Unplug.

Friday afternoon, I did something that I haven't done in far too long.  

Somewhere around noon-ish, I turned off my computer, put down my phone, and did not touch either (nor anyone else's) for the next 48 hours.  No facebook, no twitter, no instagram, not even a text message or phone call.

I completely unplugged.

And over the next 48 hours, I slept in a tent in the pouring rain.  I fell asleep to the sound of frogs at night and woke up to the sound of geese in the morning.  I spent quality time with Geoff...and not just time in the same room as each other, but with each other.  I saw old friends, I made new ones, I interacted with people without the interruption of technology.  It was so wonderful...and so necessary.

(I also ran around Saratoga Springs, NY with about 100 other people, all wearing red dresses and singing crazy songs, but that's another story. )

It seems silly, really.  Not the red dress run, but the rarity of such face to face interaction.  A decade ago, I'm not sure I would have believed that one day, it would be virtually impossible to go anywhere and not see multiple people, regardless of age, gender, or race, with their face buried in a smartphone.  Social media has become more than just a passing trend, it has become an integral part of life.  And while I personally love social media, and have reaped many benefits from these connections, the fact that it is so prevalent, almost makes me sad.  Pictures, tweets, texts, check ins, they have become second nature for so many.

Confession time:

This past week, social media about broke my spirit.  It was mother's day week, and my boys are finishing out their school year at their dad's house, which feels like it is just over one bazillion miles away.   From my point of view, it seemed every single post on every single social media outlet was about Mother's day.  Moms going to "mother's day tea" at their kid's kindergarten class.  Pictures of homemade cards and gifts.  Companies telling you exactly what mom wants for her "special day", etc.   And my heart just broke.  Not for me, not because I was away from my boys (though obviously that still sucks in every way imaginable).  But instead, the thought of my sweet little kindergartner somehow getting cheated out of his possible school mother's day experience, maybe even feeling inferior to his peers because his mom wasn't there, felt like a hot knife repeatedly stabbing my chest.   I cried, a lot. I felt lower than I have felt in a very long time. Feelings of failure and worthlessness at the one thing I should not have messed up in life: motherhood.  I look around and see everyone else seemingly doing it right; why the hell did my life have to take such a crazy turn?

  Yes, last week, facebook in particular, took the guilt I already feel over this whole kid situation to another level, and made me feel like *the* world's worst mother to ever exist. EVER.

Then of course, I actually spoke to my kindergartner, only to find out that the highlight and drama of his week was the field trip to the alligator zoo.  I was asked over and over if I even knew  how gigantic the giant crocodile was?  Well it turns out, he is so gigantic, that on Sunday when I spoke to my little guy again, after a quick "Happy Mother's day mommy!" I was once again reminded of the size of the massive crocodile ("even bigger than daddy's car!"). 

I've read numerous articles regarding the budding social dilemmas surrounding social media.  Many people, moms in particular, seem to get caught up in comparing themselves to the many posts of their online friends, and as a result, end up feeling completely (and unnecessarily) inadequate. Each article points out how so many of us always share only the good, and hardly ever the bad...or reality...of our daily life.  Thus, the constant comparison of our known reality with the seemingly perfect lives of others can result in insecurity, anxiety, and depression.    And though I've known of this emerging social issue, I had never experienced it myself.

Until mother's day. 

Thankfully, the combination of a forced unplugging (camping) combined with a reality check from a 6 year old and a gigantic crocodile, provided a huge wake up call for me.  Though I know both of my boys have a hard time being away from their mom, I also know they are very loved, happy, and healthy.  My current perceived reality, thanks to facebook, had me blowing the reality of the situation so ridiculously far out of proportion.  Things could certainly be better, but things could also be far, far worse.  And chances are even those who did make it to Mother's Day tea at school, have their own struggles they are facing daily.

 For me personally, over the years, social media has crossed the threshold of a fun past time to becoming a required part of my job. I know that I am not alone in this situation.  And these days, everything moves so fast online that it often feels like taking time away from the constantly updating social media feeds is like voluntarily shooting ourselves in the foot of our careers.  It is really hard to step away for fear of losing ground, very, very rapidly.

But do you ever wonder, is living your life in front of a constantly updating  iPhone really living at all?

Not for me.  Well, technically I don't even own an iphone, but you see where I'm going.  So many of us strive to gain a bigger reach, with our comments, photos, and posts.  But in gaining the large outreach, how much are we losing of ourselves?  I'm willing to bet this happens to far more of you reading this than you may care to admit.

The truth is, what we see online is often only a fraction of any given persons reality, and further, many posts are simply a facade. It saddens me that so many of us not only compare ourselves to these false livelihoods, but even worse is the fact that others feel the need to "share" more than we actually "live".   I have come to realize that I admire, and am far more inspired by, (and thus more likely to read and follow) the bloggers who who only occasionally post about their grand adventures, because they are too busy living their life to take the time to constantly update the rest of us. So why is it I often find myself feeling inadequate when comparing myself to those social media gurus who are perpetually making their presence known with multiple (excessive) posts? 

Reality check.

As much as I would like to declare that I'm now going to unplug EVERY weekend,  due to work obligations I can't promise that it will always be true.   But I'm certainly going to give it a try.  And I implore all of you, especially those of you who also work in social media, to do the same.

Get outside, breathe in the fresh air, take in the beauty of the mountains, or the trees, or the wildlife.      Enjoy the the feeling of your run, or your workout, or the hilariousness of your kids on the playground.  Enjoy the food you are eating, the drinks you are drinking, and the company you are dining with.   Don't just do these things to do them....really stop and truly enjoy what you are doing.   Life your life for you (and your family, your loved ones)...NOT *simply* for the next photo opportunity.

7 Sisters Trail Race Recap: Ignorance is Bliss

Ignorance is bliss.  Never has this sentiment rang more true than it did at yesterday's race.  

I've got this crazy group of friends, the New England Spahtens, who have a race calendar that could make your head spin. Every single weekend there are a handful or more races listed that some, if not most, members plan on attending.  When my NES friend Tara (you may remember her as this bada$$ mom) mentioned the 7 Sisters Trail Race about an hour south of where we live, I thought to myself "hey, that should be a great training run"...and nothing more.

IGNORANCE: Sure I briefly looked at the website. Yes I saw the bold disclaimer of "twelve very hilly, rocky miles" at the very top of the page. But I honestly didn't think twice about it. I mean, Massachusetts isn't exactly known for it's brutal mountain trails...or mountains, period. And I've tackled some pretty big trail races and steep climbs in the past. Further, when I fell ill a few days before the race, but felt significantly better (though still not 100%) on race morning, I again didn't think much of it. This was just a training run, it was OK if I wasn't feeling fully well, I'd just take it easy. It was just a small, local, trail run through the "hills" of the Holyoke Range.

BLISS: I'm glad I had no idea prior to this race that Runner's World Magazine had not only heard of the 7 Sisters, but has named it the "Hardest Up/Down Race" on their "America's Best Trail Races" list. I'm glad I had no idea, until moments before the race, that parts of this technical trail would include hands and knees climbing. And I'm CERTAINLY glad that I missed this sign at the registration tent:

 

photo credit: Rick Kraics, runfasterdad.com  (great blog name!!)

RACE DAY: The weather was simply beautiful.  Geoff and I made the quick drive down, registered, and met up with some of the aforementioned New England Spahten crazies.  As we prepared for the race, I still had no idea what I was up against. I had seen the finishing times from years past (some upwards of 6 hours). I had read about the 3700 foot elevation change over the course, and while it certainly seemed challenging, I still had no idea how much of a challenge it would be. 

New England Spahtens at the 7 Sisters Trail Race (photo credit: Tara Roch)

We meandered down the hill towards the start, took turns taking care of "business" in the woods (three porta-potties for 400 ish runners with minutes until the start? You do what you've gotta do), and then lined up, ready to tackle all seven of those "sisters".  I wasn't nervous, not even the tiniest bit.  Just ready for a nice, relaxing, training run. 

The 7 Sisters, however, had another idea.

The starting line? It was on a hill. 

Photo credit: Sarah Keddell (and none to my Timex GPS, that crapped out at 7 miles).  Do not be fooled by the small overall elevation and lack of altitude (I'm looking at you, midwest/west coast friends) and instead consider how much 700+ feet of climbing over half a mile hurts.  It hurts a lot. 

And then we continued to climb uphill.  And not only uphill, but over basalt rocks that meant trying to run or dodge the trail was a futile, or simply utterly dangerous task.  

 

The crowd was thick for the first three miles of the race, but to be quite honest, I didn't particularly care.  When people ahead of me were walking, it was because walking was pretty much necessary for all except those maniacs (I say that out of jealousy and awe) in the very front of the race pack.  If you needed to pass someone, it was typically not an issue to do so.  I've come to learn that while runners are indeed a special breed of their own, each individual race typically has a different atmosphere.  7 sisters seemed to be comprised of trail running enthusiasts, as well as athletes and health seekers who wanted a true challenge.  EVERYONE I encountered was friendly and enthusiastic, even when utterly sucking wind.   

 

 

 Within the first mile I quickly learned two very important lessons:

1) I had indeed NOT recovered from that cold I mentioned the other day

2) My "take in nutrition every mile" running buffet approach of race day nutrition would NOT apply to today's race. The first mile of intense climbing took just over 15 minutes, and that would be my fastest mile of the day. Somewhere around mile two I almost started crying for some ridiculous reason, I think Geoff had run ahead to pee in the woods somewhere and didn't mention why he was taking off. I, already delirious from my blood sugar crash, thought he was leaving me to "embrace the suck" (this race was already killing me) on my own, and became offended.   Here's the thing folks: I race by myself and for myself 99% of the time, and honestly wouldn't be bothered in the slightest if he wanted to race at his own pace. Thankfully I recognized the "bonk" induced drama, and started stuffing my face full of nutrition. Once the calories and sugar hit my bloodstream about 15 minutes later, I was a new woman.

We climbed and climbed, with the occasional relief of a downhill.The race was an out and back course, and I joked with Geoff "watch, I bet the lead runners pass us when we are around mile 4".  I couldn't fathom how anyone could "race" on a course this rugged, but sure enough, these guys were flying.  Part mountain goat, no doubt about it, and I am in awe of their abilities.  Sure enough, at mile 3.8 , the first 3 lead runners passed us. 

By this point, the crowd had significantly thinned out, which was fortunate, for the next mile and a half we would half to share the single track trail with runners that had already reached the turnaround and were headed back towards the finish line.  The mile (give or take) headed into the turn around/aide station was almost entirely downhill, and at that point, it felt AMAZING.  I felt bad for all of those who were headed in the opposite direction, as their faces were all pained with the burn of the climb, while I cheerily shouted encouraging words to them.

Parkour in the woods...

Somewhere around an hour and forty minutes later (note, 1:40 is my half marathon PR, just for a reference of how difficult this particular course is) we had arrived at the turnaround aide station.  One of the volunteers said to me "wow you look great for having just run 6 miles!" to which I replied "don't be fooled, that last mile was all downhill!".  And that's when it hit me: the last mile was all downhill. The next mile will be entirely uphill.

Embrace the suck.

With the help of the awesome volunteers, I refilled my hydration pack.  It was already starting to heat up, and I couldn't believe I had chugged almost the entire contents of my pack.  I took an endurolyte capsule, and refueled with some pretzels and my new favorite go-to: mango-banana buddy fruits (those pureed fruits in a pouch designed for little kids, adored by endurance athletes).  

And then we headed back up the hill. 

The long uphill wasn't as horrible as I thought it would be, however, it's effects would be felt soon enough.  In fact, the first real pain I started to feel was on the downhills.  Not only were my knees and muscles crying in pain, but navigating the downhills proved to be far tougher than they were on the ascent.  Steep rocks and cliffs are much easier to climb up than down.


Despite trying my best to keep up nutrition and hydration, by mile 9 I was simply spent.   My legs hurt in places I forgot was even possible to hurt.  My lungs were tight and a deep breath was hard to come by, a sharp reminder of the cold virus still lingering in my body.   I went into survival mode which proved to be a help and hindrance at the  same time.  Completely zoning out of the pain I was feeling absolutely helped me keep moving forward.  Reminding myself that I love what I do, that this was making me stronger, and that it was a beautiful day on a beautiful course kept the "this really sucks" voices in my head at bay.  And when all else failed, I counted steps.  30 paces up a hill before I could stop and rest. 

The hindrance of this method came on the flats and downhills. As soon as the trail allowed, I forced myself to run. The lack of focus resulted in me falling flat on my face not once, but twice, while tripping over rocks and roots that my tired feet just didn't want to clear during their shuffle.  One fall was a clumsy stumble into the bushes.  The second, a sharp and quick fall where I hit the ground hard.  Blood was shed, but I got up and kept moving forward.

Finally, we hit the last, and probably most painful, downhill, and could hear the cheering of the finish line ahead.  I was never so happy to be finished with a race.  These 11 ish miles (seems everyone's GPS recorded a shorter course than advertised) were far more painful than any full distance marathon I've ever run.  In fact, I felt more beat up than I did after the first loop of the Spartan Ultra Beast.  Certainly, some of that may have been due to my less than stellar health.

HUMBLED:  My finishing time 3:57:56.  Over two whole HOURS than my best time at a race even longer than this distance. I placed 333 out of 386 runners.  As a normal mid to front of the pack runner, this was a slap in the face to my ego, no doubt about it.   I train hard, I'm in good shape, I have the ability to run quite fast.  But, to quote Robert Bonazoli, another fellow NE Spahten who took on 7 sisters yesterday: "there is no way to train for brutal hills & technical trails EXCEPT doing tough hills and trails, and if I want to improve on those things I goddam well better start working them in seriously."   He speaks the truth.

IN SHORT:  The 7 Sisters race was absolutely beautiful, and wonderfully organized.  Aid stations at mile 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 with plenty of water with friendly volunteers.   As I hobble around the house today, dreading any activity that may require me to navigate stairs, I realize I am so thankful that we showed up to the 7 Sisters Trail Race yesterday. Sometimes a humbling, eye opening race is exactly what you need to light another fire in your training.  And 4 hours or 40 hours, I'm pretty proud of myself for running such a tough race, period.

 

I'm just glad I had no idea what I was getting into at the start.

Walking the Fine Line...

This morning, I laid in bed staring at the ceiling, not wanting to move.  I thought to myself, "I'm 31 years old. I'm FAR to young to feel this horrible first thing in the morning."   My back hurt, my neck hurt, my throat hurt, I had chills, my legs have been so abused as of late that they don't even want to talk to me. 

It is fortunate that I tell my stories through written word, for right now, it is all I can do to verbally squeak out a sentence between these angry, swollen tonsils.   My entire body feels like it's been run over by something far more angry than the proverbial "big truck".  Perhaps a cart pulled by irate oxen, or better yet, a sugar frenzied gang of toddlers on their powerwheels, who toss their sippy cups at my head after they pass, just to add insult to injury.

I hurt. Everywhere, everything, it all hurts.  But I expected this (well, perhaps not the neck injury from parkour, but that's another post).

Spring has FINALLY sprung here in New England.  And not just "sprung", but instantly gone from the threats of snowstorms to high 70 degree, beautiful sunny days.  And with the drastic change in weather has come a drastic change in my training regimen.   I (temporarily) waved goodbye to my gym membership and hit the trails.  HARD. 

I'm pretty certain I've put in more running and hiking mileage in the past three weeks than I have all 6 months of winter.  Yes, winter lasts that long up here.  Top the massive increase in mileage off with diving headfirst into our crazy ranger runs and OCR training. I simply can not get enough.  The treadmill can NEVER replicate that feeling of flying down a trail, your lungs gasping for breath as your feet methodically navigate the rocks and roots, all while looking at the sunset over the sparkling river.   I missed that feeling more than words could ever express.   And on top of my own training, there's been group training.  I've been LOVING the fact that we've had a local group come together to join us in some of this crazy training.  Sharing my passion with others is one of my favorite things in the world.

And while I knew I was over-training, I just couldn't stop myself. 

As a fitness professional, I preach daily about the numerous health benefits of exercise, including an overall sense of well being. Regular exercise just makes you feel good.  Happy, energetic, full of life.  Unless, of course, you take it too far.  And then suddenly, you stop feeling so good.  You become far too familiar with delayed onset muscle soreness. You risk injury, and in my case, you compromise your immune system. 

For what it's worth, I also preach the principles of exercise, including progression and recovery. I just, unfortunately, don't always practice them. 

It is a fine line us amateur athletes walk, between training to stay healthy and "in shape", and training for the next challenge we intend to conquer for no other reason than self satisfaction.  I have a pair of fantastic knee-high socks that I often wear to workouts:

Train insane.  Those of us constantly seeking the next level of badassery seem to know no boundaries when it comes to pushing ourselves.  The whole "the more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed during war" theory.  In other words, the harder we work now, the crazier we train, the heavier we carry, the faster we run, the more we want to PUKE after each workout...the better we are able to tackle our race.

In theory.

In reality, those of us who train insane and throw all training philosophy care to the wind (yes, I'm looking at you), are constantly playing a game of roulette with possible disaster.  And so, to bring this post full circle, for as I sit here battling a fever, DOMS, fitful sleep, and probably a pinched nerve in my back, I can't say that I'm surprised.

I know many of you are reading this, shaking your head, and saying to your computer screen "But Heather, you are an educated fitness professional, you KNOW better."  And it's true.  I could write an entire post about the scientific reasoning behind the principles of training, the possible dangers of overtraining, and so on.  I know better.  

Today, however, I'm coming to you not from the point of view of fitness professional, but of an overzealous athlete who loves what she does and simply cannot get enough.

Overtraining?  Guilty.

You?  I know I'm not alone here in the guilt, so confess! 

Mazama Bar Review: Ultimate Energy for Fueling Adventures

 

Adventure.  It might not be my middle name, but it is tattooed across my body.  There are hundreds, if not thousands, of nutritional products on the market today that claim to be up to the challenge of fueling my adventures.  If you think I'm kidding, hit up the sports nutrition aisle at your local grocery store and see for yourself.  Geoff and I agonize over the choices at our local store at least a few times a week.  A few brands are good, plenty are acceptable when your blood sugar drops mid trail run or hike, and some are just downright terrible. But chances are, most of them are chock full of artificial ingredients and fillers, as is much of the sport performance/nutrition market. 

 A few months back I had the opportunity to review Stride Box, a monthly subscription box of assorted goodies for runners.  In that box was a product I had never heard of, Mazama bars.  I was instantly attracted to the bar (shiny packaging, I'm like a little kid, and a marketer's dream come true), and as it turned out, was even more impressed by the product inside.  Geoff and I were instantly smitten (as smitten as one can be with food) with Mazama Bars.

This was not another product aimed at the latest diet and fitness fad.  No promises of low carb, high protein, weight loss, and so on.  Just a substantial, real food bar, hand made by real adventure seeking athletes.  Needless to say, I was stoked when co owner of Mazama Bar, Brittany Manwill, reached out to me after the StrideBox review and asked if she could send some Mazama Bars our way for a more thorough review. 

So, let's begin:

What: Mazama bars are nutrient dense, high calorie "fuel" packed into a little bar. Made with all natural ingredients, like whole rolled oats, dried fruit, nuts, nut butters, seeds, and real dark chocolate, and come in three flavors: Wild Berry, Hazelnut Mocha, and Chocolate Banana.

Who:  Husband and wife team Derek and Brittany Manwill, outdoor enthusiasts and athletes based out of Bend, Oregon, who wanted to create a great tasting energy bar that didn’t sacrifice health or performance.

 

Pro:  As Geoff so eloquently stated, they are like "a Clif Bar on steroids" .  At 400 calories (+/- a few depending on flavor) per 3.25 ounce bar, Mazama Bar packs a calorically dense punch.  The average health seeker or gym goer wouldn't want (nor probably need) such a high calorie bar.  However, the outdoor enthusiast can spot the benefits of such a bar immediately: more energy (calories) in a small package = less weight to carry (and more room for all of the other fun gadgets...am I right gear junkies?).  More healthy calories means more energy to push harder, explore further, stay out longer.

Pro:  Real food.  Natural, GMO free, Vegan friendly.   "Mazama Bars are hand-made with the best natural ingredients sourced from the Pacific Northwest. Unlike most syrup-packed bars, our first two ingredients are whole rolled oats and dates, and we don’t use overly-processed soy protein isolates. Mazama Bars are also preservative-free and cold-pressed to retain the highest nutrient content."  Further, they make them in small batches to ensure the freshest, best possible product.

Neutral: Cost.  $3.50 per bar.  A classic case of "you get what you pay for".  This is real, wholesome, food, thus justifying the cost.  Further, if you compare it to an average nutrition bar, you will notice that they are indeed about half the cost, but also contain about half of the calories. 

Where Can I find them?   website: www.mazamabar.com, facebook, twitter  (stop by and say hi! They are a new, small company and would love to hear from their fans or potential customers!)

That's a Mazama Bar.  At Mt. EVEREST base camp.  Where have YOUR bars taken you?
  (photo credit Mazama Bar facebook page)

More important info you should know about why Mazama Bars are probably better than what you are currently eating on the trail:  (from the Mazama Bar FAQ's)

Why do Mazama Bars contain less protein than some bars?

Each Mazama Bar has about 10 grams of protein, sourced from minimally-processed ingredients like nuts and whole grains. But while protein is essential for tissue repair and preserving lean muscle mass, it’s actually your body’s last choice for fuel during exercise. Mazama Bars are designed for efficient use of energy, and protein doesn’t convert to usable energy as quickly as carbs. Mazama Bars have a 5:1 carb to protein ratio to give your body the nutrients it needs without slowing you down. It’s also ideal for recovery after exercise.

Why do Mazama Bars contain more fat than some bars?

During moderate-intensity activity like skiing and hiking, your body strategically metabolizes fats at a faster rate and saves essential carbs so you don’t bonk. Mazama Bars are packed with heart-healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats and omega fatty acids that have been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and reduce stomach fat accumulation. They also help your body absorb certain vitamins and boost body temperature in cold weather. With a higher caloric density than carbs or protein, fat is an ideal energy source for endurance activity.

What is the carbohydrate make-up in Mazama Bars?

Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of fuel and are easily used by the body for energy. In fact, your muscles really can’t function at all without them! Simple carbs deliver a quick boost during activity so you don’t hit the wall. We use dried fruits and low glycemic index brown rice syrup to bring blood sugars up without causing major insulin spikes. Complex carbs and dietary fiber slow the absorption of simple carbs, which provides sustained energy and keeps you full. This optimal carbo-combo makes Mazama Bars excellent for managing blood sugar and keeping you going for hours.

So there you have it.  If you are looking for an easy to carry, serious nutrition option to help fuel you on a long training run, hike, bike ride, or just a day outdoors, give Mazma Bar a try.  I'm certain you will be smitten, just like we are.

*discolure* Mazama Bar provided me with three bars to sample for this review.  As always, all opinions stated in this review are my own.

Do you have a favorite nutrition option for those REALLY hard training sessions or outdoor adventures?  What do you look for in "bar"?  Nutritional components? Taste? Easy to carry?

BSN: Hyper FX & Syntha-6 Isolate review

I think all of us in this country, never mind the running world, can agree that it's been one hell of a week.  There are so many things still left to be said, and so much running through my head right now that it's all too much to process.  Personal, professional, and just plain "I am a human being, and this hurts me" feelings.   So on that note, now is a perfect time to put personal posting aside for a minute and share a product review instead. 

I'm not supposed to like supplements, and thus I will give you the following run down/ disclosure.

I was taught over and over in school that we can obtain every macro and micro nutrient we need to thrive from our food.   And while I absolutely believe this to be possible in theory, I know first hand that it is sometimes harder to achieve in practice. Note: I said harder, not impossible. I also know that I'm a picky eater, special diet (vegetarian), crazy athlete who sometimes needs some help.  As always when I review supplements, keep in mind that this is a personal review of my experience, and is not a personal nor professional recommendation on my part for my readers.

BSN recently sent me two products to try out and review, and both were products that align with what I do and use:  Syntha-6 Isolate protein powder and HyperFX concentrated preworkout energy formula.

HYPER FX

Preworkout is a generic name for a product, typically a powder or pill, that is taken, you guessed it, before a workout to in theory, aid your performance in the gym/box/road/etc.  As this is a product review, I am not going to go in depth regarding the components and proposed claims of a preworkout.  Research regarding preworkout is all over the spectrum: some notable research shows that a preworkout energy supplement may delay the fatigue while increasing the muscular endurance and reaction time; while other research shows that the claims of the ingredients are false.  I highly suggest doing plenty of personal research and reading before taking a preworkout supplement to determine if they are right for you. There are many possible benefits, but also many possible negatives to such supplements.  Follow directions carefully and heed all warning labels if you so choose to take a preworkout supplement.

On a personal note, I do find that a preworkout helps give me a huge energy boost in the gym that has allowed me to push my limits slightly further than I may have otherwise, resulting in a heavier lift with more repetitions. Is it a placebo effect?  Possibly. My guess, however,  is that the high dose of caffeine kicks in right when I need it. Let's face it, 7:00 pm, the hour I'm usually in the gym, is nearing my bedtime, so I need a little pick me up to keep me from napping on the gym floor.

So regarding the BSN HYPER FX, here's what I've got for you:

Pro: 270mg caffeine per serving, quick to feel the effects (energy, mental alertness, the tingling sensation that often comes with a preworkout, typically due to beta alanine and niacin.)

Neutral: D-Aspartic Acid, an ingredient in HYPER FX, has been shown to support testosterone levels. In theory this isn't going to help nor hurt females, though I personally am always leery of taking anything marketed directly for men.

Pro: Creatine free. I have found it hard to find preworkouts that DO NOT contain creatine. While the effects of creatine have indeed been proven as beneficial, I personally tend to bloat/experience water weight gain with use of creatine.  I try to avoid creatine unless it fits in with the current phase of my lifting routine at the gym.

Pro: Small serving size is easy to mix

Con: MUST be stirred, and not shaken, as it is slightly effervescent, and no one wants to clean preworkout off their walls when the shaker bottle explodes.

Neutral: Grape flavor, tolerable, but incredibly, artificially sweet tasting.  It reminds me of the kool-aid mom gave us back in 1986.

Neutral: Cost, at $39.99 for 30 servings, is comparable to other pre-workouts on market.

Overall Review: Not bad.  I'd be interested in trying other flavors, as the grape is certainly not my favorite ( though a preworkout is obviously not meant for sipping poolside. Chug it and be done.)  For the effects alone, combined with reasonable cost and small serving size/efficiency, I would recommend it.
 
Syntha-6 Isolate Protein Matrix

I am a vegetarian.  Despite contrary (an uniformed) belief, I do not have a problem getting the recommended daily amounts of protein. However, post intense workout, I often crave a large dose of protein, and unlike many of my fellow athletes, won't reach for a handful of paleo bacon.  A protein shake works perfectly for me.  Further, research shows that protein consumption post workout aids in muscle hypertrophy and recovery. Win-win.
According to BSN,  Syntha-6 Isolate is a protein formula comprised of fast-and slow-release isolate sources (whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, micellar casein, calcium caseinate, egg albumen, and glutamine peptides) to deliver amino acids, designed to support :

Muscle Growth

Protein Synthesis

Recovery

Nutrition

Pro: At 140 calories per serving, with only 1.5 grams of fat and 25 grams of protein, the Syntha-6 Isolate is just enough protein for my taste.  There are many powders out there that boast a higher protein dosage per serving, but I find those are often too much protein for my needs. In addition, the Syntha-6 contains 7g carbohydrates and only 2 g of sugar.  This makes a perfect post workout snack, and is not so heavy that it needs to be considered a meal, like many other protein options.

Pro: Taste.  The chocolate milkshake flavor tastes like a chocolate milkshake. Now don't get me wrong, we aren't talking Ben and Jerry's here, but I don't have to choke it down.  The flavor is not only tolerable, but when blended with berries into a smoothie, actually quite enjoyable.  The consistency is smooth and somewhat thick, not the watered down , gross, protein shake I am used to.

 

RunFasterMommy post workout  protein smoothie:

• 1 scoop BSN Syntha-6 Isolate Chocolate Milkshake powder (or chocolate flavored protein powder)
• 6 oz water
• 6-8 frozen whole strawberries
• Large hand full fresh baby spinach leaves
• 1 Tbs chia seeds
• BLEND until smooth & ENJOY until gone!

Con: Cost.  Of course, you get what you pay for as far as ingredients and product.  However, $58.99 for 24 servings is a bit pricey for those of us on a budget, and a far cry from the $16.99 for 30 servings that we sometimes purchase at the big box stores. Again, you get what you pay for.

Neutral: Contains milk and soy.


Overall review: While the cost is hard to swallow, the protein itself certainly isn't.   If you are looking for a protein powder that is made of fast and slow digesting proteins (not 100% whey), low fat and low carb, land TASTES GOOD, then I would recommend giving BSN Syntha-6 isolate a try.



  *Disclosure* BSN provided these products to me free of charge, however, all opinions expressed in this review are my own.  The statements reflected in this post are meant as a review only, and not as personal recommendations for you or your diet. If you choose to take any of the supplements featured in this website, you do so at your own risk. Please consult your physician or registered dietitian if you have questions regarding supplements and your personal needs. 

Down by the banks of the river Charles...

When I'm upset, or hurt, I tend to write. It's therapeutic for me, to just let the emotions flow.

But when I'm pissed off, the words are sparse and concise.

I'm somewhat torn between all of those emotions right now, and can't seem to fall asleep until I put the emotions into words, poetic or otherwise blunt.  Seeing all of the other blog posts, status updates, and other ramblings of people in the social media world just trying to make some sort of sense of all of this makes me realize I'm not alone. 

So for what it's worth, here's what I have to say.

Boston.  As human beings, we are all saddened by today's horrific events.  As a mother, I question what kind of world I brought two wonderfully perfect little lives into, and I fear for their future, and the heartache they will likely one day witness.  But as a runner, I am downright livid.  Someone hurt our family today.  And not just "hurt", but a dirty kick below the belt kind of hurt.  Unthinkable, despicable, inhumane hurt, on a day that in our world, is meant for celebrating.

The question on everyone's mind is, why?  Religious reasons? Political? Moral? Ethical? Pure evil? All of the above?

Tonight, someone I love and respect immensely told me that he believes humans are inherently evil.  That there could be millions of good people, but in the end, the evil, even if the minority, will always prevail.  My response? "That is exactly what they want you to believe".

I certainly do not fault him for his beliefs; I simply, yet emphatically, refuse to agree.

Author, neurologist, psychologist, and holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl once so wisely said:

“The one thing you can’t take away from me is the way I choose to respond to what you do to me. The last of one’s freedoms is to choose one’s attitude in any given circumstance.” 

I think we all need to remember this quote today. WE choose how we respond to any given circumstance, especially one of such a heinous nature.  The sick, twisted, heartless people who carry out these sorts of events do so because they want to hurt you. And not just physically hurt those directly involved, but emotionally hurt ALL of us  That is why they attack our families, our babies, our celebratory moments, the things that matter the most to us.  They want to bring us down to their hurting, angry level, to make us give up hope, and to make us believe that this world, and our fellow humans, are all doomed.

Don't believe it, my friends, not for one second.

Today, I saw a lot of good. I saw people offer up shelter, rides, food, money, their own blood, and even risk their own safety to help others.  I saw people run towards the explosions instead of away, to help those in need.  I saw thousands of people trying to help others locate their loved ones or offer help via twitter and facebook.  I smiled, genuinely smiled amidst all of this crap, when one friend in a social media group posted that he wanted to donate blood for the victims, and within minutes, the number of people chiming in "me too" , or "I'll join you" exceeded the number of reported injured victims from today's tragedy. 

If you so choose to see it,  if you choose to not let the evil prevail over the good, you will see that these wonderful acts of kindness truly do happen daily, and not just in times of chaos. 

To quote comedian Patton Oswalt's now viral facebook status update:

"But the vast majority stands against that darkness and, like white blood cells attacking a virus, they dilute and weaken and eventually wash away the evil doers and, more importantly, the damage they wreak. This is beyond religion or creed or nation. We would not be here if humanity were inherently evil. We'd have eaten ourselves alive long ago.

So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety misogyny, hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think, 'The good outnumber you, and we always will.'"

Please friends, please do not let this act of hatred and terror win.   Tomorrow, do something good.  Do something kind for a stranger.  Tell someone you love them. Make a difference, no matter how big or small, in someone else's life.  Remind others that there is GOOD in this world.  And by all means, GO FOR A RUN.  Do not let this senseless act create fear surrounding a sport we all love so very much.

Go forward.  Do something amazing.  Enjoy this beautiful life we were blessed with. BE the good in this world we all so desperately need and want to see.

Spartan Sprint at Citi Field Part Two: Random OCR Ramblings you Should Read

Saturday I trekked into New York City to climb over big walls, lift heavy things, and generally run around like a crazy maniac with my Spartan Family.  The Reebok Spartan Sprint at Citi Filed was the second ever "stadium series" race that Spartan has held.  Think: CrossFit meets Sparta minus the mud, barbed wire, fire...and free beer.   I ran as a representative of Obstacle Racing Magazine and wrote a lengthy review/editorial/"Heather's got an opinion on everything" piece for them, which should be published very soon (hence, this post being "part two").  (Edited to add the link to the ORM post, *click here* to read the review).  So you'll have to stay tuned for the actual review of the race.  Needless to say it's probably not what you are expecting , and I was pretty bummed to have to report the fact that I was less than pleased with the race.  We all know how much I love Spartan Races, but I've got to call a spade a spade: I was disappointed.  I will share the link to the review as soon as it goes live.

Alas, when writing for someone else, I tend to keep the Heather rambling/nonsense to a minimum, to try and appear slightly more professional (or simply avoid boring my gracious host's fans and readers to tears).  So here are some random thoughts from the race:

1) Strength training...you MUST do it.  I spent all winter playing the part of a gym rat, complete with protein shakes and old t-shirts hastily cut into tank tops, just to show off my lats.   I'd be lying if I said I was training with true purpose. I mean sure, obviously in the back of my head I knew that lifting weights would benefit my overall fitness.   But the truth is,  we went to the gym almost every single night as a means to fight cabin fever.  Lifting heavy things beat the monotony of a horribly cold and snowy Vermont winter.  Trying to lift heavier each session became a fun game, something to look forward to.     Now, my last true Spartan Race was the Ultra Beast all the way back in September (we won't count the demo in NYC), and I realize that was 6.5 months ago.  But holy cow, was I shocked at how much EASIER the obstacles were.  Same obstacles, vastly stronger Heather. I only had to pay up on 2 penalties (that's 60 burpees, 30 per missed obstacle): spear toss (no surprise there) and the new version of monkey bars, which I fell off of 3/4 of the way through.  Three cheers for lifting heavy!

2) Cheating ...you MUST NOT do it.   I'm about to get on a judgemental soapbox here, so you've been warned.   I get that people do these races for fun, and aren't there to "win".  I get that people don't want to be told what to do, or take these races too seriously.  But here's the thing you guys, there are about 5,983 other obstacle course race/mud runs available (just a general estimate) where you DON'T HAVE TO DO BURPEES, or any other penalty for missing and/or skipping an obstacle.  Spartan Race is not one of them.  Burpee penalties are a part of the course, just like the rope climb, the spear toss, the walls.   I can not tell you how many people I saw skip burpees, and heck, skip obstacles all together.   I know, I know, they are only cheating themselves.  But to me, it not only shows poor sportsmanship, but discredits what the rest of us actually do.  You don't show up to a marathon and run miles 1-15, skip 16-25, and hop back on the course to finish the last 1.2, claim your medal, and tell everyone you've done a marathon.  The same goes for a Spartan Race.   Do your burpees, or sign up for tough mudder instead. 

2a)  Race Etiquette...PLEASE!   I got stuck behind many a walker at Citi Field. No biggie, as most of them kindly moved over when I yelled ahead "Hey do you mind if I pass on your left when possible?"  And then there was Mr. "No I will NOT let a GIRL pass me".  Sigh. I asked him if I could pass at least 4 or 5 times while stuck in the single file lanes of the stadium seating.  Each time, he looked back at me, and then took his walk to a slight jog instead of letting me pass.  Then he'd walk again. It was so incredibly frustrating.  When the opportunity finally arose for me to squeeze by I did. And forgive me readers, for I do not feel bad for the accidental (I swear) elbow he may have taken from me when I passed.   This happened AGAIN with a different person on the stairwell of the Hobie Hop. 

 Listen, if someone needs to pass you, LET THEM.  Don't take it personally.  Actually, better yet, DO take it personally. Take it, and use it to fuel your training next time. But certainly don't take it OUT on the person who just happens to be having a better race than you.

2b) Cell Phones on Course.   No.  Just....no. 

3) Racing Team/Family...you MUST get one.  I'm going to sound like a broken record here.  I freaking love the obstacle course racing community, and I genuinely hope that as the popularity of our sport grows and evolves, this aspect of it does not change. 

Some of Team New England Spahtens. Photo Credit: Vince Rhee & NES

I LOVE that in a sea of 10,000+ racers and spectators, I constantly bump into friendly familiar faces. I LOVE that on course, complete strangers are always right there offering to help get you over an 8 foot wall, or encouraging you to push harder, even as they struggle themselves.  I LOVE that the elites will cross the finish line, take a breather, and then go back out on the course to race with and encourage the non-elites.  I LOVE that racers are just as concerned with how everyone else's race went as they are with their own outcome.  I LOVE that the founders, directors, and staff aren't holed up in some office counting their earnings...they are out ON THE COURSE, racing side by side with the athletes and encouraging others.  I LOVE being a part of a team (shout out New England Spahtens!) full of people that will take me under their wing and act like we've been friends forever, even if we only just met that morning.   It is truly a family, and I'm stoked to be a part of it.

4) In season training: it's time.  Technically I've been training all winter. Running, burpeeing, lifting,  trying to not lose my sanity over the winter.  But racing again (if you could call it that) has given me the kick in the pants I was waiting for. It's time to get outside and carry heavy things to the top of big mountains. It's time for ranger runs and stair adventures and ridiculous training in the fresh air. 

The Ultra Beast is only 5 months away....