Friday Favorites 3/20/15 feat. LesserEvil popcorn and Hip Hop Spin

This week has been crazy busy and stressful so I'm just popping by to link up with my 5 Friday favorites from the week here , here, and here.  

Despite the fact that it's snowing and raining here today, I'm still celebrating the fact that spring is indeed here. I just want to be able to wear shorts without freezing, c'mon. 

1. Favorite Snack: LesserEvil Avocado-licious Popcorn

I'm really excited to announce I'm a LesserEvil Ambassador, a company I've loved ever since I reviewed their snacks last year. I am queen of snacking so having some crunchy snacks and popcorn on hand that are gluten-free, non-gmo, and full of nutritious ingredients is awesome. I was literally speechless when I came home from work one day this week to see three HUGE boxes of snacks waiting for me!

I'm been currently working my way through bags of their Avocado-liciousBuddha Bowl popcorn made with avocado oil and pink Himalayan sea salt which will be hitting the shelves soon. It's only 40 calories a cup so there's no need to feel guilty when I eat half the bag! The subtle flavor from the avocado oil is so unique. I will definitely be sharing more snacks from LesserEvil with you. 

2. Favorite Workout: Hip Hop Cycle with Shauna Harrison

This is technically from last week, but I got to try out Hip Hop Cycle at REV Cycle Studio with Under Armour sponsored Shauna Harrison. Shauna created Hip Hop Cycle in Baltimore which makes it even more special. The spin class was intense with lots of hill climbing, and her soundtrack  was awesome! You should be following Shauna Harrison on Instagram because she posts #Sweataday, an exercise to try each day.  She also has killer arms which put mine to shame. 

2015 KELLY Shamrock 5K Race Recap

After running Rock 'n' Roll DC this past Saturday (recap to come) I ran the annual KELLY Shamrock 5K in Baltimore. Since it's Saint Patrick's Day, it seemed appropriate to recap this festive 5K that I have run the past three years.  

It's really great but after doing a double header last year, I was not sure if I'd do it again. Of course, it was part of the Charm City Run B3 Race Package which included two other races I was planning on running so I figured why not!  

The KELLY Shamrock 5K is a big race that sells out every year and marks the start of spring racing in Baltimore. It is Charm City Run's largest race with 5200 runners but is always well-organized. The 5K happens right before the Baltimore Saint Patrick's Day Parade so it's awesome having everyone already lined up for the parade to cheer for the runners.Everyone is very festive and decked out in everything green!

After a night of drinking and a big Irish dinner, I got back from Washington D.C., with an hour to spare before the race started. I drank some water and Nuun since I was clearly dehydrated and got ready for the race. Partying the night before a race is not recommended! I was not as sore as I expected to be aside from some nagging calf tightness and a sore knot on my right hamstring.  

The weather was beautiful and sunny (unlike the previous day) but some strong winds had me wearing a jacket on top and shorts on the bottom.  The race ends at PowerPlant Live! so I wanted my jacket with me at the end of the race and decided just to run with it on, even though I'd probably be a little warm during the race.  

Rock and Roll DC Half Marathon & Shamrock 5K Weekend 2014 Recap

Just yet another reason I'm an awful blogger (but still a super awesome person) is that I get super behind on race recaps, etc. and have a bunch of posts just sitting in the drafts folder. Since I'm running the Rock 'n' Roll DC Half Marathon and KELLY Shamrock 5K back-to-back again this weekend, I thought I'd finally publish last year's weekend recap! 

Spoiler alert: it involves lots of sore legs and cold beers. 

 I had run the KELLY Shamrock 5K in Baltimore 2012 & 2013 and actually have my 5K PR from that race.  My winter running cabin fever got the best of me, and I signed up for the RNR USA half months earlier because there was a really cheap price deal on it.  Then I realized that the Charm City Run B3 Race Package which included two other races I wanted to run, included the Shamrock 5K so I was running it again!  That's how it happened that St. Patrick's Day weekend I'd be running races back-to-back. Talk about a way to jump-start spring running! 

The Friday before the race after work I took the train from Baltimore to the metro to another metro and hiked down to the expo at the Armory-yes it was really out of my way and no fun lugging all my bags with me. There was a line to get in because of Armory security which was added to my stress. It was nice to peruse the expo by myself and look at all the fun gear plus grab free samples of all the snacks I could find. I stocked up on salted caramel Gu and was really tempted to buy some of the cute St. Patrick's Day-themed running shirts for sale.  

My Big Fall Goal Race & RNR Brooklyn

It seems that everyone has running fever now that the weather is warming up. That means sporadically signing up for all the races #raceeverything! It's hard because with trips and events you have to sign up and book so early in advance. Sometimes it's difficult to plan for things you've signed up for 6 months out especially with commitments just popping up all the time. 

I am happy to share that Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series finally announced that the inaugural Brooklyn half marathon will take place Saturday, October 10, 2015.  Registration is open for only Tourpass holders until March 15, and the general registration will open to the public on Monday March 16. You can sign up for an email reminder about registration here. 

Check out the full details on the race here!

I really wanted to run this race, but I unfortunately can't because I'll be in Chicago getting ready to run the Chicago Marathon on October 11, 2015! 

Yes, it was quite lovely to see this email in my inbox this morning: 

Thanks to last year's Chicago Marathon time, I time-qualified for guaranteed entry this year.  I'm running Chicago again because despite being sick the week before, I had a really amazing race. I came only 1 minute shy of a 3:35 Boston-qualifying time for my age & gender group. I know in my heart that I can come back and get my goal time of 3:30 on it's fast, flat, energetic course.  Part of me wanted to re-type that and just say under 3:35, but let's be honest I'm aiming for 3:30. 

Goals are supposed to be big & scary, right?

Hopefully I can have a strong training cycle and show up to race day healthy and ready to run!

The 2015 Chicago Marathon lottery entry opened yesterday and closes Tuesday, April,21 so check it out if you are looking for a great big fall marathon!  Be sure to read my recaps from last year's expo and race.  

It looks like it's going to be another summer of #breathedeeplyandrunchitown. 

at last year's Chi Marathon expo. word. 

Do you have a goal Fall race picked out yet? Are you already planning big events for later in the year?

ZOOMA Annapolis Kickoff

Last week we had two snow days after getting a little over 6 inches of snow on Thursday. While I should have been productive, I mostly snacked, slept, and watched a lot of Netflix. Living that pajama life, you know. 

  Sometimes a break like that is necessary and refreshing.  After lots of takeout and eating out, getting my butt out of bed Saturday morning to head to the ZOOMA Annapolis kickoff run event at Charm City Run Annapolis was just what I needed.  

I showed up bright and early right after the free yoga class ended in the store. I've actually never been to this location, but the staff were just as friendly as they are at other locations.  It was a bit chillier than I'd liked but the turnout was still great!  Unfortunately it was a little icy around the Annapolis Towne Center, but run leaders made sure everyone was safe and we got in a nice 3 mile run.  It was awesome to chat to more of the other ambassadors. 

We're a fun bunch, if you can't tell! 

Charm City Run was offering a 15% discount on gear so I snagged a cute shirt perfect for Saint Patrick's Day and got a sweet ZOOMA bag and tech shirt from the race last year with my purchase.  

They also had Einstein's bagels, coffee, and the fixings for mimosas.  I was ever so grateful for the coffee.  

I got to spread the Feetures! love and giveaway four pairs of socks which was great. It was awesome to see a few people come out who will be running their first 10K or half marathon at ZOOMA in May with us.  

I'm actually really excited to get to run the beautiful course through Annapolis at the end of May. You should join me on Saturday May 30-it's going to be such a great event! 

You can still use my discount code LAUREN15 to save 10% on registration for the 10K or half marathon. 

Luckily on Sunday it hit over 50 degrees in Baltimore so that meant running outside in the sunny weather capris.  It was crazy because half of the harbor was still frozen. It's amazing how happy the warm weather can make me (unlike the cold). I ran into Sarah on my long run so we ran together for a bit which made the miles go by quickly.  I ended up slowly finishing the last few miles to make it to 13.1 miles for the day. Spring needs to stay! 

I don't feel prepared for Rock 'n' Roll DC this weekend at all, eek! 

 Have you ever run a ZOOMA race? What are you most looking forward this spring?

Dear Winter, It's time to go.

Dear Winter,

It's been real, but it's time for you to leave. I'm blaming you for my craptastic running this winter. I'll also be cursing you when I run a half marathon in less than two weeks that I'm wholly under-prepared for (I'm looking at you Rock 'n' Roll DC with those hills).  You forced me to struggle through a ten mile run on the treadmill yesterday morning that was only slightly bearable thanks to 3-4 episodes of Gilmore Girls on Netflix.

You're not all bad. I do like the beginning of winter and how lovely the season goes with the holidays. Bundling up around the fire with some hot chocolate is lovely.  A white Christmas always makes me smile too. Winter can be magical around the holidays. 

Not returning from a run drenched in sweat is nice. I can re-wear some of my layers because everything I wore isn't disgusting after a run. Having to put on 10 layers and bundle up before leaving the apartment is not so nice. I'd also like to be able to feel my fingers and toes again when I'm outside, thanks. 

Snow is pretty. It does make everything look like a winter wonderland. I'm all for having fun and building snowmen and making snow angels. Snow that causes a big mess and doesn't even get me ANY snow days off from work this year is not cool.  A couple measly two-hour delays are all you doled out to me this year which still forces to me to have a less than pleasant work commute.  I know Baltimore didn't get hit as hard as other cities, but it's just been annoying here. Slightly warmer and okay weather one day and then below freezing and an ice storm the next day. 

The main culprit lately has been ice. The devil of winter. I'll bundle up and take on the cold with minimal complaining. Taking a chance of wiping out and possibly busting myself up on a patch of ice? No thank-you. It was very unpleasant on Sunday to see the weather forecast as "ice pellets". 

5 Favorite Marathon Training Products #2

Disclaimer: As a Team Nuun member I receive discounted product and as a Feetures! ambassador I receive complimentary socks.  . I was sent a Forerunner 15 watch to test & review from Garmin. I did not, and will not, receive any financial compensation from Nuun, Garmin, or Feetures! As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Even though we're stuck in the thick of winter, I'm holding on to the fact that spring isn't too far away. While I'm under-prepared for my spring race season (oops), it is quickly approaching. Soon everyone will be running, racing, and coming out of hibernation to train. I thought I'd share five of my favorite products from training for my second marathon-the Chicago Marathon, last year. This list is slightly different from my favorite gear list during training for my first marathon.  

Actually all of these products, besides the shoes,  I use all the time no matter the distance I'm training for!

1. Adidas Energy Boost 2

I'm still a Brooks Running lady at heart, but the Adidas Energy Boost 2 shoes were good to me this past marathon training season. I've been spoiled because no shoe I try ever feels as bouncy as these do. I loved the responsiveness and slight cushion of the boost material along with the thinner, slightly stretchy upper. I felt like I definitely had enough support for long runs and the constant pounding of me feet. These also gave me no problems during the actual marathon which is obviously super important. 

2. Garmin Forerunner 15

Also picture is my Road ID which I highly recommend. 

Last summer I was sent a Garmin Forerunner 15 tester to use & review, and I haven't gone back to my Garmin Forerunner 405 since.  Besides this particular Garmin being in one of my favorite colors (it comes in many), I love how much more lightweight it is.  The Forerunner 15 has solid GPS tracking along with step/activity tracking.  It retails at around $140  which is reasonable for a GPS running watch.  I like that the sporty design, clear display, and fairly long battery life.  The setup of the watch is really simple and clear, but you can get more details and features when you sync it online. Even though it can track steps, it doesn't track sleep, so that's why I still like using my FitBit sometimes.  It only displays two data fields at a time (i.e pace and distance) so you have to press a button to flip through them which is sometimes inconvenient. 

However when I'm running I just need a simple watch to help with speed workouts and to track my pace, time, and mileage so this watch does the job. 

3. Fuel: Salted Caramel Gu & Nuun Energy

Clearly as a Team Nuun member for the second year in a row, I love me some Nuun. The tablets are like Alka Seltzer and dissolve in water, leaving me with a slightly effervescent, flavored hydration drink with no sugar and lots of vitamins and electrolytes.  For races I love the Nuun Energy Lemon-Lime flavor. It has the usual electrolyte mix but is boosted with caffeine (about the amount in a cup of coffee, nothing crazy).  Nuun has no carbs though so I always need to fuel during long runs and training. My marathon method of choice this past time was the delicious Salted Caramel Gu every 5-6 miles. I used this throughout training to make sure I felt good with it. Each packet is 100 calories with 22g of carbs and was enough for me during the marathon after doing a pre-race carb-load.  

Hydrating with Nuun as I spectated the 2014 Boston Marathon

4. Pacebands

From the Pacebands Facebook page

I bought two Pacebands before the marathon training started-a 3:30 reach goal, and a 3:35 one. I ended up wearing the 3:35 one during the race, and since I started the race just trying to have fun and run as well as I could, it was nice to focus more on my paceband and less on my Garmin. I used the paceband a couple times during tempo runs to practice with it and make sure I felt good pacing myself. 

I know I've seen stickers or even people writing the paces per mile to reach a certain goal time on their arm, but I liked the idea of a reusable band I could wear on my wrist. They retail for $8.99 and come in a variety of paces for races including half marathons,marathons, 10Ks, and even 5Ks.  

5. Feetures! running socks

 I've mentioned multiple how excited I am to be a Feetures! Ambassador this year. I discovered the running socks brand when I was training for my first marathon 2 years ago and realized how important a good pair of socks was. I mostly use the high performance Feetures! in the light cushion style.  They have just the right amount of cushioning for my feet.  I love how the socks are so soft and comfortable, but also keep my feet blister-free and dry when the mileage creeps up during training. 

What are your favorite race training products?  Do you have any big spring races coming up?

This post was linked up for Friday favorites here, here, and here. 

RNR Philly News & WIAW Favorite Foods Lately

Disclaimer: I was given a complimentary 3 pack of  Great Low Carb Bread products for review. As a Rock 'n' Blogger, I received a complimentary Tour Pass 3-Pack. I did not, and will not, receive any financial compensation as a Rock 'n' Blogger. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Before I start talking about food on this WIAW, I wanted to give everyone a heads up about a big race. After scheduling issues due to the Pope's visit this Fall, the Philadelphia Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon will be held on October 31,2015. It's the day before the New York City Marathon which is difficult for many people. It should be back to it's usual time in September next year. 

It was my first half marathon ever back in 2012 so it holds a special place in my heart, and I can't wait to return to run it this year.

Registration opens tomorrow and the first 1000 registrants will only pay $55!  

Remember, you can save $15 all year on Rock and Roll half and full marathons with my code RUNWITHLAUREN. 

I thought I'd talk about some of my favorite foods I've been eating lately.Besides the staples of nut butter, bananas, and something green everyday of course.  I love food and cooking but always seem to get into trends with what I'm eating. 

My Five Favorite Foods Lately

1. Chicken Thighs

Once you go dark meat you never go back. 

I've been meaning to rant about this for a while. The facts are there and dark meat and chicken thighs have gotten a bad rap. A 3.5 ounce chicken thigh has 209 calories and 11g of delicious fat, while the same amount of chicken breast has 165 calories and 3.6 g of fat. Fat is fuel and is delicious. If you really care about calories, you can remove the thigh skin too. The dark meat is SO MUCH more flavorful  and moist than chicken breasts-my boyfriend doesn't want to buy anything else anymore! Seriously boneless, skinless chicken breasts are so blah after you've been eating chicken thighs. Come to the dark side!

  I usually keep it simple and just cover the thighs with salt, pepper, olive oil, and some herbs and roast in the oven at 375F for 30 minutes. Delicious!

2. Peanut Butter and Jelly

This is one of my favorite food's always, not just lately. Any kind of nut butter and any type of jelly will do the trick for me. One of my favorite combos lately is Justin's vanilla almond butter and strawberry jam-it's amazeballs.

 I got the chance to review some products from the Great Low Carb Bread Company. Their cinnamon bagel with peanut butter and jelly makes for an awesome breakfast on the go. I've been totally craving bagels lately so this hits the spot. Their bagel isn't gluten-free, but it has 2 g of net carbs and 14g of protein. The only problem is I already ate the whole pack of bagels!