My Second Week Of Getting Back To Running

Monday
  I had the best intentions when I set out to run today. I had a nice two days off from exercise and I was ready to start running again. I drank a glass of ZupaFood Elite twenty minutes before I went running as I needed some energy. The boys had the day off from school so we went up to the park. The ZupaFood Elite gave me the energy that I needed so I started off walking fast for about 2 minutes. Then I started to run and I was able to do so for 2 minutes. I was able to alternate running and walking for about ten minutes, but then my legs started hurting and I was not able to run. I think it had to do with the fact that the park had several hills and this was too much for my legs. So I just fast walked for the remainder of my exercise time.

  I realize that there will be set backs and changes with my running plan and I revised my plan for the rest of the week. I made this day my walk day and will run tomorrow. My boys do have tomorrow off from school, a teacher in-service day, but I think I will have them ride their bikes on the walking paths while I run. These walking paths, that are near our house, are flat so that will be better for my legs. On a positive note, I have been massaging my ankles at bedtime and that seems to help with the stiffness that comes from the tendonitis.

So will tomorrow bring better results with my running plan?

Tuesday
My husband had a doctor appointment so he got home early from work. I was able to go running by myself. The weather was in the 60's. I decided to push things with my running and decided to run until I was tired and then walk for a minute. Running felt good and I was able to run for four blocks and then walk for a bit. My legs and ankle felt fine for the first 2 miles, but then started to feel tight so I stopped to stretch and adjust the laces on my shoes. I then was able to run again until my hamstring had some pain. I walked for a while and then stretched. My hamstring felt fine again and I ran the last 1/2 mile. My legs felt fine for the rest of the day.

Wednesday
My ankle tendonitis is feeling stiff today, so I will do extra stretching throughout the day. My boys get home from school early so I will make today a walk day while they play at the park.

Thursday
I had an incredible run today, despite it being super windy. I was able to run half a mile/ walk 30 seconds intervals. I had no pain what at all while I was running and I did not even feel the need to stretch or adjust my shoes. I am ultra picky on how my shoes feel and I will adjust the laces several times until the feel just right. I think my new shoes are perfectly broken in after 2 weeks of use as they felt so comfortable while I was running. It was super windy out and I had to run against the wind so it was a tough workout, but I felt no pain. I was super dirty when I was done running as the wind was making sand fly everywhere, the joys of living in the desert.

Friday
Today is a walk day. I want to run but my heel is feeling stiff. The walk days are helping my tendonitis not to flare up again, so I will walk even though I want to run.

My getting back to running is going quite well and I am happy about the progress that I have made so far. The rest days of just walking seem to help my body not to suffer any injuries and that is good. I think next week I will increase my run times on the days I run so I can build up my endurance.

Day Five Of Running After An Injury

I just love seeing the hot air balloons when I run.

 I am so thankful for the nice warm weather that we have been having, it gets me motivated to run. My running is going quite well. I am now able to run for one minute and then walk one minute. I did this run/walk thing for about forty minutes. I think I can do more running than walking, but I don't want to push it just yet as my ankle tendonitis is starting to flare up again. I am hoping that the gradual running and days of just walking will be the thing to not cause an ankle injury.

  The running parts are starting to feel good.It feels so good to get a high-intensity workout. I forgot how good running makes one feel, maybe those five pounds that put on will come off. I think next week I will start to increase the running times on my running days and decrease my walking times. I will still alternate days and walk every other day and my ankle tendonitis needs the healing on my walk days.My tendonitis does not hurt, it just causes a stiffness in my ankle. I can deal with that in order to be able to run. I just can't wait to do a race!

So how is the weather where you live? Are you able to get out walking or running as often as you like?

Day Four Running After An Injury & Chia Seed Drink

These are my new shoes that I am wearing for my running. They are Mizuno Catalyst. I have never worn this brand before and I like the  way they fit. They are lightweight shoes that are made for fast runners so maybe I will get some great times in these shoes once I starting running fast again. I just love the way these shoes conform to my feet, like wearing a glove.

Day Four
Day four of my running was a walking day. My legs and feet felt fine from the day before, no pain. I do have some stiffness in my ankles so I did some extra stretching there. I had a hard time getting out for a walk even though the weather was nice out. I was just tired and unmotivated to go for a walk. So I ate a chia seed drink to give me the energy that I needed. Chia seeds are known for energy along with protein and omegas. I like to mix 2 tablespoons of chia seeds in juice and let it sit there for an hour or more to gel up. This is my homemade version of those chia seed drinks that you can buy. I like to make up my chia seed drinks at the beginning of the week and store them in the fridge.

The chia seed drink helped me get my but out for a walk. I fast walked for 50 minutes. To get the time in that I like, I just walk for half my walk, which was 25 minutes and then turn back. Fast music also helps me to walk fast.I will also run errands to the store to motivate me, as the store is 20 minutes away from my house. What do you do to stay motivated with exercise?

My ankle felt stiff after my walk so I guess I need to do more stretching on that leg. Tomorrow is a run/walk day and the weather is suppose to be warm again.

                                    Chia Seed Drink
                                      2 tablespoons chia seeds
                                       1/2 cup grape juice
                                       
                             Pour the juice into a cup or bottle with a lid. Add the chia seeds and place the lid on the cup. Shake well and place in the fridge until ready to use. The chia seeds will swell up after a couple of hours and make a nice drink that gives you energy. This drink will last in the fridge for a week.

How to Beat That Afternoon Energy Fatigue With A Cup Of Zupafood

Do you feel drained in the afternoon and need an energy pick me up?

   I start my day with a lot of energy after a good night sleep. I do quite well getting my work done in the morning and get a lot accomplished. My energy level is good until the afternoon and then my body just seems to go in energy drain mode. I start feeling sleepy and can't seem to concentrate. I sometimes don't even have the energy to even go for a walk. Most days I just want to take a nap, but who has time for that. I want to reach for a cup of coffee to help me with my fatigue problem, but if I have coffee after 1:00 PM I will be up all night. I try eating a healthy snack instead but that does not seem to help me, so instead I just continue to work and I don't get much accomplished. Sure I could have one of those so-called energy drinks, but they have questionable ingredients in them. So what can I do?

  I decided to try a dietary supplement that is loaded with superfoods to help with my afternoon energy fatigue. Now by now you know I am all about natural healthy foods and I try not to ingest chemicals. So I was excited to try ZupaFood Elite to see how it works. This dietary supplement is loaded with a lot of superfoods that are known to give one energy, vitality and immunity protection. I like that I can have a drink in the afternoon that will be beneficial to me. I also like that this drink from New Zealand is gluten and dairy free with no artificial flavorings. Now before I eat or drink anything, I need to know what is in my food. I also need to know what certain ingredients, that claim to help me, can do for my body.

   Now Zupafood is no ordinary supplement. This drink is made from a packet that is loaded with ingredients that have proven health benefits.This Superfood blend contains delicious sounding ingredients like:
                                 grape seed extract     grape juice powder    grape skin extract
                                 kiwifruit extract        kiwifruit powder       wheat grass
                                 barley grass              apple fiber powder

    Then there is the specialty ingredients, some that I have heard of and others that I have not.

         Mushroom blend        Collective Marine Collagen and Elastin Polypeptides
         Aquamin TG              Green Tea Extract         Chlorella
        Spirulina                     Natural Apple flavor


That is a lot of superfood ingredients packed into a powder package and all you have to do is mix it with water or juice. That sounded easy enough to me. I just had to give this drink a try as the company tells me it is the perfect anti-aging beauty arsenal designed to help you look younger, feel more energized and improve brain health and function. You can visit this link to see how all these ingredients work http://www.xtend-life.com/zupafood/elite as each superfood ingredient has wonderful benefits. Here is a sneak peak of some of the ingredients, but visit the above link as it has some great information.

·         Collactive™ marine collagen and elastin polypeptides –

proven to benefit skin elasticity, hair and nails

·         organic Spirulina – a significant source of amino acids

·         organic Chlorella – a natural cleanser for your cells

·         essential fatty acids – including ALA, GLA, EPA and DHA

·         vitamins B, A, E, K and C

·         minerals and antioxidants

·         four different kinds of medicinal mushrooms – one of these,

the Lion’s Mane mushroom, helps to maintain healthy brain function and supports cognitive function

So now for the questions that I bet you are asking. Does it taste good? 

Does it work?

I was surprised at the taste of the drink. I choose to mix it up it water and was taken by the green color. Once I got past the green color, green equals superfood, I actually enjoyed the taste of the drink. It had a nice sweet apple flavor to it.

I drank my packet of Zupafood Elite right before I went on a walk. I felt like I had more energy and I was able to do a fast five-mile walk. After my walk, I even felt like writing on my website and got a lot accomplished. I like that I can enjoy this drink in the afternoon and get healthy benefits to my body. Coffee never does that. I think tomorrow I will add a packet to my morning smoothie to help me get my work done in the morning. This drink even has fiber, protein and calcium in it. 

To find out more about Zupafood Elite, visit the below link. I just love their Top Hack that I found on their website.

http://www.xtend-life.com/zupafood/elite

TOP HACK: Instead of having a mid-afternoon cup of coffee or energy drink, tear open a packet of Zupafood ELITE and give your body a boost of vital nutrients. It will leave you feeling energized and looking younger while maintaining brain health and function. Our customers even enjoy it as a pre-workout drink. 

"These opinions are my own and I received a sample of Zupafood Elite to facilitate this post." 

How To Fight The Common Cold The Natural Way

No one likes being sick. No one.

   I don't like cold and flu season as is seems like someone is always sick in my house. This week it is me who has a cold. As I am writing this post my nose is dripping. I, for the most part, eat healthy, exercise, get plenty of sleep, and wash my hands often so how I sick, puzzles me. I am the last one to get sick. I think I picked up this cold when I went on a field trip with my kids.Being around a bunch of kids will get one sick. When I get sick I  always make a cup of hot tea and take extra vitamin C. The one thing I don't like to do is reach for medicines as I want any chemicals in my body. So what can a person who tries to lead a natural clean life do when they get sick?  They can reach for natural remedies made from herbs. There are many herbs that help our bodies when we are sick.
.

   I discovered Sprouts Cold Remedy. I was sent a bottle to review, funny how the day it comes in the mail I have sniffles. This natural remedy is a blend of herbs that help the body get over a cold faster. It has Echinacea and Elderberry fruit, two items that I am familiar with that are great for colds, and Red Root, Green Tea Leaf, Thyme, Red Clover, and Myrrh Gum in it. This blend contains properties that help the body resist and kill germs, thus preventing them from attacking. I have already used Sprouts Voice Remedy  and have found it works wonders in making my throat feel better. So I was eager to try Sprouts Cold Remedy. I was happy that I only had to take one dropper of the remedy, every four hours. I found the medicine to have a pleasant taste, which is good as taste is important for me.

  When the Sprouts Cold Remedy arrived, I felt a cold coming on.  I had the sniffles and my nose was drippy. So I ingested the herbal supplement right away and then every 4 hours. The next day I still had a drippy nose but felt fine. I continued to take the supplement every 4 hours and my nose seemed to drip less. The runny nose continued for one more day, but it needed less blowing and I continued to take my drops. The next day my drippy nose stopped. I never developed any other symptoms beyond the drippy nose. The ironic thing is my husband kissed me the day I had a drippy nose and three days later he had a sore throat and bad cough. If he had only started taking Sprouts Cold Remedy when he felt the cold coming on. 

 So how does Sprouts Cold Remedy work? 

 These herbs help boost the immune system to keep the germs from multiplying. They also help the body expel mucus from the respiratory system, I wonder if that is where the germs hide. The company made this formula based on information from famous herbalists who have research to back their knowledge and observations. The company also tested the ingredients before making the final formula. You can also take Sprouts Cold Remedy when you feel a cold coming on and it will help your body fight the germs.

   What are the ingredients in Sprouts Cold Remedy?

                

Echinacea – an immune system stimulant, it muscles up the body’s natural defenses, fights inflammation, and  kills bacterial and viral infections. It is good for the immune and lymphatic systems as well as useful for colds, flu and respiratory infections.

Red Root  helps supports the lymphatic system, improves circulation, and has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is extremely useful in relieving sore throats.

Green Tea is known as a powerful immune booster and antioxidant.

Elderberry  prevents the virus from attacking cells and promotes perspiration and the elimination of toxins through the skin. It is effective against colds and flu viruses and is recommended as a treatment for upper respiratory infections.

Thyme helps rid the nasal passage of mucus, inhibits the growth of bacteria, kills germs, breaks up congestion, helps to loosen and expel mucus from the lungs and head, and stops the coughing associated with a cold.

Myrrh Gum promotes healing of sores, shrinks inflamed tissue and helps fight bacteria in the mouth.  It has been used to treat colds, coughs, bronchitis and a sore throat.

Ginger fights inflammation and stimulates circulation

Mullein breaks up congestion, soothes inflammation and suppresses coughs

If you want a natural way to treat a cold and shorten its duration, then Sprouts Cold Remedy might just be for you. Here is some additional info that I found on their website to help you understand how this natural remedy works.

Sprouts Cold Remedy:

• Minimizes cold symptoms
• Shortens the duration and discomfort of the common cold
• Helps the body expel mucus from the lungs and clear the respiratory tract
• Reduces congestion
• Soothes a sore throat
• Helps the body resist and kill foreign substances
• Boosts natural immunities, preventing users from getting sick in the first place.
• Stimulates fluid circulation
• Diminishes inflammation
• Stimulates healing in a safe and effective manner
• Is made in a vegetable glycerin base
• Does not contain any alcohol and artificial flavors
• Produced in a GMP facility
• Kof K Kosher Certified

You can purchase Sprouts Cold Remedy at Amazon or on their website. This bottle also has 59 servings in it.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007P63SCE?m=A2BDVYKK77X56H&ref_=v_sp_widget_detail_page

                                                  http://sproutsremedies.com/

"These opinions are my own and I received a bottle of Sprouts Cold Remedy to facilitate this review."

Running After An Injury Day Two and Three

Day Two

The running schedule that I was following said that today was a walking day so my muscles could recover. I was happy for a walk day as my legs were a little bit sore. The day was nice outside for February and I was able to wear shorts on my walk. I just hope the nice weather continues for the rest of the month so I will continue to get out and exercise. I walked fast for 40 minutes and the walk felt good. My legs felt better after the walk. When I went to bed that night, I did not have any soreness in my legs.

       Day Three
   The next day on my running schedule was a walk/run for 30 minutes. I was excited to get out and try running again. The day before I received a new pair of running shoes to test and do a review on. A new pair of shoes always gets me motivated to run. My boys get home from school early on Wednesdays so we went to the park near our house. The park has a nice sidewalk that goes around the whole park and I was able to watch the boys while I walk/ran. My boys like to play on the slides and swings while I exercise. The new shoes needed breaking in so the first ten minutes of my walk/ run involved getting used to the shoes. For those first ten minutes, I alternated with run 15 seconds/ walk 45 seconds. My legs felt fine and had no soreness so I decided to bump it up and run 30 seconds/walk 30 seconds. My legs felt just fine after another ten minutes so I got brave and  I ran 1 minute/walk 1 minute. I felt no pain in my muscles after my workout which is a good sign. When I arrived home I decided to wear these awesome recovery sandals that I had received from OOFOOS. These shoes are great for after running as they help reduce the stress of sore feet after a workout. They also have great arch support and absorb the impact of walking, so I figured the would help my muscles recover. Maybe these cute sandals will help me avoid any soreness too.