadence, which will ultimately help you speed up over longer distances. (Runner's World)

Recent review of studies published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that eating 6 to 25 grams of protein within an hour of exercising significantly increases muscle repair and growth, compared with not noshing. (Shape)

What's your favorite source of post run protein?

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Happy Meals

Research shows that certain foods can help keep hormones and brain chemicals balanced, resulting in a sunnier, less-stressed-out state of mind. (Shape March 2012)


Here are some foods to help keep you happy - sorry, "happy meals" are not on the list...

Peppers - packed with vitamin C which can inhibit the production of the stress hormone, cortisol

Walnuts - can boost levels of serotonin, one of the brain's primary mood-regulating neurotransmitters and increases feelings of well-being

Chickpeas - good source of folate, a type of B vitamin, necessary for the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure

Sardines - loaded with omega-3, which helps people feel less anxious

Blue potatoes -  the color is courtesy of anthocyanins, antioxidants that provide neuro-protective benefits including bolstering short-term memory and reducing mood-killing inflammation;  skins are loaded with iodine, a diet-derived nutrient essential for life, and one that helps regulate the thyroid

Sunflower Seeds and Swiss Chard - contain magnesium which is important in dopamine production

Brazil nuts - great source of selenium, an antioxidant

Small amounts of dark chocolate - positive effects on brain endorphins

Asparagus - a top source of tryptophan, which serves as a basis for the creation of serotonin and also contains high levels of folate;  good to add to the menu if you plan on drinking - enzymes in asparagus are highly effective in breaking down alcohol in your system, preventing a hangover

Avocados - excellent source of vitamin B, which is essential for creation of serotonin and potassium, which helps lower blood pressure

Honey - packed with beneficial compounds such as quercetin and kaempferol that help clean up free radicals and reduce inflammation

Sources:  Shape, WebMD, Health on Today


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Friday Funny

With our upcoming spring break road trip, an apropos Friday Funny courtesy of Tazer:)

Chicago Tribune March 13, 2012

Happy Friday!

Check out my Blake's All Natural food giveaway!

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Brooks PureCadence Review

“The PureProject collection is a tribute to runners with a sense of adventure and a craving to grab their run by the horns. Radically lightweight, flexible materials merge with smart design to naturally align your stride and empower every push-off.” (Source: Brooks Running) 

Brooks PureProject

I had the great fortune to receive a pair of Brooks PureCadence.  The PureCadence shoe is designed with lean construction and a little support, while still allowing one to experience the feel of a more natural stride.

Women's Brooks PureCadence

Features include:
• Nav Band locks into midsole
• More grounded Toe Flex
• Reinforced heel counter secures heel
• Medial pod works with center strike pod for balance
• Internal PDRB (Progressive Diagonal Roll Bar)


When I first tried on the PureCadence, I felt that it might be too narrow in the toe box (definitely less roomy than my Ghost 4s and TrailBlades).  Turned out not to be a problem, however - besides a couple of pains in various places which I attribute to getting back to running post knee surgery, I had no discomfort in my feet.  This time around I have been consciously trying to do a midfoot strike.  I do feel that the "ideal heel" or inverted heel makes it somewhat awkward to even try to heel strike.  I have run most miles so far with this shoe on the treadmill, but also logged some miles outside.  Treadmill, road, and trail - these lightweight shoes provide great support and cushioning and are cute and comfortable to boot:).  For a review of the Men's PureFlows, head over to Midwest Multisport Life.

My Brooks PureCadence and Kovas' PureFlows

Brooks makes quality, comfortable and stylish running gear with their True Blue Guarantee.  If you are not completely satisfied, return them within 30 days, no questions asked.  

For more info or to buy products, go to the Brooks website.  You can also find them on Facebook, follow on Twitter, or read the Brooks blog.

Run Happy!

(Disclaimer: I was sent these products for free to review on my blog - courtesy of Brooks Running. I did not pay for the items, receive payment for this review, or agree to give a positive review. Aside from information gleaned from the company website, the opinions are my own.)

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Wordless Wednesday - Ides of March Eve

The two little ones waiting for Tazer and Gaigai to walk home from school...in shorts:)

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Blake's All Natural Foods - Review and Giveaway

Recently I was given the opportunity to try out some delicious comfort food from Blake's All Natural Foods.

Blake’s All Natural Foods offers simple to prepare, classic comfort food meals made with natural and organic ingredients with no preservatives. Blake’s frozen all-natural meals like Farmhouse Mac & Cheese and Chicken and Turkey Pot Pies go from your freezer to the oven, and then onto the dinner table. Blake’s has been perfecting comfort food since 1945, but also offer new, less traditional offerings like Lobster Mac and Cheese and Upside Down Chicken and Waffle Pie that are sure to satisfy the most adventurous thrill-seekers.

Blake's display at our local Whole Foods

Blake's meals can be found across the country in the frozen section of most Whole Foods as well as other fine natural food stores and co-ops.  From our local WF, I chose some classic comfort foods to share with my family - Chicken Pot Pie, Shepherd's Pie and Farmhouse Mac + Cheese.

Tasting notes:

Shepherd's Pie:  "potatoes and meat go well together - don't overpower one another, delicious"
Mac + Cheese:  "really yummy" (Munchkin); "like the crusty breadcrumb top, very cheesy"
Chicken Pot Pie: "mmm...creamy, chicken adds texture, not overly spiced or salty," Tazer's and Gaigai's favorite;


I love the ease and convenience of these meals - as the meals cooked, we played outside.  In addition they're made with natural and organic ingredients which is always a huge factor when choosing meals for my family.  My children and I thoroughly enjoyed all three meals - only complaint was that there wasn't more!

**GIVEAWAY**

For a chance to win coupons (2 free meals + $1 off) for some Blake's All Natural meals, 

- Be(come) a follower of this blog (hit the "join this site" button) - mandatory. 

 For more entries: 

- Follow Women's Endurance Gear on FB 

- Follow WEG on Twitter 

- Tweet (include @womensendurance and @BlakesNatural), post on FB, and/or mention on your blog
-Follow Blake's Natural on Twitter and/or like on Facebook 

Please leave a comment for each. Contest runs through Thursday, March 22, 2012. 

 Winner will be chosen using random.org on Friday, March 23, 2012.

For more information and where to buy (for those who don't win - or want more:)), check them out online at Blake's All Natural or on Facebook.

(Disclaimer: I was sent coupons for these products for free to review on my blog - via pmg public relations.   I did not pay for the items, receive payment for this review, or agree to give it a positive review.  Aside from information gleaned from the websites, the opinions are my own.)  

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Monday Motivation - Spring Makes My Fever Right

Spring is definitely in the air here in the Chicagoland area - which always does wonders for my motivation to get outside and run:))  What a forecast - 70s in March in Chicago - love it (not that I can complain about our mild winter)!

Yay - spring is here! 

This weekend I broke my treadmill/movie addiction, as Kovas called it - no way could I stand running on the tm in the basement.  I had to take advantage of the beautiful weather (and the fact that Kovas could watch the kiddos).  Running through the neighborhood, it was great to see everyone out playing, gardening, biking and just enjoying spring.

A little bird, he told me so

He said come on, get on the go

Open your eyes the sky is full of butterflies

The blossoms on the trees stir up the honey bees

Spring makes my fever right... (Elvis)

What's motivating you today?

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New Balance Sock Giveaway Winner!

The winner of the New Balance Sock giveaway, chosen using random.org is...

Toni of Running, Loving, Living

Congratulations Toni!  

Please email me your mailing info at womensendurancegear@gmail.com.  

Thanks to all who participated!

Happy Friday!!

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Three for Thursday

Our Healthy Kids Committee at my kids' school ramped up an existing walking program to a running club.  The kids have enjoyed it immensely with over a third of the school participating.  My kids want to take it a step further and make up a running club with their friends - catch is they want to run at dawn so they could watch the sun come up.  Love they think this way, but I think their sleep is more important at their age - maybe when they get a bit older.

In preparation for our next fun run or 5k...

Speaking of sleep - it's National Sleep Awareness Week.

National Sleep Awareness Week™, which takes place March 5-11, 2012, is an annual public education and awareness campaign to promote the importance of sleep. The week begins with the announcement of the National Sleep Foundation's Sleep in America poll results and ends with the clock change to Daylight Saving Time, where Americans lose one hour of sleep. (National Sleep Foundation)

Are you getting enough sleep - take the Epworth Sleepiness quiz to find out!

Finally - if you haven't entered my New Balance sock giveaway - today is the last day!!

Enter HERE

Does your child's school have a running club?

Do you get enough sleep?

Need socks?

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Wilderness Wednesday - East Branch Forest Preserve

Excited to get started:)

A week or so ago, we visited the East Branch Forest Preserve.  This 502-acre preserve is located in Glendale Heights and is mostly a natural wetland along the East Branch of the DuPage River.  It contains lakes, marshes and wildlife habitats and is an excellent place to observe grassland birds, shorebirds, and waterfowl.  It also provides the surrounding community with improved water quality and stormwater control.

East Branch Forest Preserve

There is an 0.8 mile grass and gravel trail around Rush Lake and several unmarked footpaths.  We had a nice leisurely walk around the lake skipping rocks on the ice and searching for snail and clam shells.  Although we're always on the lookout for wildlife, we usually don't see much due to our noise factor:).  Our main goal is just to get outside, get moving with the family and enjoy nature - mission accomplished!

Check this out!

How/where do you get moving with your family?

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