NeoCell Review & GIVEAWAY!

Disclosure - NeoCell sent me this product to review. All opinions are my own.

 

I am always on the hunt for the perfect protein powder. I have a lactose/dairy intolerance so it can be tricky to find one that works with my body.

 

 

When NeoCell contacted me about trying out their Collagen Sport Ultimate Recovery, I was all for it. I chose the Belgian chocolate flavor and waited for it to arrive.

 

Why did I decide to give NeoCell a try? This is why:

"NeoCell’s Collagen Sport product is much more than a simple protein powder, it is a complete exercise recovery formula. Most protein shakes only contain a general protein source that aids in muscle recovery. However, Collagen Sport supports total body recovery by including 15 grams of collagen for joint strength in addition to a 15 grams of a high quality whey isolate for muscular development. We don’t stop there, we add in additional glutamine and BCAAs, plus a complete multivitamin/multimineral complex (including electrolytes). Finally, we are a natural health company so there are no artificial ingredients, no sugars because we sweeten with xylitol, and no lactose or gluten. There simply isn’t a more complete, premium recovery formula on the market.

A common issue in the fitness world is joint injuries or pain. That is because most people only supporting muscular strength gains without simultaneously building their connective tissue to handle the increased force applied to joints by larger muscles. Strong muscles with weak joint and connective tissues result in injuries. By taking NeoCell's Collagen Sport a person will support both connective tissues and muscular development and guard against injury and pain."
 

I started making a NeoCell protein shake after my runs and weight lifting sessions. I am usually sore after my long runs and really sore after weight lifting. After using NeoCell, I haven't had any lingering soreness. Plus it mixes really well and tastes great. I mixed it with my dark chocolate Silk almondmilk and it was really good. The best part is that it is lactose free so it doesn't upset my stomach!!

NeoCell has agreed to giveaway this product to one of my readers!!
WooHoo!!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Zola Coconut Water Review

Disclosure - As a SweatPink Ambassador, Zola sent me this product for review. All opinions are my own.

 

A few weeks ago the delivery man dropped off yet another package. Ha ha.

 

This particular package was from Zola. It contained two cans of their coconut water (one with pulp and one without) and also a bottle of Açai juice.

 

I tried the Açai juice first. This was a first for me so I didn't really know what to expect. It wasn't too bad, in fact, I liked it a lot. It has a nice smooth berry flavor without being too strong.

 

 

I decided to use the coconut water in my green smoothies. It definitely gave them a little kick. I used about half of the can and then drank the rest. I did not really enjoy the pulpy one by itself. The chunky pulp kind of threw me off.

 

The Zola Coconut Water is great because the cans are pretty big at 520ml. I've  also used it for rehydrating after a long run. It definitely does the job since it is full of potassium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium.

 

Have you tried coconut water before? Thoughts?

 

 

 

My run and a rant.

Before I start my post, I've got some fun news. I talked the hubs into running the MC half with me. The kids will go to Nana & Papa's house bright and early and we will run our first race together. Well not together together, I don't expect the hubs to run my pace. I'm pretty excited though!!

 

I got up this morning to do my last long run before the MC half. I decided on 6 miles. I've been tapering ever sine Nike ended so I didn't want to push it too much today. I need my legs fresh for all of the hills next Sunday.

 

I was excited to wear my new Lululemon running skirt and tank.

Lookin' lean and mean, ha ha

 

My goal for today was to keep my pace around 8:30...yeah that didn't really happen. My body felt great so I just went with it. My legs felt fine afterwards and I am really loving my Mizuno Elixirs, they might be my new racing shoe.

Once again, I was almost hit on my run (more on that in a bit). I am getting really frustrated with motorists these days.

 

I would list my splits but for whatever reason my Garmin didn't save my run even though I saved it. When I went to upload it, it was gone. I'm not sure what that is about, maybe it has something to do with the upgrade I did yesterday.

 

I decided to go with Huma for my fuel.

It doesn't upset my stomach and tastes pretty good. That's a win in my book.

 

So onto my rant...

 

As you probably guessed, it's about motorists.

 

There's this thing called a crosswalk and also a stop sign line. I went ahead and took a picture for reference:

See how the stop sign line isn't in the crosswalk!?

Apparently most motorists do not see this and stop (or not at all) in the crosswalk.

 

Let me set the scene...

This morning, I was getting ready to pass the exit to a shopping center on Spriggs.

 

There is a stop sign and also a crosswalk. As I approached the crosswalk, a small SUV approached the stop sign. I guess the lady thought the stop was a suggestion because she rolled right through it as I stepped into the crosswalk. Then she decided to fly through the crosswalk hitting a huge puddle and getting me all wet. Cue a not-too-happy Natalie. I, of course, jump out of the way while she honks her horn and yells at me through her rolled-up window. I flipped her the bird and kept going. I don't usually react but I was just so mad. I really wanted to go up to her and give her a piece of my mind but my run was more important.

 

In 2 weeks, I've almost been hit 3 times.

 

Too all drivers, please stop at the stop sign line and not in the crosswalk.

 

That is all.

 

 

 



Calling All Mother/Daughter Pretty Muddy Teams!

Disclosure - In exchange for blog posts and promotions, Pretty Muddy provided me with a free race registration. All opinions are my own.

 

Do you still need to get your Mom a gift for Mother's Day?

Tired of getting her the same old stuff?

How about doing something fun and muddy together?!

 

Pretty Muddy is offering an awesome discount code for all Mother/Daughter teams for their 2013 races!!

Just use the coupon code MUDDYMOMMA to receive the discount.

Coupon code expires on May 12th.

 

Pretty Muddy is also running a Facebook contest.

They are giving away 2 free entries into each one of their 8 events for 1 mother-daughter duo. You can check out the contest here: https://www.facebook.com/PrettyMuddy . All we ask is that you share with us how your Mom has inspired your fitness goals. Pretty simple!

Under Armour What's Beautiful 3.0 Campaign

Disclosure - This post is sponsored by Under Armour through FitFluential 
 

Under Armour is at it again. They recently launched their "What's Beautiful" campaign and I am a part of it in a HUGE way!

 

Along with a bunch of my FitFluential friends, I have accepted the Under Armour challenge!! This is a 9 week challenge for women who want to set a goal and then crush it!! It's really easy to get started, you choose a goal and sign up HERE. Easy peasy.

 

You stay accountable and get extra motivation by accepting challenges and interacting with other participants. There are also plenty of teams to join. For example, I joined a fall marathon team that will motivate me while I train for my first marathon.

 

Source

 

My What's Beautiful goals are:

 

I am taking my training to the next level. I will beat last year's time at the Marine Corps half. I will complete my first marathon this October. I will train smart but also push myself to get faster. I will continue to weight train and work towards setting new PRs at squats, deadlifts and bench press. I will strive to inspire other women!! I WILL.

 

The best part of the challenge is the satisfaction you will get once you reach your goal(s)!!

 

What are you waiting for?! Go sign up for the What's Beautiful Challenge today!!

 

GET IT! #IWILL

Music...let's talk.

Source

Let's talk about it.
I love it.

Who doesn't love music?

 

I love almost all types of music.

 

I grew up in 80s so of course I love 80s and 90s music.

I'm still a huge fan of 90s alternative and rock.

 

I barely know any of the music that is played today. In my car the SiriusXM presets are 80s, 90s, classic rock, classic rock, alternative, heavy metal/rock and classical. Ha!!

 

However, my racing playlist is full of upbeat, fast-paced music.

Lots of rap on my racing playlist.

 

I can thank my parents for my love of classic rock. As a child, I remember my Mom blasting "Breakfast with the Beatles" as she cleaned.

 

When I was 17 or 18, I saw the Rolling Stones. That was awesome!

 

Led Zeppelin by far my favorite band. I'm pretty sure everyone knows this already.

"Thank You" and "Going to California" are my favorite songs.

Janis and Jimi are tied for second.
They are currently in heavy rotation.

 

My old iPod is docked in the dining room and I only play Zeppelin on it. If I am cooking or cleaning, you're listening to Zeppelin. It's gotten so bad that my children can name some of the songs.

 

I can be found singing loudly in the car if one of my songs come on. I know this annoys the hubs but he would never admit it.

 

My Mom often tells me that I would've made the perfect hippie and fit perfectly in with the Woodstock crowd. I think she's secretly proud of how much I love classic rock. When I used to live at home, we would bust out her albums.

When I am feeling stressed, I turn to classical music. It was a lifesaver in the car when the kids were babies. When they got fussy while I was driving, I turned on some classical music and they would quiet down pretty quickly. It's just so soothing.

It's also awesome how a song can remind you of a person or spark a memory. Recently, we were in the car and hubs put on some 2Pac (bwahaha, I know). One song in particular brought me back to a memory of us 10 years ago. Hubs had no idea what I was talking about, ha ha, but I remember it like it was yesterday.

What type of music do you prefer? Do you find you have a special connection to music?

First run since Nike

I had my first run since Nike today. The post-race soreness seemed to linger on a bit this time around. I didn't want to push myself so I took the week off.

I focused on weight training and yoga instead.

 

However, a non-running Natalie is a grumpy Natalie.

I was a grump this week but in my defense it was a long week. At one point the days just sort of blended together into one mega day.

 

I went for a run this morning and it was just what I needed. I decided to do 4 miles and the weather was perfect. Crisp air and a slight breeze. I wore shorts and a t-shirt. It was nice not having to wear a jacket or 1/2 zip.

 

4.01 miles in 33:21

 

Mile 1 - 8:35

Mile 2 - 8:24

Mile 3 - 8:03

Mile 4 - 8:12

 

Average pace - 8:19 min/mile

 

I'm pretty happy with that. I did start to get tired towards the end but I think it's due to the fact that I didn't eat anything beforehand.

 

The downside of today's run was that I almost got hit by a car not once but TWICE!! I must be invisible.

• Situation 1 - A young girl wasn't paying attention and came right at me (this was in the neighborhood, actually I was on my parent's street). My advice PUT DOWN THE PHONE WHILE DRIVING!!
• Situation 2 - A lady was at the stop sign waiting for traffic to pass so she could turn right. I  was in the crosswalk when she decided she would turn. I was able to jump out of the way but seriously, how can you NOT SEE ME!??!

As far as training for the MC half, I am just going to continue running 3-4 times during the week but treat it as a taper.

Hopefully I can start getting out of bed around 5:15 so I can run before the hubs has to go to work. I always feel better when I run in the morning.

 

Did you run or race this weekend? How did it go?