Luna Bar Review and Giveaway

Anyone who knows me knows that I am totally addicted to Luna Bars!  I love them!  They are a perfect pre and post workout snack.  Lauren at Luna Bars found out how much I love them and asked me to try out four of their new flavors and tell you about it.  I tried out:

Luna Chocolate Chunk:  This Luna Bar reminded me of a classic granola bar, and tasted like one too.  It had lots of yummy chocolate chips in it. 

Luna Chocolate Dipped Coconut:  If you like Mounds bars—you will love this one!  It has just the right amount of real coconut and lots of chocolate.

Luna Protein Chocolate:  My new favorite!  It tasted just like a candy bar!  I prefer the texture of the Luna Protein to the regular Luna bars.  The Luna Protein have a more candy bar texture, they are smoother and less chunky than the regular Luna bars.  The texture of most of the regular bars is more like a granola bar.  The Luna Protein Chocolate tastes great, and the extra protein is perfect for recovering from a long workout. 

Luna Protein Mint Chocolate Chip:  This bar was very similar to the Luna Protein Chocolate.  The texture is candy bar like, but with a minty after taste.

What I like about Luna Bars is that they are made for women.  They know that as women, we have different nutritional needs.  That is why they make sure every Luna Bar has calcium, folic acid, vitamin D and Iron.  Luna Bars also contain nine grams of protein and three grams of fiber.  The Luna Protein Bars have even more protein, about 12 grams per bar.  Not bad for around 180 calories each?  And at around a dollar a bar, you can’t beat it! 

The best part of my Luna review is that Lauren at Luna Bars wants one of you to try the new flavors for free!  That’s right; I am doing a Luna Bar giveaway!  To enter the giveaway, you must be a follower of this blog. Here are the ways to enter the giveaway:

1)      Go to the Luna Bar website; check it out and comment below with a fun fact about you found about Luna Bars. 

http://www.lunabar.com/

2)      Like Luna Bars on Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/luna

3)      Share this page with your Facebook and/or Twitter friends.  (To do this, click to the right where is says “Share this on Facebook” or “Tweet this”.)

Each blog follower can enter the giveaway up to four times (checking out the website and comment below, like on FB, share this page on FB and Twitter.)  In your comment below, be sure to tell me how many entries you get.  You can enter until 9 PM Eastern time on Saturday August 6th, and then I will choose a winner!  Check for a new blog post that evening to see who the winner is!  Lauren at Luna will be sending the winner a Luna Bar prize pack!  Good Luck everyone! 

A dream is a wish….

--Amy

I’m a Beach Body Coach!

Hello everyone!  I wanted to let everyone know that I am now a Beach Body Coach!  If you are interested some great workouts like Turbo Fire, P90X or Insanity—let me know.  We also have some great nutritional items, like the amazing Shakeology.

I decided to become a Coach because I believe in the products and I use them.  Now don’t worry!  I promise I will not bug you about Beach Body products all the time! I find it really annoying too!  I may from time to time do a workout review and product giveaway, but the focus of my blog will stay the same.  My goal is for all of us to cross the finish line at the Disney Princess Half Marathon! 

If you have any questions about any Beach Body products, don’t hesitate to ask!  I am here to help.  Please consider signing up for a FREE membership at www.teambeachbody.com and request me as your coach (amysmith7). 

Here is a link to my page:  http://www.teambeachbody.com/amysmith7

Enough about that, I had another great run tonight!  I ran 3.1 miles in 36:35.  That is a pace under 12 minutes per mile!  My goal now is to slowly add miles while keeping this pace. 

How is your training going?  Are you where you want to be?  What are you doing to improve?

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

***I have some great giveaways coming up!  Stay tuned!

A Great Run!

I had a great run today! 

I slowed down on my training in April/May because I was in a funk about my daughter health problems.  I got over it and started training again at the end of May.  Since then, my running has not been quite as fast or long as it was before I slowed down my training.  Well, as of tonight—I’m back!  I ran a time that is where I was before!  I did a 5k run on the treadmill at my gym in just under 36 minutes.  While this is not a great time for some of you, it’s a great time for me!  I did walk/run intervals, walking at 3.5 and running at 6.4.  If I can keep this pace up for my 10k in September, I will meet my goal of qualifying for corral C at the Princess Half Marathon in February!

I have a question for you guys.  Every time I run, about twelve minutes in, I get a terrible cramp on my right side.  It is so bad that I have to slow down and walk for several minutes.  Sometimes it goes away, sometimes not.  I asked my doctor of Thursday about it and she thinks it has to do with having to much in my stomach when I run.  That is why I was researching prerunning eating and posted what I did yesterday.   Sometimes I think that is the reason, sometimes I don’t.  For instances tonight, I ran at about 9:30 PM.  I hadn’t eaten since about 6 PM.  Has this happened to anyone else?  What can I do to make the cramp go away, or better yet keep it from ever coming back? 

Ok, on to the Sweaty Band giveaway winner!  The winner is Kim!  Kim, email me your address and I will get it right out to you!  (amysmith7@comcast.net)

I have several more giveaways lined up!  Stay tuned!

A dream is a wish….

--Amy

What do you eat before and after a run?

As my runs get longer, I have been looking harder at what I eat and drink before and after a run.   I have to eat something before I work out in the morning.  That something is usually a packet of oatmeal.  I cannot eat much more or I feel sick during the run.  If I run in the afternoon, I usually eat a Luna bar before my run.  I cannot eat dinner before a run.  Depending on the time in the evening, I eat dinner after my run or I wait till several hours after dinner and do a late run.  I find fruit and almonds a great post run snack. 

I have been just beginning to try out different during race fuels and electrolytes.  I found this article very helpful.  Finding a perfect balance of before and during run fuel feels like an art form I am just starting to figure out. 

 Check out this article!

What do you eat and drink before a run?  How about during?  And after? 

--A dream is a wish….

Amy

One more day to enter my Sweaty Band giveaway!  Good luck!

Why running?

Why are you a runner?  Of all the sports and workouts, why do you choose running? 

Running is one of the hardest sports on your body.  Your feet ache, you feel shooting pains in your knees, your head is spinning, your stomach is turning—and this is all after just a long training run.  Race day can be even worse.  Yet here we are, eagerly lining up for the next race.

There are plenty of other sports to choose from.  Team sports offer comradely of teammates.   Football, baseball/softball and volleyball are fun to play, but also great workouts.  If solo sports are more your thing, swimming and biking are great options.    Popular workout classes like Zumba and Turbo Kick are very hot right now. 

Out of all of these sports, some would say (me included) that running is the most intense.  But that is what I love about it!  It’s a pain versus pleasure thing.  You know--runners high.  We put up with all the pain because the payoff is so great.  The feeling of crossing a finish line is so rewarding that we put up with all the pain.  We love the challenge of pushing harder and faster!

I have never been a great runner.  I was a softball player growing up and in college.  I was also a high school cheerleader.  I loved every minute of both.  Nailing a tough stunt felt amazing, but it was a team victory. Now, when I get a PR, it’s all me!  When I hit the gym on a nonrunning day, I usually take a group exercise class.  I am the spin queen and I love Turbo Kick, but there is no feeling of accomplishment when I finish.  When I run, I can win every time.

So why do I run?  I run for me!  As many of you know, I have a special needs daughter that takes up most of my time.  My life revolves around her care and her doctor and therapy appointments.  I love being her mom and would not give it up for anything in the world, but when I run, it’s me time!  For a little while anyway, I can truly run from all my problems. 

A dream is a wish.....

--Amy

Sweaty Band Review and Giveaway!

“OMG…they don’t slip!”

I was so excited when Lesley at Sweaty Bands wanted to send me one of their headbands to try out and tell you about.  She sent me a white Sweaty Band with rainbow polka dots that they call Chakra Dots—totally me!  Sweaty Bands are no slip headwear that looks cute and fit perfectly!

To make sure I could give you an accurate review, I have been using the Sweaty Band for about a week now.  I have worn it during a long run, as well as a spin class.  The most important thing I was looking for in the Sweaty Band was that is stayed put during my entire workout.  I always wear a headband when I work out to hold back all my long, thick hair.  I HATE when I have to slow down and readjust it.  I am happy to tell you that the Sweaty Band did just what they said it would…no readjusting during a long run or an hour spin class.  This is a huge plus for me. 

What makes Sweaty Bands so different from anything you have tried before?  It is the fit.  It fits perfectly—not to tight, not to lose.  The genius of Sweaty Bands is the stretchy elastic on the bottom, the part that goes near your neck.  It stretches to give everyone a perfect fit. The patterned part of the Sweaty Band is not stretchy.  The nonslip, soft velvet lining keeps all your sweat from running in your face. Comfort meets function!  Another Sweaty Band plus is that every single one is made in the USA. 

Sweaty Band headbands are cute!  As you know, I am a total girlie girl.  I like to look cute when I work out.  The Sweaty Band looked good on me while I worked out and even after.  I often run errands on my way home from the gym.  The Sweaty Band kept my hair in place and looking good during and after the workout.  Since it does not look like workout gear, I felt fine wearing my Sweaty Band to the grocery store on the way home from the gym. Like many of you, I am a sweater when I work out.  The Sweaty Band held it all in…no drips, no slips! Over all, I really like my Sweaty Band and plan on getting a few more.

Did you notice the Sweaty Band in the Runner’s World Fastinista video?

The best part of my Sweaty Band review is that Lesley at Sweaty Bands wants one of you to try a Sweaty Band for free!  That’s right; I am doing a Sweaty Band giveaway!  To enter the giveaway, you must be a follower of this blog. Here are the ways to enter the giveaway:

1)      Go to the Sweaty Band website; check it out and comment below which Sweaty Band headband pattern you like best (mine is the Cougar Town!).

http://www.sweatybands.com/ 

2)      Like Sweaty Bands on Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweaty-Bands/27574176026?ref=ts&sk=wall

3)      Share this page with your Facebook and/or Twitter friends.  (To do this, click to the right where is says “Share this on Facebook” or “Tweet this”.)

Each blog follower can enter the giveaway up to four times (checking out the website and comment below, like on FB, share this page on FB and Twitter.)  In your comment below, be sure to tell me how many entries you get.  You can enter until 3 PM Eastern time on Tuesday June 26^th, and then I will choose a winner!  Check for a new blog post that evening to see who the winner is!  I will be sending the winner a Sweaty Band!  Good Luck everyone! 

I also wanted to give you a few updates from previous giveaways.  Debbie from SPIbelts wrote to thank my readers for ordering some of her great belts.  She also wanted to offer those of you who have not tried one 10% off!  Use “blog 11” as the coupon code.  Also, I know many of you love your Bondi Bands!  If you need a few more, they also have a coupon code to offer you also.  That code is “FIVE”. 

A dream is a wish your heart makes….

Amy

Are you a Fastinista?

According to the August 2011 Runner’s World Magazine, a fastinista is women who likes to look stylish when she runs.  They are quick to point out the being a fastinista is not about speed, but a state of mind.  There has been a huge shift in the past few years about what female runners wear when they run. 

No more do women runners wear an old cotton tee and baggy sweats to run in.   Women runners can now choose from an endless array of stylish outfits to run in.  The new trend is running skirts.  This has been a hot topic on a few of the Facebook pages I belong to recently.  Many running skirts offer compression shorts underneath so they are just as comfortable as shorts, but so much cuter!   Another trend is knee socks.  Women runners wear brightly colored and patterned knee socks with shorts or running skirts.  Similar is knee socks are arm warmers, again in bright colors and patterns.   Tech material shirts and tanks with cute sayings are hot right now too.  

These new options give women runners the ability to get dresses in the morning and go about their day.  You can take the kids to school, run errands, grocery shop, walk the dog and get your run in all without changing your clothes.  These new clothing options give women runners the ability to look good around town and on their run.

It’s not about looking matchie matchie, it’s about being yourself and getting noticed!  Fastinista like to look hot!  Looking hot makes people notice you, and getting noticed makes you work harder.  Bring on the PRs.

I have attached a really cool video from Runner’s World.com farther discussing clothing trends for women runners.   Check it out! 

http://www.runnersworld.com/video?bcpid=780508499001&bctid=1032395172001

Here is a link to the article:

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/1,7120,s6-240-320--14026-0,00.html

Are you a Fastinista?  What do you wear when you run?  Have you tried any of these running trends?

A dream is a wish your heart makes….

--Amy

I will be doing a giveaway very soon featuring one of the products seen in the above video.  Stay tuned! 

Runner's World Magizine

A few days ago I got my very first issue of Runners World.  When I first ordered the subscription I did not know what to expect, but for ten bucks for ten issues, there was little to lose.  When I opened up the magazine and started reading, I was very pleasantly surprised.  Most of the magazine is so timely for me, and I bet many of you too.

First off, the August issue is the Half Marathon Special.  There is a whole section on training for your first half marathon….what to expect, how to train, are you ready.  They also include a training guide. The issue also has a guide to stylish running wear.  Most of us, including me, like to look cute when we run and this article really helps with that.  They even review a few running skirts, something I have been researching lately.  A funny part of this issue discusses things that other runners do that make us nuts.  If you remember my review of the BWC a few weeks ago, there was a runner right in front of me that keep spitting and it totally grossed me out!  This is one of the topics discussed in the article. 

I am so glad I ordered this magazine.  I plan to link and discuss in more detail a few of the really great articles this week.  Do you read Runner World?  Do you recommend any other running/fitness magazines? 

As a thank you for reading, I am giving away a Power bar sample pack to one of my followers.  All you have to do is comment below with your favorite training tip by 9 PM Sunday and I will randomly draw a winner.  I will comment below who the winner is. 

I have some great giveaways line up for the next few weeks!  Stay tuned!

A dream is a wish your heart makes......

--Amy
Disney Princess Half Marathon registration is open!  I am registered!  Are you?

What are your training plans?

Most of us here are runners.  We are all training for our various events, but most of us are training for the Disney Princess Half Marathon.   

I have just finished Couch to 5k and next I am going to move on to the Jeff Galloway training that comes with Disney Princess Half Marathon registration.  I am also the spin class queen at my gym.  On days I don’t run or take spin, I do Turbo Fire videos.  I have review Turbo Fire in a previous post. 

I am looking for some new cross training options.  I have read that running every day is not good for your body, and that doing the same workouts over and over stops working once your body gets used to it.

 What are you doing to cross train?  What running program do you do?  How about strenght training plans?  What are your opinions of your workout?  Thanks everyone!

Now on to the big news—the SPIbelt winner is:  Elise Becker!!!  Elise, e-mail me at amysmith7@comcast.net and send me your mailing address.  I will pass it along to SPIbelts and they will get your hot pink SPIbelt right out to you!

A dream is a wish your heart makes......

--Amy

Disney Princess Half Marathon registration is open!  I am registered!  Are you?

I also wanted to let everyone know that I have been accepted into a Blogorama Bonanza!  It is a group of 200 bloggers who will all be doing big giveaways at the same time.  Keep an eye out for this huge event!  If you are a blogger, please check and join! 

http://www.jylasthreeofusgiveaway.org/ 

****I have been working hard to set up some more GREAT giveaways for you!  Keep an eye on my blog to find out what they are!

Where Is Your Favorite Place to Run?

Over the weekend, my family took a trip to my in-law’s beach house near Ocean City, MD.  We had a great time and I got a chance to run early one morning.  I have run this course before—down the blacktop road, then on a sandy path by the water, and then back on a blacktop road to the house.  It is a short course, about three miles.  I have decided this is my favorite place to run.  The sandy area is challenging, while the blacktop is a good place to warm up and cool down.  The scenery the entire time is so peaceful and really motivating.  I really love running by the water.  Yesterday morning was the most enjoyable run I have ever had.

This got me thinking, where is my favorite place to run?  I do the majority of my running on the tread mill at the gym late in the evening after my kids are in bed.  I don’t hate running on the treadmill, but I don’t love it either. I love running outside.  I also run on a path around my neighborhood.  The path is nice, but full of really steep hills, which I don’t enjoy.  The path is a great place to run, but not work on time.  It does not simulate most normal race terrain, but the hills are a great workout. 

Where is your favorite place to run?  Do you run inside or outside?  What time of day? 

A dream is a wish your heart makes......

--Amy

Disney Princess Half Marathon registration opened today!  I am registered!  Are you?

Don’t forget to register for the SPIbelt giveaway!  It ends soon!

I also wanted to let everyone know that I have been accepted into a Blogorama Bonanza!  It is a group of 200 bloggers who will all be doing big giveaways at the same time.  Keep an eye out for this huge event!  If you are a blogger, please check and join! 

http://www.jylasthreeofusgiveaway.org/

****I have been working hard to set up some more GREAT giveaways for you!  Keep an eye on my blog to find out what they are!