How More Efficient Protein Powder Can Help Optimize Performance

This post has been sponsored by Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes through Kitchen PLAY. All opinions are my own.

I am all about making my personal world more efficient so that I’m set up for success in all areas of life including optimizing my time, optimizing my money, and optimizing my health! I’ve been known to run to the gym to knock out cardio before strength-training, I “Marie Kondo’d” the heck out of my sock drawer, and I’m all about meal prepping to stock the freezer, fridge, and pantry with foods that support my active lifestyle. All these life hacks save time, save money, and support my physical and/or mental health! How Prohydrolase is helps me digest protein better to optimize my workouts and recovery

You know another thing I’ve got working for me? Optimizing how various types of protein supplements can benefit my body thanks to ProHydrolase. ProHydrolase is an ingredient found in some protein supplements that has been proven to increase digestibility, thusly increasing the potential for muscle-building and muscle-recovery. Read on to learn more about my experience with ProHydrolase:

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How to Get Runner Feet Ready for Summer Rest, Recovery & Relaxation + OOFOS Giveaway

So, how many miles have you crossed of your training schedule since the beginning of the year? Maybe 300 miles, 500 miles or, for some of you hardcore runners, I’m guessing in excess of 1000 miles to date. As the weather is warming up, those hardworking feet are starting to slip out of socks and running shoes . . . and those “workhorses” are kinda looking and feeling life hooves. Am I right? You know I am!

Read on to find out How to Get Hardworking Runner Feet Ready for Summer Rest, Recovery & Relaxation (Plus don’t miss the awesome giveaway for a pair of OOFOS which are post-run recovery sandals that I swear by and are ideal for everyday too)! Continue reading

Tips (and Teas) for Sleep Deprived Runners

This post is sponsored by Celestial Seasonings but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Getting a good night’s sleep is important for everyone, especially those in endurance sports including running, swimming, biking and obstacle course racing. It’s during sleep hours that our bodies do the bulk of recovery from our daily hard training and builds us into better athletes.  Tips ((and Tea) for Sleep Deprived Runners

A few years ago, I went through a long bout of insomnia (sleeping only 4 to 5 hours a night) and just figured I could power through it with little or no consequence. However, I became increasingly anxious, irritable, had difficulty concentrating and made rash decisions. I wasn’t seeing improvements in my runs and workouts and many days I wouldn’t have the muscle strength or endurance to get them done. My stress was out of control as evidenced by sky-high cortisol levels that would never level out during the day as they should. I knew I needed to do something about my “sleep hygiene” pronto. Creating a “calming” ritual by drinking a healthy tea in the evening, was one of my strategies. Read on to learn my tactics and tips for better sleep: Continue reading

Nutrition Timeline for Marathon Recovery + Pizza

There’s plenty of nutrition advice out there on what to eat and drink BEFORE and DURING a marathon to optimize performance. However, what you consume immediately AFTER a marathon, and over the next 24 to 48 hours, is equally as important — it plays a significant role in the recovery process. Your taxed body demands fluids and nutrients to bring hydration back into balance, kick start muscle repair, and restore mental focus and mood. Bounce back from your 26.2 (or other endurance event such as Ironman, Spartan, century rides or even just intense pre-race training) quicker and more completely by following my suggested post marathon nutrition recovery timeline. Nutrition Timeline for Marathon Recovery - what to eat immediately and up to 48 hours after an endurance event like marathon, Ironman, Spartan, century ride, and more.

Read on to get the details on my Nutrition Timeline for Marathon Recovery, see what foods I pack in my drop bag, get questions answered (like should I take supplements), and get a speedy, satisfying, celebration-worthy post-marathon pizza recipe.

Also, ANNOUNCEMENT – I will be taking over the Whole Foods Market 365 Instagram story starting Saturday evening through Sunday (Feb 17th to Feb 18th) to share with you my experience prepping, running and recovering from the Austin Marathon. So, FIND ME! Continue reading

Hot Spiced Watermelon Lemonade for Running & Workout Recovery

This post is sponsored by The National Watermelon Board. All opinions, editorial comments, recipes and enthusiasm are my own.

I can’t say I HATE running in cold weather because even when the temperature drops, I’m still out there moving and grooving my body in the sport I love. But, I get chilled to the bone, my feet freeze, my fingers go numb . . . it doesn’t matter how warmly I’m dressed. Coming home to my Hot Spiced Watermelon Lemonade with collagen is not only a tasty treat, but thaws me out and fills me up with nutrients I need to expedite my workout recovery and bolster my immunity. Hot Spiced Watermelon Lemonade for Workout Recovery

Read on to learn more about my Hot Spiced Watermelon Lemonade for workout and running recovery, check out my how-to video and get the easy recipe. Continue reading