Category Archives: Running

8 Ways Watermelon Sweetens Workouts and Runs #WatermelonForHealth

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This post is sponsored by National Watermelon Promotion Board, and the content, opinions and enthusiasm expressed here are all my own.

watermelon hula hooping

I love all the fruits, but have BIG love for watermelon – that’s no secret!  I’ve tried to name the one single reason why I love this mega melon, but I can’t. There are just so many reasons I love watermelon — it brings back great childhood memories and has played a role in creating new ones with my kids, it’s insanely yummy enjoyed straight off the rind or used as a healthy ingredient in both sweet and savory recipes! But, other motives for my watermelon munching madness are the bumper crop of benefits for health, wellness and fitness.

For example, when it comes to fitness, the watermelon may be the only piece of workout equipment that can be eaten afterward.  While working out with a watermelon may sound crazy, it makes perfect sense – melons are available in a range of weights (from 2 pound personal-sized melon to seeded varieties tipping the scales at 30 pounds and beyond.  Watermelon isn’t expensive in a price-per-pound sense; I mean have you seen the price of a kettlebell?! And, this “two-fer” fitness fruit is really more of an amazing deal knowing you’ll slice open a melon to enjoy afterward (or even just drink the juice on the go).  Since I like to #KeepFitFun and put the “FUN” in FUNctional fitness – check out my video above that I hope inspires you to get after a watermelon workout and then refuel with the fruit for recovery!

8 Amazing Reasons Watermelon Sweetens a Run or Workout

Yes, watermelon is delicious and natural, so much better than a sugary goo when needed as a carb source for quickly sourced. The melons come by their name honestly, comprised of 92% water and loaded with potassium and other electrolytes that will help keep fluid levels in check and hopefully keep muscle cramps away. It’s also high in other vitamins and antioxidents that are beneficial for wellness and the L-citrulline in watermelon has been studied for its ability to quicken muscle recovery. Get more details on these benefits of Watermelon for Health at Watermelon.org.

watermelon-for-health

See how eating watermelon is a win-win? Discover more fitness-focused watermelon facts that can help you up your game!  Make watermelon your workout buddy today and win fabulous watermelon prizes. All you need to do is enter this easy-peasy contest from Watermelon.org. Here are the juicy details:

  1. Tag a workout buddy (or someone you’d like to inspire to be your workout buddy!) in the comments section of our National Watermelon Promotion Board’s (NWPB) weekly video post on Instagram and Facebook. (note, this week, it will be my video that you see above)
  1. Win weekly watermelon prizes. NWPB will choose one lucky workout pair each week from October 3rd through October 28th.
How Watermelon Sweetens Workouts #WatermelonForHealth Enter #giveaway! @watermelonboard #ad

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Have you ever had watermelon specifically for workout fuel / recovery? Better yet, have you ever worked out with a watermelon?! Give me your best exercise idea, I might use it my next video – XOXO, Jennifer

Almost Time for “If Girls Ran The World” Virtual Run – Join Team TheFitFork!

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Did you see my post in late August about my partnership as a Role Model  in the upcoming If Girls Ran the World (IGRTW) virtual running event? I case not, I wanted to share more info and provide a gentle nudge to join me in this important female-focused cause that runs the entire month of October 2016.

If Girls Ran the Word virtual running event October 1 - 31, 2016.

It’s going to be starting in just a few weeks, don’t miss out! Here are some questions you may have:

if girls ran the world jenniferl

What is IGRTW? IGRTW is a non-profit that supports girls and women around the world by providing tools, skills and opportunities they need to rightfully pursue a safe, happy, healthy and abundant life. The virtual running event is happening the entire month of October with a special day dedicated on October 11th. Participants around the country join virtual teams and will be each logging miles, supporting each other and the cause, and raising funds for charities that support women and girls.

What charity does IGRTW benefit? Well, as a Role Model and team captain, I was allowed to choose the charity that was the closest to my heart. I chose the The Hunger Project, a strategic non-profit dedicated to the sustainable end of world hunger. Their vision is a world where every woman, man and child leads a healthy, fulfilling life of self-reliance and dignity and they rely on native women as the major change agents within communities receiving aid.

Is The Hunger Project the only charity? No, there are many others – Girls in Tech, Susan G. Komen and Every Mother Counts are examples of others. Check out the others here.

What’s in it for participants? First, you get to help empower women at the grassroots level and have the opportunity to donate or raise funds yourself to maximize the impact (but this is optional). Second, you will be motivated to exercise every day from Oct 1 to Oct 31 to help keep the movement going. Third, there is registration swag, the opportunity to win cool fitness-related prizes and more.

Do I have to actually run? Of course not, but if you can great! You can also ride a bike, row, walk or do something else to log miles – and YOU set the mile goal so that it remains totally attainable, whether 1 mile or 1000 miles. We want this to be a win-win for everyone! If you aren’t physically able to exercise, your support (financially, cheerleader-wise or any other way you see fit) is completely welcomed!

I hate to beg, but I’d be honored and humbled to have you join my team. Please register for the If Girls Ran the World virtual running event and join my team. I hate to hit you up, but nce you read through mission of If Girls Ran The World and The Hunger Project, I’m pretty sure you’ll want to chip to the cause a bit. It doesn’t have to be a lot – even $5 or $10 would help me get to my goal of raising $500. But, please note, you don’t have to donate to join my team – just join for the running support if you like!

Is there a discount code? Yes, use code BFF at REGISTRATION to save 50% — which makes the event only $12.50.

How do I join your specific team? After you register, go to Team Jennifer – TheFitFork.Com and join, that’s it! Drop me an email if you have questions or troubles at jennifer@thefitfork.comb

if girls ran the world runner 2

Pretty please, xoxo, join my #IfGirlsRanTheWorld team October Virtual Run @ifgirlsranworld #sweatpink #spon

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 Thank you so much for reading all the way through and for your consideration of this important cause!  If you have troubles signing up or joining my team, please send me a message at jennifer@thefitfork.com  Love ya! XOXO – Jennifer

Run Buns off with Me at Schlotsky’s #BunRun – Austin Sept 24

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Are you ready to run (or walk) your buns off?! Just wanted to let y’all know (especially my Texas friends) about the 34th Annual Bun Run hosted by Schlotzsky’s. It’s going down on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016 beginning at The Domain (11401 Century Oakes Terrace).

Jen

I’ve run this race so many times, I love it! In fact, last year I came in 3rd overall woman among some young, fast ladies – whoot, whoot!

schlotskys bun run 2015 start line

But, whether you race, run, job, walk, push a stroller or whatever, it’s a win-win for everyone! You get a chance to get out and get a little exercise with your friends or family in beautiful ATX – and maybe do a little post-race shopping at the Domain. Plus, by participating, you also support the race beneficiary, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Millions of people around the world live with Type 1 Diabetes – it’s a life-threatening, autoimmune disease that affects children and adults alike – there is no known cure! However, maybe there will be one day soon, thanks to research initiated by JDRF and funded by your generous donations and participation in events like the Bun Run. More on how Schlotsky’s Supports JDRF.

schlotsky-step-up Another way Schlotzsky’s has been helping to put an end to diabetes is by partnering in the   month-long Step Up! Campaign.This “Give $1, Get $1” in-store promotion offers guests a coupon for $1 off their next Schlotzsky’s purchase for every $1 they donate. It’s a no-brainer decision to make at the cash register.

Schlotsky's Bun Run 2016

More info on the Sept. 24th 2016 Bun Run:

It’s the perfect race for casual runners and serious racers! In addition to a flat and fast certified 5K course for adults through Austin, there is a Kid’s K, which is an easy 1K race for kids 12 and under. Additional activities during Bun Run events include:

  • Team Challenge – Challenge your friends, family and coworkers to a friendly competition
  • Fastest Dog in Austin – Register your dog to run alongside yo for the 5K, complete with a chip timer to track their time
  • Kid’s Korral at the Expo – Fun activities including inflatable soccer, face painting, special treats and more

You can REGISTER HERE! See you on the start line!

Join me in supporting JDRF by running our buns off @Schlotskys #BunRun Sept 24 Austin

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schlotsky's pizza

Oh, and I won’t lie, PIZZA is my favorite thing to get at this sandwich shop!

What is your favorite menu item? Have you ever run the Bun Run? Please share in the comments – XOXO, Jennifer 

 

Join Me for “If Girls Ran The World” Virtual Running Event

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if girls ran the world runner 2Today I am sharing a couple passions that are near and dear to my heart – 1) furthering the sport of women’s running for athletes of all abilities and 2) helping to give girls and women around the world the tools, skills and opportunities they need to live a safe, happy, healthy and abundant life. I’ve partnered with If Girls Ran the World, a non-profit running fundraising event to help put some wind (and hopefully a windfall of support) under the wings of these causes I so deeply care about.  It was truly an honor to be chosen as a Role Model for this program and work alongside so many talented and amazing women!

If Girls Ran the World Role Models

huger project girl eatingAs a fit foodie, the charity I’ve chosen to support is The Hunger Project, a strategic non-profit dedicated to the sustainable end of world hunger. Their vision is a world where every woman, man and child leads a healthy, fulfilling life of self-reliance and dignity. I love how this organization has used native WOMEN as key change agents in the more than 24,000 communities and rural villages they’ve worked in – women rock and they know how to get the job done!  I say, “Don’t stand in the way of a Mama Bear”!

During the entire month of October, members of my team (you can join) will commit to running as many miles as our hearts and legs lead us to. Please Register! You run on your time, at your pace, wherever and whenever it works for you. Whether you choose to walk 1 mile or run 10 miles or 1,000 miles, you set your own goal and pace. It’s easy and fun, you can use fitness tracking apps like Strava or MapMyFitness to track your miles or enter manually. Challenge yourself. Run often. Run happy. Run to feel good. Run to do good. This isn’t a competition, it’s a beautiful cause! This is important, EMPOWERING WOMEN AND GIRLS IS IMPORTANT. And, it’s also a nice side effect that we’re all out there exercising!

if girls ran the world jenniferlI hesitate “hit” y’all up for a donation, but you can still register (use BFF for 50% of the $25 fee) and join my team. Once you read through mission of If Girls Ran The World and The Hunger Project, I’m pretty sure you’ll want to chip in a bit. It doesn’t have to be a lot – even $5 or $10 would help me get to my goal.

Register for the Virtual Running Event (you don’t even have to run) and then head over to align yourself with Team Jennifer – TheFitFork.Com . Don’t forget to use code BFF to save 50% — which makes the event only $12.50 – in addition to doing good, you get the opportunity to take part in weekly fitness and fundraising challenges with prizes such as an Oiselle prize pack, a Fitbit Blaze, a year supply of Kind Snacks, Hoka One One shoes, a $500 donation to your cause of choice, and more. Plus if you personally commit to raising $250, you get some cute swag!  Drop a comment or email me at jennifer@thefitfork.com if you have any questions (the sign up process is a little confusing since there are a couple steps).

Thank you so much for reading all the way through and for your consideration of this important cause!  If you have troubles signing up or joining my team, please send me a message. Love ya! XOXO – Jennifer

3 Companies Keeping Me Happy, Healthy and Running!

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1) MilestonePod Running Wearable

Milestone Pod wearable gadget for runners

I’m fairly low tech when it comes to running, oh how I do love a good pair of shoes and cute outfit, but sometimes all that data at my fingertips pushes me over the edge. In the past, I was a die-hard stat tracker, but today (although I do check in with my running benchmarks now and then), I don’t always record every lap, loop and interval of every run (but when I do, a good GPS watch can’t be beat). Recently, MilestonePod sent me their brand new wearable that provides easy access to “just enough for me” activity data to keep me in touch with my general performance (like overall distance, pace and calories burned that I can check at the end of my run but not every insufferable second), along with insights on my personal running style and how to improve it.  What I REALLY love is how MilestonePod also tracks an assortment of additional metrics such cadence, foot strike and stride length. For example, I’m always trying to keep my cadence between 180 and 200 and this easy to wear gadget keeps the count for me – it also breaks out the percentage of time I strike with heel, forefoot or toes – it makes your shoes smart! Very interesting and useful feedback!  Very reasonably priced (under $30) with a free user app that is downloaded for both Android and iPhone, there is no reason for a runner to give  MilestonePod a go! #GoBeyondPace

2) POPSUGAR Must Have Box

I love LOVE getting these POPSUGAR Must Have boxes in the mail every month – it’s like having twelve birthdays a year!  There are usually around six to eight “gifts” that sum up the season perfectly
(sometimes more)– the July subscription box included sunscreen for your hair, darling emoji fabric cocktail napkins, a lightweight scarf, a cute pineapple pin, an inflatable drink holder that looks like a swan (how cute is this for the pool?), yummy old-school style potato chips, brow highlighter (ooh, middle-aged me needs the lift) and a gift card for $20 towards customizable jewelry from an online boutique!

You need to try out a subscription to POPSUGAR Must Have Box yourself, I’ve never been disappointed!  Get $5 off your first #MustHaveBox box (no expiration date) with code SHOP5 at http://bit.lt/2ao52ns 

3) EverlyWell

everlywell logo

I also just mailed in my Sleep Balance Profile and Home Collection Kit from EverlyWell to identify hormone-related sleep imbalances. Yeah, I am not a champion sleeper and am at my breaking point. I need to know what is going on with my body and EverlyWell makes it simple and convenient to #KnowYourNumbers and I hope the results well help me work with my pharmacist and/or doctor to find the right seep relief I need. They have all sorts of home tests including Food Sensitivities, Cholesterol & Lipids, Heavy Metals, and more. I’ll be posting a full review and the findings from my Sleep & Stress Test in a week or two – but, in the meantime, if you want to save 10% use the code EVERLY10 at checkout.

Please note: EverlyWell offers laboratory testing for wellness monitoring, the tests are not meant to diagnose or treat disease, or to take the place of a physician’s consultation. Testing is not available in NY, MD, RI, or NJ due to regulatory restrictions. EverlyWell does not provide medical advice and always suggests sharing your results with your primary care physician. 

3 Companies that are keeping me happy & healthy! @EverlyWell @POPSUGARMH @MilestonePod #Ad

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Disclaimer: I was provided products and/or compensation to review these products and give my honest feedback – all comments, feedback and enthusiasm are my own!