Happy Friday All!!

I started off my morning with one of these.

I would have loved to have one of these but it’s just not as enjoyable to eat them by myself.

I’m gearing up and looking forward to my long run tomorrow which got me thinking about refueling and in specific the protein bars that I have tried the last few weeks.

After receiving a box of The Simply Bar protein bars  last week, I was tempted to try a different brand to compare between the two and see which one I prefer. So I decided to buy two different flavors of the Clif Bars  when I was wandering around the grocery store with GMan.

I tried the Crunchy Peanut Butter and Black Cherry Almond. No, don’t worry… I didn’t eat these babies all in one shot.

Flavor-wise between the two bars, I liked the crunchy peanut butter (obviously). You can’t go wrong with anything peanut butter. Or can you?  This bar was chewy and the loads of peanut pieces (try saying that three times fast!) throughout the bar added a nice crunch. The bar was a decent size and not too small. I was satisfied after eating it and the bar tied me over for at least an hour until it was snack time again. I did say I am a snacking machine, didn’t I? I wasn’t joking.

The good thing about these bars is that they are easy to find. You can buy them online  (you can also find them in some grocery stores and Costco) and it’s only $15.00 for a box of twelve. Quite a difference in price when compared to a box (containing fifteen) of The Simply Bars  for $32.25.

The Black Cherry Almond was good but I found it to be a little bit sweet. I know… how is that even possible. I ask myself the same question. I liked the chunk of dried cherries and just like the peanuts in the other bar, the almonds really added to the overall texture. The Clif Bars didn’t have that chalky protein taste to them what-so-ever, so that’s always an added bonus!

If I was a protein bar fanatic, I would definitely try these bars again and maybe even be daring and try a different flavor like the White Chocolate Macadamia Nut. Now that sounds good! The only thing I didn’t like about these two Clif Bars is that they have a whopping 250 calories per bar. In my opinion, that’s a lot. What do you think? I know it’s important to get enough calories when your training hard, but part of me runs to burn calories aswell.  I would rather spread those 250 calories out rather than consume them all in one shot! Call me crazy, but that’s my opinion.

  Peanut Butter Crunch Clif Bar                   VS.              The Simply Bar – PB Chocolate

CAL:          250                                                                                         160

FAT:            6                                                                                              3

Protein:     12                                                                                            16

CARBS:      40                                                                                            16

Sugar:        18                                                                                           10

I guess it all depends on personal peference and convenience for some. I personally do not refuel after a run with a protein bar. I’m boring and always normally  mix a big scoop of protein powder (chocolate of course), a banana and milk in the vitamix. I love it and it refreshes me after a hard workout! About five minutes after that I’m probably enjoying a piece of toast with peanut butter.

PS: I realized that my contact page wasn’t working properly so I apologize if you’ve emailed me and I haven’t replied. I promise I’m not rude and ignoring you. It is now fixed, so you can email me again!  Remember.. I’m new to this blogging world, go easy on me :)

I had to dig deep for my run this morning. We changed it up a bit and did a hill work out. Finally!  I am so glad the roads were finally clear enough to do hills. Let me tell you, it was quite the workout BUT I know it will help me in the end.

It was -25 (with the windchill) and sunny. It was SO F-ing COLD! Thankfully my body was warm because I layered like a crazy lady. I could barely breath in through my nose because it was so cold and frozen. But hey, no biggie right? I got my hill work out in.

first part only- there's always more around the corner

Workout:

2.5km warm up
10 x 800m hill
2.5km cool down

The first hill went well and I felt great – 3:57
The second and third hill was between – 3:57-3:59
I think it was on the fourth and sixth hill when I stopped at the top of the first hill because I was tired (lousy excuse, I know) and I was jinxing myself out. I can’t remember the exact time but I think it was around 4:15 maybe?
Hill seven and eight were mentally and physically tiring. My legs were becoming very stiff.
Hill nine was better. Hill ten was obviously the best because it was the last and completing that workout felt awesome!

Important things to remember when doing hills?

Look UP and PUMP those arms!!!

I know I’ve said it before but I must say it again – the Runners’ Edge crew is amazing!! I wouldn’t have got through this workout on my own, I probably would have given up after hill five… ok – maybe even sooner. We were all so supportive of one another and really encouraged each other to push through and pump those arms. Thank you guys so much! Having that support and running with a great group of people really does make a huge difference. Who would have thought running in -25 temperature could be FUN?!

I have to admit for the cool down, I felt like I was crawling. My legs were so heavy and tired. I only kept going because I just wanted to get back to the store and lay down stretch.

i'm so attactive. yes, i know.. especially the hair.

I found another one of these when I was changing. I mentioned Operation Beautiful  here, so go take a look now if you don’t know what it is!

I swear I'm not posting these in the change room to make myself feel good

Do you add hill workouts to your training plan?  On really cold days do you hit the gym or hit the roads?

Yesterday I did not want to run. I took the day off – guilt free.

Don't make fun of my little girl mittens please.

Although I did walked for an hour instead. What in gods name was I thinking?

At least I was with GMan; he made it enjoyable.  He also made me one of these

isn't he sweet?

OOOoooOOOh BABY it was a cold run this morning. It was about -19 with the windchill. Today’s run had a bit of a somber feel to it. There wasn’t much talking going on at all. We were all just focusing on finishing. When I was running by the lake it was a bit eerie; it actually looked like it was dusk outside. Weird. Too bad I didn’t have my camera today. I ran 13.50km/ 1:10. In the last five kilometres I was actually hallucinating because I was so cold. I kept seeing this bridge in the distance and was so confused because I didn’t remember seeing it on the way out… and once I reached the bridge, it wasn’t there.. imagine that. Yes, I know… I’m crazy. Overall it was a good run though. I didn’t slow down at the end like last time and was able to pick it up so that made me happy!

very attractive picture of me and my red hot face after my run... *cough*

So I have officially decided that I need to get a water fuel belt. I don’t want to die of dehydration when I’m running Around the Bay. Ok, I don’t think I’ll die… but what if I need water when there is no water station around? I would actually prefer to NOT run with a waterbelt. Although I would rather wear one than pass out. Better to be safe than sorry, right? Right. 30km is pretty far… just thinking about makes me nervous.

Any suggestions or feedback about different hydration packs?

GMan has a camelback type water pack that he said I could use but I’m opting out. I sweat to much to have one more thing on my back.

I’m thinking about getting this Nathan waterbelt

I like that the strap is velcro so it can be made smaller and tighter. I do not want it to be moving or bouncing when I run. That’s my main concern about buying one.

Do you run with a hydration pack? Give me your advice!!

Today is a special day… it’s GMan’s birthday!

Happy birthday Baby!!

I bought him some of these…one of each flavour, of course. They were sooooooo good. We split them so we could have a taste of each. Thankfully they were only mini.

Who am I kidding, I obviously would have eaten them if they were big too…. my favourite was the red velvet with cream cheese icing and the lemon meringue. Oh YUM!

I may or may not have eaten the crumbs off the paper…………….. I definitely didn’t eat the paper though.

I wish I could hallucinate about those cupcakes and make them appear again.