Category: Tuesdays on the Run


Jul
2018

NuGo Egg White Protein Bars Review

categories: Ambassador, BibRave Pro, Product Review, Running, Tuesdays on the Run

Disclaimer:  I received NuGo Egg White Protein Bars to review as part of being a BibRave Pro.  Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews. 

Thanks to BibRave I was afforded the opportunity to try out a new to me product – NuGo Egg White Protein Bars.  I had never heard of this product till a few months ago.  I received a mixed box with 12 bars in 4 flavors: Dark Chocolate Sea Salt, Maple Pecan, Blueberry, and Peanut Butter.

When I first received my box, I couldn’t decide on a flavor and finally picked Dark Chocolate Sea Salt.  It was delicious!  I shared with my sister and she also agreed that it was good.

So what’s so great about these protein bars?  
• They’re made with real fruits and nuts.
• They’re non-GMO and 180-200 calories.
• They’re certified gluten-free and OU Kosher Pareve.
• Each bar has 12-14g of protein with no soy or dairy!

I don’t exactly have the healthiest eating habits but whenever I can, I try to not always eat junk food.  I actually felt good eating these protein bars because I knew this was better than eating a hamburger, pizza, or a hot dog.  Don’t get me wrong, occasionally I do eat hamburgers, pizza, and hot dogs but I am trying to cut down.  🙂 

Each bar is chewy like a candy bar.  I would enjoy one with a cup of coffee.  They’re tasty and easy on my stomach.  They’re also perfect for post-workout needs as it is a great protein option for fueling your body. 

I am not a big fan of Blueberry nor Peanut Butter and surprised that these were also very good.

NuGo Egg Protein Bars-4

My favorite one is definitely the Dark Chocolate Sea Salt.  I like that this was just what I need to satisfy my chocolate craving.

NuGo Egg Protein Bars-8.jpg

If you’d like to try NuGo Egg White Protein Bars use code: “BIBRAVE” for 15% OFF at www.nugonutrition.com.  You can choose a single flavor, or try the variety pack.  This discount is good until August 3rd.

Linking up with Marcia, Patti, and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run.

TuesdaysOnTheRun


Jul
2018

Elmhurst 4 on the 4th Race Recap

categories: Oiselle, Race Recap, Running, Tuesdays on the Run

On Wednesday I ran one of my favorite races in the Chicago area – Elmhurst 4 on the 4th.  I’ve run this race since 2013 and have always had a great time.  I like the price, the distance, and the location.  It is very easy to get there and I always find parking..FREE parking.

I left later than usual and even thought I didn’t park in my usual spot, I still managed to park close to the start line.  Then I got my bib and met the Oiselle girls for a picture.

4 on the 4th-1

Let’s go back to my bib.  I gave the volunteer my name and she found it on the roster.  I remember hearing the number 24 or something like that.  Once I got my bib, I didn’t look at it and just went to meet up with the Oiselle girls.  I have a Fitletic belt and use the toggles for my bib.  Again, I did not look at it.

I talked to Heather and Kathleen for a few minutes and then we lined up.  It was already sunny and HOT.

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This race is not a big race but there are a few people cheering for you.  There is just something about running in a small town for a race.  I knew I wasn’t going to get a PR.  I started off too fast and then paid for it at the end.  Still, I don’t think it was too bad.

4 on the 4th-3

I did walk a few times because I also got too hot.  I didn’t have a visor with me because that morning I checked the weather report and it was supposed to be overcast.  Luckily there was some shade and that helped.

This course has a few hills.  Not too many but the worst one is right before the finish line.  I know this but I curse every single time.  🙂

At the finish line, I got a water bottle and an ice cold washcloth to cool me down.  I was sweating a lot.

4 on the 4th-4.jpg

.I walked for a bit to cool down before going home.

In my car is when I had a feeling that something was wrong with my bib number.  I remember hearing the number 24 but not 25.  I just wanted to get home to shower and eat.  I knew there was nothing I could do about it so I decided to handle it at home.

Yep, I got the wrong bib.  Once the results were available on Athlinks,  I couldn’t find my name but did find my results with the bib number I used to run the race.

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I emailed the race director right away and explained the situation.  After a few emails back and forth, the problem was resolved.  

4 on the 4th-8

I also checked Kim’s name and she was given a new bib number to run.  Glad that worked out too.

I highly recommend this race to everyone.  It is always fun and the perfect way to start off the holiday.

Linking up with Marcia, Patti, and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run.

TuesdaysOnTheRun


Jul
2018

Goodbye June and Hello July!

categories: Ambassador, Half Marathon Training, Hansons Training, Running, Tuesdays on the Run

How is it that we are halfway through the year?  

Hello July

• June was the end of the school year.  I also started teaching summer school and that ends this Friday.  For the rest of the month, I will be relaxing while also hanging out with family.  I have a cotillion on the 14th and then my sister and her husband will be in town for a week.

• Training went very well this month.  I am currently training for the ZOOMA Half Marathon in September.  There were some decent days but definitely quite a few HOT ones.  I’ve been doing my easy runs (3-4 miles) early in the morning before work.  If I don’t then I have to wait till 6-7 once it cools down a little bit.

• Ran 104.68 miles.  Another month over 100 miles.  I am now 47% done of my yearly goal.  

2018 Goal

• Total time running was 21:15.  Not quite a whole day but pretty close.

• 23 days of running.  I run 5 days a week and have been loving it.  Now I am at the point in my training plan in which I will be running 6 days a week.  Last week would have been my first week but I skipped my run on Sunday.

June 2018 Calendar

• Getting back to weekly speed workouts.  I had some really great ones when I was training during the winter.  Still pleased with how I am doing so far.

• Looking forward to 1 race in July.  I am running the Elmhurst 4 on the 4th on Wednesday.  It is one of my favorite races and I’ve done this race since 2013.

Overall, I am proud of myself with how I did in June.  I missed one run and didn’t finish another one.  Hopefully July is just as great or better!

June 2018 Report Card

Join me on September 15 for an inspiring weekend filled with strong women, yoga sessions, speakers, an exciting expo, and celebrations in an unforgettable resort location.  Click HERE to register.  The code is valid till July 4.

ZOOMA Half Marathon-22

So how did June go for you?  What  is the weather like where you live?

Linking up with Marcia, Patti, and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run.

TuesdaysOnTheRun


May
2018

Soldier Field 10 Mile Recap

categories: Ambassador, BibRave Pro, Race Recap, Running, Tuesdays on the Run

Disclaimer:  I received a free entry to the Soldier Field 10 Mile as part of being a BibRave Pro.  Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

This past Saturday I ran the Soldier Field 10 Mile.  This race is one of my favorites.  The first time I did this race was in 2009 and this year was my 7th time running it.

I had to stay late at work on Friday so I couldn’t go to Fleet Feet to get my bib.  Thankfully my friend, Claudia, got it for me.  I like the color of the shirt.

It was supposed to be a HOT one.  Man, we complained for so long about the winter and Mother Nature came back with a vengeance.

2018SoldierField10Mile-1

Saturday morning I woke up, got ready, and drove to Soldier Field.  I love that they offered FREE parking to race participants.  I met Claudia to get my bib and then we used the bathroom.  There were plenty of port-a-potties outside but we went inside the stadium (the start line was inside).  No line…ever better!

My left leg had been bothering me so I wasn’t sure how do running 10 miles.

2018SoldierField10Mile-5

The race began at 7am.  I was in corral K but moved to L to start with Claudia.  We had to wait about 15 minutes before we could start running.  It felt good inside because it was shaded and there was a slight breeze.

As soon as I got outside, I could feel the heat. I knew it wasn’t going to be a good race.  I don’t remember it ever being this hot on race day.  I was feeling OK for about 3 miles and then it went downhill.  The sun felt so hot and I took my time by walking and running.

2018SoldierField10Mile-10

At the runaround point the announcement teased us by saying that we looked like we could use some ice (while the song “Ice Ice Baby” was playing).  I thought for sure we would get some ice at the next water station.  Nope.  It was Nuun and water.  I did get an extra cup of water to pour over my head and that helped a little. 

At this point my goal was not to pass out and just to finish.  I didn’t care about my time.  My left was hurting even more but I kept running and walking.

Did I tell you how hot it was?  I was happy to cross the finish line and to get my medal.  It was cool to finish inside Soldier Field. 

2018SoldierField10Mile-15

I stayed for a little bit to see Heather and Claudia by the finish line.  Then I went home.  I was hungry and tired.  In the past I’ve stayed a bit longer to hang out with friends and enjoy my free beer.

Love that Athlinks provides FREE race photos.  However, I will admit that I cringed when I saw the photos and almost did not post the one below.  All I see is my big, bloated and round stomach.  🙁2018SoldierField10Mile-18

My finish time is 2:17:21.  That is definitely my worst Soldier Field 10 Mile race.  According to Athlinks, my worst time was 1:55:45 in 2017 and my PR is 1:41:56 in 2015.  

Facebook reminded me of the first time I did that race.  I was thinner back then.  Sigh.  

2018SoldierField10Mile-19

Another race done and another medal.  I have now completed 160 races.

Linking up with Marcia, Patti, and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run.

TuesdaysOnTheRun


May
2018

Chicago Spring Half Marathon & 10K Recap

categories: Ambassador, BibRave Pro, Race Recap, Running, Tuesdays on the Run

Disclaimer:  I received a free entry to the Chicago Spring Half Marathon & 10K as part of being a BibRave Pro.  Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

On Sunday I ran my 159th race!  I did this race mostly for fun and am glad I did it.  

The forecast mentioned rain on race day.  The weather continues to be ridiculously crazy here.  Even with that forecast, I planned to wear a singlet, shorts, and compression socks.  Not sure what I was thinking.  🙂

I signed up for the 10K but got a bib for the half marathon.

On Sunday morning it was in the mid 40s so I wore a long sleeve underneath my singlet, a jacket, and tights.

It was cold and cloudy.  The half marathon began at 7am and the 10K at 7:45.  I arrived at 7:30 am, dropped off my gear, used the port-a-potties, and got in line for the race.  Per my Garmin, I started running at 7:58 am. 

I ran by feel and paid no attention to my watch.  I would only look down when it would vibrate with my mile splits.  I wasn’t cold and was feeling pretty good.

For the most part I was consistent with my pace.  I HAVE no idea how I ran mile 5 that fast.  At least it is fast for me.

Chicago Spring 10K-6

The 10K started on Columbus Drive next to Maggie Daley Park.  We ran there for a little bit and then ran along the lakefront path.  I found the path to be crowded since there were the 10K runners heading back along with the half marathoners.  

Chicago Spring 10K-14

When I was done, I got my medal and then went to get my gear.  I got there just in time because after a few minutes there were a lot more people waiting in line.  I felt bad for the volunteers because they were working as fast as they could but could not keep up with all of the runners.

Post race there was a hot breakfast, Lagunitas beer, and a spring flower station.  I wanted to take part in it but I was just too cold.  I hanged around for a little bit and then went home.  But before I did that, I checked my finish time courtesy of Athlinks.  Not my best and not my worst either.  My last 10K was the Run Mag Mile in September 2017 and I finished in 1:07:09.  However, my PR is 1:04:02 from September 2010.  

Chicago Spring 10K-13

The medal is pretty cool.  It has a spinning Navy Pier ferris wheel.

Chicago Spring 10K-12

I wished the weather would have been nicer and for sure I would have stayed longer and enjoyed the post race activities.

Overall, I enjoyed the race.  I love the distance and the medal.  Many races do not offer food (only beer) and it is nice to see this offered to the race participants.

Linking up with Marcia, Patti, and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run.

TuesdaysOnTheRun