Bulu Box

I am not new to the subscription boxes.  I’ve done a few in the health/fitness/food categories.  This was my first experience with Bulu Box though.  But I am totally a sucker for the whole surprise aspect of subscription boxes.  I like being exposed to new items and products.  From my previous boxes, I actually found myself adding a lot of new items that I enjoyed to my normal purchases.

In my Bulu Box:

1.  Quest Protein powder – vanilla milkshake.  Actually this is the only brand that I was very familiar with.  I’m normally a chocolate person but this was pretty good for a protein powder.  I mixed mine with some unsweetened almond milk.

2.  PCN (Pure Charge Nutrition) Plant Protein powder – chocolate and vanilla. I found that this didn’t seem to mix as well as Quest in my almond milk.  The consistency was a bit grittier.  But it’s vegan, gluten free and soy free.  Tastes a bit ‘healthier’ than other powders I’ve had.

3.  RAP Protein gummies – grape.  10 g of protein per serving, 90 calories per serving.  I’ve had some energy gummies before but never from RAP.  The grape flavor sort of reminds me of Dimetapp LOL.

4.  E-Hydrate dietary supplement – strawberry lemonade and mocha.  BCAA, electrolytes, energy gel.

5.  Evo Hemp – cacao dragon.  Raw cold-pressed omega bar, Vegan!  It reminds me of Fig Newton bars.

6.  Platinum Labs OPTI Burn Amped – watermelon.  I’m not one to really try weight loss supplements so this would probably be something that I would give to a friend.  Plus watermelon is not my flavor at all!

All in all, my Bulu Box was fun to uncover.  $10 a month is a pretty good price compared to other subscription boxes.  Definitely worth a try.

Sign up for your first three month subscription box for 50% off!  Use the code SWEATPINK at Bulu Box.

#LoveBulu

I was provided with a box through my affiliations as a Sweat Pink Ambassador.  I received no compensation for this review other than the product sample.  The opinion presented is solely my own.

Freekeh experience

So recently I was given a free sample of freekeh from Freekeh Foods through my affiliation as a Sweat Pink Ambassador.   Honestly, I hadn’t heard of freekeh until I received the product.  I am Asian so we almost always eat rice with every meal.  I only recently was able to convince my parents to switch from white rice to brown rice.  And even still, they are reluctant.  So when I told them about quinoa, they didn’t even listen to me.   I was on my own for trying out freekeh.  I figured it wouldn’t be overly life-changing since it’s just another type of wheat grain.

I cooked the entire original package with chicken broth.  I left the pot simmering while I did a quick workout (M100s anyone?).  When I took the pot off the stove and let it cooled down before trying to pack my lunches for the week.  The package mentioned that each bag was 4 servings and that each serving (¼ c dry) was 130 calories.  I was extremely surprised that freekeh expanded so much.  It turns out to be ¼ c dry to 1 cup cooked.  That really is a bang for your calories.  I think brown rice is about 200 calories or so per cup with half as much protein.

The cooked freekeh smelled like bean curd skin to me (not unpleasant).  The texture is chewy and almost like a mix of brown rice, quinoa and oatmeal.  It’s got a bite and crunch to it and definitely feels hearty and filling.  I cooked it with chicken broth so it was savory but I could see replacing oatmeal in the morning with freekeh.

I haven’t noticed freekeh on the store shelves before but now I have a reason to go looking.

I received no compensation for this review other than the product sample.  The opinion presented is solely my own.

Time to get back at it!

For some reason, WordPress hasn’t been loading on my computer so I am going mobile with this and just bare bones.  I know it’s been a while but it’s hard getting motivated recently.  I’m happy but unhappy with work and I feel like that contributes a lot to bad choices and lifestyle.  When you’re feeling unfulfilled with your work, it’s easier to let things go by the wayside.

I’ve been trying to kick start my determination for some time now.  It makes me wonder how I was so motivated before.  I used to enjoy running a lot more but it feels a bit like a chore now.  I’ve also been eating poorly and the extra pounds just compounds the bad feelings.

Feeling lost and looking to make changes.

Gifts for the Holidays

December 9 – TriggerPoint GRID Mini Foam Roller

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my TriggerPoint GRID foam roller. It is my go to after any workout. I’ve had it for a few years now and it does not look like it has changed at all. The firmness is great and also hurts so good on my IT band. I know I have the regular sized one, but who can say no to the cute mini foam roller? WANT! I would love the GRID 2.0 longer version but my place is probably not big enough to house one of these (plus the large Rumble Roller I have). Price $24.99

December 8 – Nuun Active

So usually on my race, I must carry water with me with my handheld bottle. I think I sweat a lot because for any 10+ mile runs, I usually run out of water. On race days, this is a huge bummer. I’m not a fan of stopping at the stations if I don’t have to. I also found myself needing to grab a cup of Gatorade on occasion. I’m not a fan of the way Gatorade leaves that sticky taste in my mouth. It makes you thirstier! I may be a bit late on this train, but I recently discovered Nuun. What a difference from all the other sports drinks that provide you electrolytes. And it doesn’t make me feel super thirsty afterwards. And plus side for me, it has very little calories. I’m sold! So far I’m a fan of the Tri-berry and Strawberry lemonade. Must try Kona cola and grape! Price $24.00 for four pack

December 7 – Saucony Razor Hat

All this time, I’ve been depending on headbands to wrangle my mess of a hair during runs. I finally bought a beanie last month and I am a CHANGED WOMAN! The beanie with a ponytail hole (must have ponytail hole!) is the most glorious creation ever. I know, I’m behind in the game. I must buy more beanie hats! This Saucony hat even has a visor! My mind is blown! Price $38.00

December 6 – Addaday Junior

I love Addaday. I tested the Addaday Type C and had to buy it. It works great for after a long run. I have some crappy knees and the gears get right into the area around my knee caps. It really hurts so good. The Junior is so cute. It would definitely replace the semi-peeling Pinky ball that I’ve been using. It’s a bit difficult to find the Addaday products in stores. I was in Maine on vacation and happened to find the Type D+! Price $19.00

December 5 – Lorna Jane clothing and accessories

December 4 – Oiselle – Big O Yeti.
It comes in two colors with pattern or two solid colors for $98 and $95, respectively.

December 3 – Concept 2 indoor rower. Price $900.

December 2 – Disney Princess Half Marathon 2015. The revealed medals Frozen-themed.

December 1 – ATHOS

The monitors for Athos are connected via Bluetooth to your phone and the app can help correct your form in real time

Day 5 of fitness goodies…Lorna Jane!

Creating a wish list of things I want is fun. Day 5 is for Lorna Jane. I love the clothing from Lorna Jane. When I first heard of the Australian brand, they actually had a few stores in Cali. But nothing on the east coast…YET (come onnnn NY)!! I had the chance to visit a few stores while I was on vacation in LA. While the clothing is a bit pricey, the fit is fabulous. I swear the Aussies really know how to design athletic wear (2XU, love them too!).

December 5 – Lorna Jane clothing and accessories

December 4 – Oiselle – Big O Yeti.
It comes in two colors with pattern or two solid colors for $98 and $95, respectively.

December 3 – Concept 2 indoor rower. $900.

December 2 – Disney Princess Half Marathon 2015. The revealed medals Frozen-themed.

December 1 – ATHOS

The monitors for Athos are connected via Bluetooth to your phone and the app can help correct your form in real time

Tis the season…Gift guide of awesome gear and such

After my last race of the year (Philadelphia Half Marathon), I gave myself a week off of running.  Not just to heal up physically, but mentally as well.  The most stressful part of racing is the logistics of the drive to make sure you don’t miss the start time.

My week off included Thanksgiving and all of the baggage (comfort foods) that came with it.  I told myself I would be mindful but of course this time of the year is always bad for me.  I’ve noticed my “pattern” now. I tend to lift more weights throughout the winter, with controlled running on the treadmill.  I progress to a more toned body until the spring/ summer when I start running races again.  And then I notice that I do mostly cardio (running) and my body is not as tight and firm as it should be.  I find it difficult to train for long distances and do strength training at the same time.  What is the Balance??  It’s a long learning process.  So I feel as though I have to start again, just in time for the holidays.

So speaking of holiday, my brother recently pulled out the LEGO Advent calendar for December.  Advent calendar counts down the days until Christmas and you open a little surprise toy for each day.  So I thought it would be awesome to have one for adults!  Things I want or love…

To start with a bang,
December 1 – For the dorky data loving fitness folks, ATHOS has created clothing equipped with sensors to monitor your movements for muscle activity and heart rate.

I have a heart rate monitor by Polar that does work great but it does get a bit uncomfortable around my chest after long periods of time. I know there’s also the arm band monitors but hey, this is a wish list so might as well go all out. The monitors for Athos are connected via Bluetooth to your phone and the app can help correct your form in real time! How super nifty!! A downside of this…is that I have an Android phone and Athos only has iOS compatibility at the moment. This is a new product so I don’t think they have shipped to consumers yet. Also, it is quite pricey.
You get one core so it would be either used in the shirt or the pants. As a moderate fitness / average woman, I don’t know if it’s something I need, but I totally WANT it.

December 2 – Disney Princess Half Marathon 2015. I was not fast enough to register for the runs for 2015 and they are sold out of normal registrations (holding out for 2016!!). But the revealed the medals and they are so pretty and Frozen-themed.

December 3 – Concept 2 indoor rower. It’s funny because when I was rowing in college, I absolutely hated the erg. It was the most difficult workout I’ve ever experienced. Three-a-day practices and early mornings on the river. As much as I hated it, it was such a great workout and I miss how great I felt afterwards. My gym doesn’t have a rowing machine though a lot of crossfit gyms do. But it will set you back a pretty penny – $900.

December 4 – Oiselle – Big O Yeti. Yes, it’s basically an adult onesie..but look how comfy it looks!! I haven’t seen many reviews about it though. But I totally just bought one during Cyber Monday (20% off + free shipping!). I’m so excited, I hope it’s as comfortable as I imagine it to be. It comes in two colors with pattern or two solid colors for $98 and $95, respectively. Hey, I’ve splurged on worse things and that’s my justification haha.

So that catches me up for today. Rewarding myself with fun gear is healthier than food…

Cold weather is such a drag..

There’s something about the cold weather that just makes me super lazy in all aspects. It’s not like I even have to be outside to update a blog post, but the idea of doing anything productive exhausts me. I just want to curl up in bed and watch Netflix for hours. That and eat everything in sight. So suffice to say..I haven’t been highly motivated lately. It’s so easy to lose progress in the winter. My body is totally telling me to keep warm. So here I am, stuck with some extra poundage BEFORE the holidays. It’s all a bit upsetting.

Anyway, so I really need to refocus. What better way than a bit of pressure..the worse kind of pressure. The attending-a-wedding pressure. I’ve been really trying to fix my eating habits for basically all of my life. I do believe it is the biggest thing holding me back.

I started to read this book called Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle by Tom Venuto. Though the premise of this book is to build up muscle, it also is a bit contradictory for me to continue long distance endurance running.

Since this Sunday will be my last run of the year, the Philly half marathon, I’m going to attempt to switch gears a bit. It will be three months before the wedding and about 4 months before my next half marathon, the LOVE run.

I’ve also debated whether or not to try for the NYC marathon in 2016. For guaranteed entry, I would have to run nine races in 2015 and volunteer at one event. All the back and forth to NY might get annoying and difficult.

Random thoughts of a thought-filled girl…

Such a struggle…Cooper Norcross Run the Bridge 10K

Coming back from my Run-cation in Vancouver Canada, I had signed up for the Cooper Norcross Run the Bridge 10k. I was extremely excited to run the Ben Franklin Bridge.

I usually get a lot of comments from people who think it’s silly to pay to run. I don’t think of it that way. I don’t mind paying because I know it takes a lot to close down major roads. As a runner, I love running in the middle of roads without a care. As a driver, I am super annoyed at the traffic. (Double standard, I know!) So running across the Ben Franklin Bridge is a pretty big deal to Pennsylvanians and New Jerseyans?

I wasn’t worried about the distance because I knew I had done it before. But this run turned out to be my worst race ever. I struggled so hard during this race (which took place the same day as the NYC Marathon). The only thing I remembered was WIND. I thought Vancouver was cold, but the wind this morning made it feel like freezing. I had three layers of clothing and a neck warmer but the wind overpowered me. I felt like I couldn’t breathe.

The first minute of running, my body wanted to stop. Running against the wind on a bridge with a slight incline? Definitely not ideal. But the bridge was only about two miles of the 10K. I ended up doing the walk-jog dance the for the entire run, which has some positive spin to it because I was able to take pictures throughout the run.

So windy at the start of the race:

Pictures during the Bridge run:

View of Campbell Stadium:

Battleship New Jersey:

It was a really pretty run but the wind definitely kicked my butt. They had a bag of refreshments for all the runners, equipped with bagel, banana, chips and granola. This was a nice touch. The finisher medal sports the bridge and a long sleeved cotton shirt and clear reusable plastic bag came with the bib pick up.

Here goes..my first blog post!

I’ve been saying it forever that I would start a blog to motivate myself to stay determined and push my limits of challenging myself. Finally, I’m going to stop procrastinating and just do it (in the spirit of Nike!).

I wish I started this ages ago while I was training up to my first half marathon, but I can only look forward. But how did I get to where I am now?

Well, I was a very sickly child, in and out of hospitals from birth to about 6 years old. I recall one time being in the hospital and having a nurse attach a IV and needles (cringe). But I was told that I had asthma and depended on my inhaler heavily. As I aged, my parents feared for me and encouraged me to eat more to “build up strength”, the logics of my Asian parents who didn’t get to eat much in their home country.

So I shifted from a frail sickly child to an overweight child in middle school but at least I wasn’t dependent on my inhaler anymore. It wasn’t a very happy time for me though and I felt very uncomfortable in my own skin. High school was cruel (but not as bad as it seems now). I wasn’t picked on but I felt like the ugly one in my group of friends. I didn’t do any physical activities except the required PhysEd class.

One of my most depressing times was when I went to get a physical for a working permit at 15 years old and I weighed 170 lbs. This was for when I started working at Burger King and I actually lost some weight there (oh the irony). I didn’t start focusing on my weight though, until it was my summer before starting college. I think I was down maybe 20 lbs before starting college and found myself being tested by the “freshman 15.” My weight fluctuated but I was going to the gym almost regularly and I even joined the rowing team. Here, I realized, I didn’t really know what working out hard was until three-a-day practices. The coach would always say for rowing down the river, this will be the hardest 8 mins of your life, but it’s only 8 mins. I find myself constantly thinking about this when I’m running.

So fast forward to now, while I go to the gym more and I’ve still managed to keep off about 40 lbs, I find myself struggling to improve my overall fitness. I admit that I detest vegetables (of course, I’d rather have pizza and French fries). So my diet is very poor at the moment.

I’m hoping that I can decrease my body fat percentage and increase my lean muscle but I find it difficult amidst all of this endurance running / training. But I have to start somewhere…Here goes!