Things I’ve Been Loving Tuesday

Posted in product review by Chocolate Covered Race Medals

It counts right? I love things everyday, so I’m just going to roll with it.

White Buffalo Kitchen

To say I am obsessed with this company is probably an understatement. I found them recently in a local shop and have loved every single product I have tried. I recently reached out to the company and was sent a fun package to sample…and guess what. They’re going to do a giveaway for the blog as well! Stay tuned!

Running Outdoors

Sure, it’s nasty outside right now — but last week I was able to bask in some sunshine and enjoy a couple amazing outdoor runs that reaffirmed my love for the sport. I guess you could say I’ve been struggling with running lately, albeit enjoying other activities, but I am THRILLED to reignite my love and hope it sticks 🙂

Nike Training Club App

You all know I’m in love — you hear about it way more often than I’m sure you’d like. This app has quickly become my go-to lunch companion at work (hello stretching and yoga for the work win), weekend strength routines, and fun switch up to my normal routine. If you have an iPhone and don’t have this app, change that now.

Spring

Yes, I know we’re being teased and that cold weather is still to come (like right now) — but just knowing that the Daylight Savings Time has come and gone, and that longer, warm days WILL be around (even if they’re in between cold days) makes me a happy girl.

Pinterest

Yes, that’s right. Pinterest.

Follow me on pinterest!

I have found a new love for Pinterest the last few weeks and am really finding that I utilize it so much more than I have in the past. Whether it’s for food porn, motivation to work out (like this mornings run), or recipes, it’s full of hours of distraction!

Just a few things I’m loving lately folks 🙂

What Are YOU loving lately?

Follow Chocolate medals on Instagram, twitter , facebook & pinterest

29Jan2014

3 More Days and Core Power!

Posted in product review, running, workouts for the day by Chocolate Covered Race Medals

Have I mentioned that I leave for my honeymoon in Austria in 3 days?!

Ok, Maybe I have. I am just a wee bit excited :).

Moving on . . .

Last night was the perfect relaxing evening for this lady. If you follow me on twitter, you would have read that I may have watched a Lifetime movie last night. . . The Party Never Stops, or something like that? Man on man — the things I do when I’m left alone.

And of course, I enjoyed another salad/Whole Foods hot bar bowl for dinner.

It may look gross but it’s SO good

With a nice side of Whole Foods tortilla chips and a glass of wine.

My perfect little evening :).

This Morning

I woke up actually feeling really good this morning, and ready to tackle a good and tough run.

I played it easy for the first 10 minutes, gauging my body and specifically my stomach/side. Fortunately, I felt strong and was ready to attempt some good speed work.

I repeated the work out that I first tried last week, and let me tell you it was just as challenging as last week.

Workout of the day: 50 minutes with 30 minutes speed work

10 minutes warm up
1 minute 4.0
1 minute 8.0
1 minute 9.0
Repeat X 10
10 minute cool down

I had absolutely zero pain in my chest/stomach and felt pretty good for the bulk of the run. WOO HOO!

New Product

I have been feeling VERY iffy at best after runs lately. . . just worn down. I know a big part of that is not getting food back into my system fast enough. Well this morning I took the opportunity to change that and try a new product that was sent to me to sample.

CORE POWER sent me a bag of their products to sample (GIVEAWAY COMING WHILE I’M ON MY HONEYMOON, BE ON THE LOOKOUT). Now, I’m gong to be honest with you guys, I am NOT normally someone to drink my calories, (except for wine and beer). Normally I prefer to eat my calories, but I am terrible about replenishing after a run. My stomach is off and I have zero appetite. Well – let me tell you. I tried the Strawberry Banana flavor drink this morning and actually really loved it. And the best part, I still feel good over 2 hours after my run. That’s pretty impressive.

Some states about this drink that I also LOVE

20 g of protein, hello.
Fewer calories than comparable drinks

Here’s what they say on their website

Counting calories, but still paying attention to how much protein you take in? You and our reduced calorie 20g lineup are a match made in heaven! Low in calories, but high on great taste, the Light version comes in Chocolate and Strawberry Banana.

Well, I must say. I am a believer. And my stomach and body say THANK YOU CORE power.

Would I buy this product myself: Yes, absolutely. Especially with longer runs coming up in my future, and hoping to get back into strength training.

Question of the Morning: How do you replenish after a good run/workout?

19Dec2013

Inkling

Posted in product review by Chocolate Covered Race Medals

You all know how much I love food. It’s a passion of mine and something that I LOVE sharing with others. There really is nothing more satisfying than seeing people you love enjoying food that you made.

Well, I guess my love for cooking and food is obvious because early this week I was contacted by an adorable rep from Inkling. A company that speaks my language.

Inkling is an interactive eBook publisher with titles spanning several genres (photography, food & drink, crafts & hobbies, as well as textbook offerings for aspiring professionals

The first thing that caught my eye when I was exploring their homepage was the beautiful photography, specifically of food.

Beautiful right?

But Inkling has SO much more! They literally have easily accessible ebooks for almost anything you could want!

As I was going through this, I kept thinking about great this would have been while I was in grad school. E-texts in today’s world? Hello convenience! I probably wouldn’t have nearly as many back issues as I do, ha!

As a part of my conversations with Inkling, I was given the opportunity to browse a free chapter of one of their newest cook books: A Modernist Meal At Home.

Do you like those pictures from earlier? Yup, they’re from the book. In just my one free chapter, I was able to read about all kinds of cool stuff.

Pressure cookers
Cooking Under Pressure
How to use a pressure cooker?
Canning Jars
Along with some DELICIOUS recipes!

Other chapters in the book include:

Conventional Cooking Gear
Counter Top tools
Cooking Sous Vide
Ingredients
Recipes
Breakfast eggs
Steaks
Salads
Cheeseburgers
Carnitas
Ribs

And SO much more! While I love the history of passed down family recipe books, if you are looking for new and unconventional cooking ideas, tips, or tools, this would be a GREAT resource! And all in today’s modern world of an e-reader! Just bring up your e-reader and you’re ready to go!

I highly recommend anyone with passions like my own (healthy living, learning, reading) — but maybe doesn’t want or have space for a library of books, check out Inkling. I promise there is something for everyone on there!

Question of the Afternoon: What is the topic of e-reader that Inkling provides that you would be MOST interested in?

disclaimer: Inkling provided me with a free chapter and the link to their page but all opinions and descriptions are my own.