My Fit Habit

Showing posts with label shakeology. Show all posts

Training for a half marathon is HARD. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. But honestly? It's probably not as hard as you imagine it to be. It wasn't for me, and before I started training I had never run more than 3 miles at a time. I learned a ton about myself, and about what works for me while training for my first race.

So below are my 100% amateur, non-professional, total novice (how many ways can I say beginner?) tips for training.

Lesson 1: Run when the running is good.
I made the mistake a few times (ok, several) of running when I was too tired, too hot, too full, etc. I learned not to force a run if I knew I'd struggle through it. I also learned to embrace good conditions when I came across them: run harder when it's cool, when there's a breeze, when you're going slightly downhill, when a great song comes on. When there is a shady side, run there. Don't force a long run if you aren't feeling it, you'll just have a bad run.

Lesson 2: Be lucky.
Live in a dry climate. Have a supportive partner. Don't have joint problems.

Obviously I'm not super serious with this one, but it really did factor into my training.

Lesson 3: Track your progress, and publicize it.
Before I started training, the farthest I'd ever run was 3.4 miles, and I did that the week I decided to sign up for the half. I used a Hal Higdon training plan, mixed in strength and intervals, and started moving forward. Each week on my long run was the longest I'd ever run, and it was SO REWARDING. I posted about it on Facebook and Instagram, and even though a couple people told me it was inspiring, my motives were selfish. I needed the encouragement! It really helped to know people were watching my progress, that they were proud of what I was trying to accomplish.

Lesson 4: Create a great playlist, and then change it up.
Nothing energizes me like a great song, but after a while I got really tired of my playlist on long runs because I knew how far I still had to run by each song. So my advice? Switch it up, but make sure it's something that motivates you. You can't go wrong with Britney, Kelly, and Taylor (Spears, Clarkson, and Swift, obviously).

Lesson 5: Don't wear shorts to run.
This is pretty basic. My thighs rub together when I run. And while a couple miles is fine, after 6 or 7 or 8 I'm miserable. My solution is running capris, my favorite have a zip pocket in the back for my keys. Bodyglide and other anti-chafe products also work, but I prefer the capris. While we're at it...on race day just put that stuff allll over your the places where your skin rubs together. Trust me.

Lesson 6: Eat enough, and make what you eat a habit.
I discovered early on that I could not run a distance first thing on an empty stomach. Before each long run on Saturday mornings I made the same exact breakfast: Shakeology with oats and half a banana. My stomach was accustomed to Shakeology because I drink it every day, the oats were for a little extra carb jump, and the banana was to help with muscle cramping. It was the perfect meal: not so many calories that I had to wait more than 1 hour before running, but enough that I didn't feel dizzy when I get to mile 5.

That's it! Tips for training from an amateur runner.

I often get asked about 'those shakes' that I drink - so I thought I'd do a post about what Shakeology is and why I LOVE it.

So first things first - I am a LAZY person. I am in a constant battle against that fact, but it's the truth. Anything that helps me maintain a healthy lifestyle with minimal effort, I'm into. I can make a shake in less than 2 minutes in the morning, and I can take packets on the go and make it while traveling (which I do a lot of lately). I stay pretty busy, so knowing that I had at least one meal that is packed with nutrients is important to me.

When I started my challenge group in December, I was pretty skeptical about drinking Shakeology. I thought I'd get sick of it, thought I wouldn't like the taste, and didn't really see the point in drinking it. But it was part of the requirements, and I knew my coach wouldn't lead me astray, since she'd been through what I was going through. Now, I never miss a day. I actually think of Shakeology as my reward for finishing a workout every morning.

Positive side effects:

1. Increase in energy

2. My skin cleared up (probably a side effect of clean eating as well)

3. Keeps me full for 2-3 hours (due to the carb to protein ratio - it's NOT just a protein shake)

4. Improved digestion

5. Curbs cravings for sweets

What is Shakeology?

Shakeology contains over 70 ultra high-quality ingredients conveniently located in one glass, to deliver nearly all the nutrients you need to maintain a healthy diet. It's good for you, and good for everyone, because everyone's diet is deficient in some of the key nutrient groups packed into just one Shakeology serving.

Protein from whey, which is highly absorbable, gives you 8 essential amino acids that help you build muscle, lose weight, support brain function, and keep your skin and bones healthy.

Vitamins and minerals support optimum health.

Antioxidants boost the immune system and help reduce free radical damage that can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, blood pressure, and stroke.

Phytonutrients support immune function and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Prebiotics support digestive and immune health.

Digestive enzymes help in the digestion of foods and increase the absorption rate of those foods for optimum health.

Flavor Review

I started out with Vanilla because I thought it would be the most versatile for recipes, and I stand by that decision. Vanilla is my main flavor: I love it plain with water or almond milk, and I love making recipes with it as well. I tried the Chocolate and Strawberry recently, and I have to admit I've been cheating on Vanilla with Chocolate! I'll be honest with you, I don't love Strawberry. I know a lot of people were crazy excited when that flavor was introduced earlier this year, and they really love it. For me, it's not a favorite, but I have made a couple recipes with it that I liked.

I loved this video about Shakeology: See Why 100 Doctors Recommend Shakeology

Ways to Try Shakeology
1. Message me about trying Shakeology and I can help you find a flavor you like.

2. You can purchase a week's worth of samples from me to try out Shakeology and see if it's the right fit for you for $35.
3. You can purchase a Shakeology cleanse for $55 to jump start your weight loss program or break a plateau.
4. You can sign up for Shakeology HD (home direct) which gives your free shipping and automatically ships your Shakes to you each month. You can cancel at any time with no questions asked. There is also a 30 day money back bottom of the bag guarantee. If for any reason you do not like the shake you can return the empty bag for a full refund.

5. You can purchase Shakeology in the bag or 24 individual serving sizes, both are the same price. With individual serving sizes you can have an assortment of Greenberry and Chocolate, Chocolate and Vanilla, Tropical Strawberry and Vegan Chocolate, and Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry.

What do you get for your purchase of Shakeology HD?
Your first Shakeology order not only comes with a month's supply...
You receive a calendar of 30 different ways to make each flavor.
You receive free shipping when you sign up for Home Direct.
You not only get a shake but you get a nutrient rich meal that you do not have to worry about creating yourself!

Even if you don't think you're a 'shake' person, I'd encourage you to give Shakeology a shot. (From one skeptic to another!)

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Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Shakeology

If You're Running, You're a Runner: Lessons learned training for my first half marathon

Shakeology Review and Testimonial

Shakeology Cleanse Day 1 - My Experience

Mango Morning Shakeology Bowl

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