Coromega

Coromega: the Big Squeeze!

 

I like the idea of things I can add to my daily diet to become healthier when they are not actual pills.  I had taken omega-3 tables before and eventually end up letting them go once the bottle is empty.  At first, I received the single does packets and didn't really think much about it.  Set it aside with some of the other random products I had to sample and didn't think much about it.  Then the Big Squeeze came along.



 

This big fella looked promising.  I could get into the product and have multiple weeks to see the true effects.  So like any good consumer, I turned it over to see what I was supposed to do to take it.  This is a very versatile product.  You can add it to your favorite smoothie or yogurt or even just put it on a spoon and guzzle it!  Unless you really like the flavor listed, I wouldn't really recommend the spoon approach.  While the texture is good, the taste for me was way to lemony. 

I tried adding it next to some vanilla Greek yogurt, and tossed in some chia seed for good measure.  While it helped make the taste more manageable for me, it was still not quite what my taste buds wanted.  While I would try it again in another flavor, the lemon was just about too much for me.  For more information please check out their website @ www.coromega.com

There is also a tropical and mango flavor option, which I look forward to trying someday. 

Goldbaums Pop Potato Original Chips

I had an email offer to try a month of Klutch box so I decided to give it a try.  Grabbed the Goldbaums Pop Potato Original Chips today and must say, I was happily surprised.  I didn't really know what to expect but I am always looking for something to snack on that is actually healthy for me.  I was also surprised by how many were in the single serve bag, move than enough to keep this snacker happy. 

While the texture was a little dry the best way I can think of to describe these "chips" is a cross between a tortilla chip and a mini rice cake.  I tried sharing them with my pup Katie, but she wanted nothing to do with them, a sure sign they are healthy. 

Here is a little of what they had to say about their products on their website (www.goldbaums.com):    Goldbaums Natural Food Co. is a premier manufacturer of natural gluten-free products. Our foods are healthy, delicious, and a good choice for diabetics. Whether it is a staple, such as natural brown rice, pasta, or a quick snack, such as our wonder meals, each item gets the distinctive Goldbaums treatment; rigorous testing and tasting by researchers and staff to determine that the product is of the most superior caliber.

My Mom is diabetic, and I was happy to see so many of their products that she could eat and I am happy to report she enjoyed the Pop Potato Original Chips.  She said she could see replacing tortilla chips with them for her salsa dipping and with her lunchtime sandwich.  I am excited to explore some of the other products in the future.  One thing I liked the most was Mom could enjoy the whole bag if she wanted to for a snack, as it was well under the allowed carb count she keeps such a close eye on.  I look forward to learning more about this product once I am able to locate more of it, as it doesn't appear to be offered near my home. 

Sunburst 30th Annual Full & Half Marathon

Sunburst 30th Annual Full & Half Marathon
June 1st, 2013
 www.sunburstraces.org 

This was the first of our races during our summer vacation 2013 running road trip!  South Bend, In and the 30th Annual Sunburst Full and Half Marathon.  Finding the expo was super easy.  It was outside and a bit humid but we were still able to get in get our stuff and get out.  Race morning found us with rain, but we were grateful it didn't last past gun time.  The course was fun and the finish line was the 50 yard line of Duke University.  Getting to run through the tunnel was a definite high for many of the runners race morning.   We are usually afraid of anything having to do with a bus during a race but were pleasantly surprised at the speed of the return drive to the start line to retrieve our car.  If you are looking for a reason to run the state of Indiana, this may be your race.  While it wasn't super exciting, it was well organized and enjoyable.

 Self-portrait at the start line before the race.

 We spent a little time walking around down town after picking up our packets.  If you ever need help for your shoes, we now know just the place!

 Our shirt, bibs, and medals.  Shane was supposed to run the full but decided to just do the half for this one.  We were glad we did as it would have proven difficult to get to our next expo had he done the full.

Another shot from down town.  I thought it was nice that my brother decided to be closed for race day. 

While this was not a super exciting destination race, Shane did say he could see himself coming back for the full another year since he still needs Indiana for his full 50 state challenge.  It was just a well organized event from start to finish.

www.sunburstraces.org 

Deadwood Mickelson Trail full and half marathon

This has been one of my favorite destination races so far.  We had been watching the HBO series and were looking forward to being able to see where some of the famous historical figures were buried and where some of the shoot-outs had occurred. 

While the expo was small, it had everything you needed.  There were plenty of gear from both the current race and discounted previous events.  They had all of the basics covered with vendors as well as having a couple of local massage people there.

Right across the street from the host hotel and packet pick-up was the Tatanka museum.  This is a must see when visiting Deadwood.  The Tatanka, story of the bison was built because of the generisoty of Kevin Coster.  While was not a fan of Dancing with Wolves, I found a new respect for the movie after visiting Tatanka.  Please visit  http://www.storyofthebison.com/ for more information.

Please visit  http://www.cityofdeadwood.com for a complete list of all the places to see when visiting Deadwood, SD.  A must see for us was the Mt. Moriah Cemetery.  Here we were able to see where Wild Bill Hickok, Seth Bullock, Calamity Jane, and all of the other famous (and not so famous) Deadwood residents rest for eternity. 

I would highly recommend spending some time on the Mickelson trail when you are in the area, either for a race or for fun.  Please visit http://www.deadwoodmickelsontrailmarathon.com/ for event information.  It is held the first weekend in June.  Or for general trail information please visit http://www.mickelsontrailaffiliates.com/ for more information about the trail itself.

This is about half way for the half marathon.  Please be aware of the 1000+ feet in elevation gain for the full marathon trail.  While gators are not required, if you tend to get things in your shoes while running on trails, this one does have loose gravel that may cause problems. 

Rocket Racing double weekend

Spring Blast & Mother's Day run's with Rocket Racing.....

Saturday didn't start off the best for me.  I didn't see a GPS address on the website so I went by my sense of direction when I couldn't get my computer to log on the morning of the race.  After showing up 20 minutes late to the Huntington Beach location and finally locating the RD, I knew I was not going to get in my half marathon I was registered for. 

When I mentioned this to the RD he said just to keep track on my Garmin and keep track on when to turn around.  Decided on the 10k since I was just not feeling it and the humidity seemed to be more than I was ready for.  Felt good, despite the dripping by the one mile marker. 

This was a very low key event with registration open to only 25 people.  There was bling involved!  Not sure what I am trying to say in this picture but love my leg muscles!

Sunday took my to Santa Monica, a location I am a little more familiar with and there was a GPS location, so I was more than on time and ready to go.  Had made the mistake of watching the news the night before, confirming my suspicions of high humidity.  I knew before leaving the gate I would not be doing the 15K I was supposed to, opting for another 10k instead. 

Met a lot of great people and look forward to taking part in another Rocket Racing Productions event.  This new friend was finishing her 1st 5k and I like to think I helped make her miles a little more enjoyable for the final mile in.  Please visit www.rocketracingproductions.com for a complete list of their events. 

Go Nola Granola, wild blueberry wave

I have never been a big granola fan.  Doesn't matter if its a granola bar or if its loose or a cereal, just don't care for it.  I recently received a package of Go Nola from Nature's Hand and I must admit, I liked it.  The product can be found at GoNola | Freaky Good GraNola!

There are only 2 flavors in this ready to go, 140 cal. package.  If you are willing to bag up your own servings, try Nature's Hand | Healthy, low fat and low sugar granola from ... 

You can either order it online or they give you a list of stores who carry it.  While I can't explain why I enjoyed Go Nola, I know that I have already ordered more.  I am always looking for healthy snacks, and this one fits perfectly.  I did email and ask if they were Gluten free, and they are not at this time.  The blueberry one I tried had sunflower seeds in it so I am thinking they are not an allergen free facility if you have to worry about nut allergies.  Drop them an email if you have any questions, their response time was super quick.

Shinzen 10 mile, 5 mile, 2 mile run/walk

Woodward Park is one of my favorite places to run an event.  Since coming back home to the Central Valley, I have been trying to make a point of signing up for all local events, no matter how big or small.  When I saw this one, I knew I had to take part.  I had originally signed up for t 5 miler, but knew with my left foot still recovering from my Texas size blister, there was just still no way without re-injuring it.  My left quad was also feeling a little discomfort, so I decided to play it safe and do the 2-miler.

I emailed the contact listed about a week before the event, asking permission to drop down.  The reply was to just let them know when I picked up my stuff.  The volunteer handing out bibs/shirts on race morning just looked at me blankly when I tried to tell him this, but I smiled and thanked him anyway. 

I looked around the finish for someone to tell but didn't see anyone so I headed out to the start line, but took some pictures of the awards before heading over.

While I didn't win any of these, I love that such a small event had so many beautiful awards.



At the start of the race in front of their sign.

While I didn't win any of the awards for fastest runner, I did do well for myself.  I have learned it is always about racing myself and having fun.  I met a new friend in the last 1/2 mile.  We helped to keep each other running strong to the finish, just wish I had gotten a picture with my new friend.  My finish time (according to my watch) was 24:35.  That means a 12:18ish for a per mile pace.  My pervious was 12:38 during a 5k so I was super happy!  Don't think it will be official, but I did let the timing guy at the finish line know, and he made note of my number. 

Well organized event.  Course was easily marked and there were plenty of cheerful volunteers and spectators.  I would highly recommend this one and would gladly do it again!