ENERGYbits

As a runner/athlete I have tried MANY different forms of fuel over the years.

You name it, I have probably tried it.

Gels, blocks, beans, juices, all of it. 

Some worked, and some didn't.

I can't say I didn't have success with some of these, 

but I can say I didn't have CONSISTENT success. 

I would find something that worked well,

but sometimes gave me horrible side effects.

(We have ALL seen that uber embarassing photo of the runner who...

had some digestive issues in a race.)

2 years ago I actually ran my first marathon with no fuel

(except on course water/electrolyte fluid) 

because I was so afraid of bad side effects of the gels I had been using.

I also found some fuels that didn't have the side effects, 

but didn't give me the boost I was looking for with my energy.

This left me looking for something more natural,

 that could give me the boost; without the 'issues'.

Here's where ENERGYbits come in.

I was given the chance to try these, and was beyond excited!

Quick Facts about ENERGYbits

-All Natural made from 100% Spirulina Algae 

-They're grown & harvested: not made in a lab and over processed

-It's NOT a supplement its FOOD.

-There is only ONE ingredient (algae), can't say that about gels, blocks and beans!

-Highest concentration of protein in one little serving

-Improve mental & physical energy/endurance

-Over 40 nutrients (and only one calorie) per 'bit' 

Look at all those nutrients!!! 

Over the last few weeks I have used ENERGYbits multiple times 

I wanted to make sure I really tested them before I did a review.

I used them before short runs and long, and even during some races.

I also used them in some non-athletic situations to see if they made any difference.

I'll be the first one to say I was skeptical at first.

How can something with so few calories really make that much of a difference?

Some things I noticed while trying bits...

-Increase in energy level: without side effects or a crash later

-You can chew OR swallow them.

 If you chew them your mouth will turn green until you drink some water.

I preferred to swallow them like pills to avoid green mouth, 

and because it's just easier.

Swallowing without chewing also avoids the taste, 

algae is an acquired taste for sure.

-I mixed them in my Greek yogurt a few times 

 (like your mom hiding medicine in your applesauce...only WAY better)

Great way to start the morning, with a little boost, 

or for protein recovery after a workout!

-I need to find an efficient way to take them DURING a workout. 

Very easy before hand, just pour them in your hand and swallow with a bunch of water, kind of hard to handle a bunch of them while running though (maybe that is just my lack of coordination?)

Convenient tin shown with actual bits.

-The handy little tin, fits just about anywhere. 

Super easy to throw in my purse, or gym bag or wherever!

-Drink lot's of water with bits, for many reasons 

but this is good because it helps you stay hydrated and get the energy you need!

I've told you before how much I have going on in my life. 

Working 2 jobs, 

training for marathons and a Half-Ironman,

Studying for my Series 7 exam (for my main job),

Studying for my ACE Certified Personal Trainer Exam,

Planning our wedding 

Trying to live my life!!

ENERGYbits have helped me in so many ways: 

from pre/post workout fuel,

to helping me stay focused while studying

(I'm horrible at focusing!!)

and even just a good boost in the morning before a long day.

With so much going on,

it's nice to have a fuel/nutrient source I can count on!

Pro's

-Energy without side effects or a crash

-Beyond healthy, low calorie & high in nutrients...can't beat it.

-Tin is small and fits just about anywhere.

-Kick in quickly: this can be key when you need them right before a workout, 

or when fatigue sets in quick.

-Eat them however you want, swallow like a pill, mix in with food, chew like candy!

-Smaller company with great customer service out of Boston, MA

-100% organic and all natural!

Con's

-A little difficult to eat mid-run (again, this might just be me!)

-Green mouth if you chew..but this can be solved easily by drinking water right after, 

or just swallow them without chewing!

-Price is a little more per serving than I'd spend on some other fuels, 

but I think it's worth it for something that is all natural and more healthy than traditional fuels.

Pricing

Bits are sold in bulk: a bag of 1000 to be exact.
Price: $115.00 per bag
YES that sounds like a lot, but let's break that down....

$115/1000= roughly $0.11/bit

Recommended serving before activity is 30 bits.

30 bits x $0.11/bit = $3.30

Here's the thing though, how much are you paying for protein bars or other fuels? Bars,Gels and blocks can be anywhere from $1-4 each. So why not spend a little over $3 and get something NATURAL that has more nutrients than most of those other choices?

BOSTONSTRONG

Wanna know something amazing?

If you use the code BOSTONSTRONG in coupon box at checkout...

ENERGYbits will give you a 10% discount ($11.50/bag!)

BUT there is MORE...when you do that...

ENERGYbits will donate $26.20 

from EACH BAG SOLD 

to the ONE FUND for Boston.

This is their way of helping athletes

"GO THE DISTANCE"

From ENERGYbits website

Wanna know how serious I am about these little things?

ENERGYbits will be my fuel

 for the Cleveland Marathon on May 19th.

I've told you the last few days, taper has started to get to me.

with so much going on and taper madness setting in, 

it's nice to know that I have my fuel decided

and it's something natural that I can count on.

Now just need to order some more and get them here before next weekend!

Have you ever tried ENERGYbits?

How much, on average do you spend per serving 

of your favorite fuel?

Some ways to get in touch with BITS!

http://www.energybits.com/

https://www.facebook.com/energybits?fref=ts

https://twitter.com/ENERGYbits

Disclaimer: I was given ENERGYbits to try for free, but all opinions expressed are my own. 

What's up Wednesday

What's up Wednesday 

(this is what you get when I have 2 awesome posts I am working on, 

that just aren't quite ready yet!)

What's up with my running?

2 year Maraversary 3/26

I can't believe my next marathon is so close, a little over 50 days to go! Yesterday was my 2 year maraversary, 2 whole freakin' years since I ran my first marathon. Here I am training for numbers 5 & 6, my how time flies! Crazy to think how things have changed since then!
Yesterday: 5.2 mile shake-out/recovery run. Legs were still sore from Sunday's Around the Bay 30k, but I was very happy to be outside. 45 and sunny, therefore I didn't care how sore I was, I just wanted to run!
Today: I have an easy 6 miler on the schedule and am excited to hopefully get back outside! Legs are feeling better today (I did get a massage last night so that might have helped :) )

What's up with my Cross-training/Triathlon Training?
Last 2 weeks my XT/TT was kind of on the back burner in prep for at ATB30k this past weekend. I still did some but I wasn't focusing on it nearly as much. This week it's back to basics with running/XT/TT, gotta keep in a steady groove of training right now, too many races to worry about!
Today: I have a 70 minute endurance ride planned, as well as 30 minutes of laps in the pool.

What's up with my Nutrition?

My Fitness Pal

I have been pretty good lately, but I do think I am going to log my food for a little bit. I do not log my food every day, I don't think it helps me to do it ALL the time. I am conscious what I eat every day, and make mental notes, and adjust my intake/exercise based on that. I do however, use a wonderful app called My Fitness Pal. I do this for a few reasons, it helps me monitor intake/caloric burn, helps me stay accountable for what I am doing and it helps me to gauge where I am at. You can log your food/drinks you consume (their database has anything you can think of, and if it's not in there you can add it!), and you can log your workouts and it estimates your burn based on your weight, and the intensity/length/type of workout. I found that doing this each and every day got to be too much for me, I was worrying too much about my weight and getting too focused on the numbers. This is why I only do it about one week a month, it really helps me see where I am at, and base my intake on where I am at in my training. Some people do it every day and that works for them. If you are trying to lose weight, every day logging is a good idea to hold you accountable.

I have been making some nutritional changes the last few months and I have noticed some changes in my health because of it. I have been making SMALL changes, I am not a person who can just up and change everything at once, I do better with small goals and baby steps.

1. First thing I have changed is I changed my pasta to gluten free. I don't eat a lot of it (I used to eat pasta all the time), but when I do I noticed the gluten free pasta doesn't give me that overfull feeling. I did eat regular pasta this past weekend at a friends house before the race and I was fine, but that was the first time in months I have had it, and I noticed a huge difference.

2. I have been forcing myself to eat right after I run/workout. I know that the first 30 minutes after a workout are the most critical for recovery, the things you do (stretching, etc.) and eat during that time are crucial. I never really liked eating right after a run, my stomach never liked it either. I have been really good lately about making sure I have at least something right after, whether it be a protein bar, yogurt, or some snack to re-fuel. I have noticed that I am recovering quicker and that I have been able to do more the following day after hard workouts.

3. My other nutritional change, is a sugar-detox that I will be doing next week. Laura from Mommyrunfast started this and I am excited to do it. The Sugar-Detox-Challenge starts April 1 and runs through April 7th. I am doing level 1, which is cutting out added sugars, but I will also cut out as much processed foods as possible. I will post over the course of the week on the progress of this challenge! Try it out, right after Easter really is the best time to do it!

What's up with work?
Life has been, BUSY to say the least. I can say though, it has been a good busy. Work has been good, we have a lot going on right now but my boss has been in helping a lot so it makes it easier. He has also taken time lately to appreciate the hard work I have been putting in. This job is still new to me, but I am learning more and more every day and I couldn't ask for anything else. As for my part-time night job at the restaurant, I haven't been there much because I have so many things going on. I worked Monday night but wont work there again until my sister has her baby. I am so worried she is going to go into labor and it's not as easy to just walk out of work from the restaurant as it is from the office.

Speaking of the baby...where is my nephew?
Well, he is still cooking! This is actually a good thing though, my mom is out of town until Thursday for work, so my sister needs to hold that little man in for at least another day or so. We are all on edge waiting for the call that she is going into labor, luckily my parents and myself get the first call as we are the furthest away (about 1.5-2 hours). My sister is under direct orders not to call/text me right now unless it's the baby, because every time she does I jump out of my chair and almost have a heart attack thinking I need to get my butt down to the hospital. I can't wait to meet this little man, we have been waiting for so long and I have never been happier for my sister.

What's up with wedding planning?
Planning has been slow lately....I looked at my Google Drive last night, and noticed the wedding spreadsheet (yes, I am THAT person), hasn't been updated since February. The good news is we have a lead on a potential place for the reception and are waiting for them to update menu's so we can set up a time to meet. It's nice knowing I have my dress already, and that there are some other things already taken care of. Once we nail down the reception venue I will feel a ton better and can focus on some of the smaller(but still important) things.

What's up with my Education?
I announced on my blog last week that I was enrolled in a program to become a Certified Personal Trainer (YAY!!!). I am still waiting for my books to arrive (I am not being very patient!), I actually emailed the company today because I don't have a FedEx tracking number (why didn't they send this to me when I signed up....UGH!). I am very excited to start the work and excited to be a nerd and spend my nights reading and learning about fitness and exercise (something I clearly have a passion for). I have also been on the lookout for a Running Coach certification course, I am on the RRCA email list, just waiting for a course to come semi-close to here and you bet I will be signing up. I think between my ACE certification and getting my running coach certification it will really help me be more well rounded and help myself as well as others.

If you have time, I'd love some input on a few things (that are for some future posts that I am working on) you can leave a comment or email me at Lea.9487@gmail.com with your input! I really appreciate you opinions, I am looking forward to creating some interactive posts:)

1.What makes someone a runner?

2.How do you define running vs. jogging?

3.What makes someone an athlete vs. recreation runner/cyclist?

4.Do you think there is anything that makes one person more of a runner than another?

5.How do you feel about All-Womens events?

6.Do you think men have a right to complain about said events?