Racing this Spring

It's been a tough winter and a cold snowy spring which really dampened my enthusiasm for training for my spring races.  I basically hibernated this winter and with spring so long in coming, I had to use the treadmill for training, and I really really hated that. 

So, I really wasn't ready for my first races of the season.  Lack of training on top of a back/hip injury made for a winter weight gain and lack of conditioning.    It's time to get to a physiotherapist for my back/hip and to get moving more without aggravating my injury.   

With nicer weather coming, I'm ready to shed those winter pounds and train and be ready for my next race!

Me heading for the finish line

My daughter running with her arm in a sling - I wasn't the only one running with an injury

BangBands by Linny Review

I have very messy hair - it's curly and it has a mind of its own which is very annoying when exercising or running.  I am always looking for a good solution. I've tried many different hair clips, ties, bands, hats - you name it, I've tried it.  

Luckily I found BangBands by Linny on Facebook.  Her bands looked promising, so I then went to her Etsy store to check out the variety of bands.  She has a wide variety of bands to choose from, and if you are a sports fan, you're in luck!!

I was surprised to find out that each and every BangBands is made by hand so you know that it will be well made.   I chose the St. Paddy's Day Clovers with reversable Polka Dots.  It's cute, but most of all, it stays put when I workout and it keeps my hair out of my face and eyes.

These bands are great!!  I love mine, and I know you will love one too.  Scroll to the bottom of this post to see an offer just for my readers.

One look.....

Two looks with the same band!  Love it!

Check out all of the bands that are available on the Etsy site:

www.etsy.com/shop/bangbandsbylinny

And follow BangBands by Linny on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/bangbandsbylinny

Here is a great offer for my readers, you can get  FREE shipping with code "ENVIGEURFITNESS" at check out.    How awesome is that??

I was not paid for this review.  I received a free band of my choice in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Hemp Hearts Review

I was lucky enough to be chosen to do a review of hemp hearts.  At first I wasn't sure that I was ready to try hemp hearts - I was a little leery about the taste.  Hemp is so versatile, it can be used to make paper products, cloth, even rope, but I hadn't heard about eating it.  I had no need to worry about the taste, hemp hearts are so darn good and they are good for you (how often does that happen??).
They have a slightly nutty taste and are full of protein, fibre and omegas.

There are lots of things you can do with your Hemp Hearts from Manitoba Harvest.  You can add them to your smoothies, toss on your salad, or my favourite, you can add them to your yogurt.

On Manitoba Harvest's website, there is a whole section with recipes to make with your Hemp Hearts.  Click here to visit.

Hemp Hearts on my greek yogurt - YUM!

I was not paid for this review, all of the opinions are my own.  I received a bag of hemp hearts in exchange for a review.

Quick & Easy Sweet Treat

 Sometimes, especially when I am really careful about counting my calories, I get a craving for something sweet.   I was happy when I came across this easy and delicious recipe.  It's so simple, you won't believe it.  It's called the 3-2-1 recipe.
All you need is one box of angel food cake mix and another box of a regular cake mix in a flavour you like (I chose lemon for my mix).

Next step is to mix the two boxes together in a zip bag or a tupperware - something to keep it in.  

To make a single serving, take a mug that is microwavable, and put 3 tablespoons of the cake mixture in, then add 2 tablespoons of water to the mix in the cup.

Mix the water (2 tablespoons) and the cake mix (3 tablespoons)together, then stick it in the microwave for 1 minute  (hence the 3-2-1)

Here is the "cake" hot out of the microwave.  Smells delicous! 

It is light and fluffy and just the right amount to satisfy my sweet tooth.  This is a lemon mix with the angel food mix.  If you try a different type of cake mix, let me know what flavour and how you liked it.  I'd love to hear!  
Be sure to remember that one of the cake mixes must be angel food.

Motion Geek Running Analysis Review

Last month I was asked by Motion Geek  if I would like an analysis of my running form.  Correct running form is important to increase speed and also to prevent injuries.  I was excited to give this a try because I know I have some bad habits with my running and I know I do have issues with my knees and hips.

Their video gait analysis helps to identify certain areas of your body that require improvement, and in their report the Motion Geek specialists give you exercises and advice on how to help correct the problems.

When you register on their site, you fill out a medical information form.  You give them your weight, height, running pace, goals, and medical problems and any pain you are currently experiencing, etc.
Then you have to video yourself running from two different views and also videos of yourself performing different functional movements for their analysis.  Don't worry, they provide very detailed instructions of what you need to do.  

Once you register, fill out the medical form and upload your videos, they are sent off to their physical therapists for analysis and you will relieve your report withing 2 to 3 business days.

When I relieved my very detailed report, I was very impressed with what they could tell me from just a few videos!  Some of my issues I already knew (I am knock-kneed), but some I was totally surprised by.    I found out that I have midfoot pronation and they suggested that I wear medial supportive shoes.  I also have weak hip abductors, and I need to stretch my hips, plus some other weaknesses that I have to address if I want to run faster and prevent injury.

The great thing is that they give you exercises and stretches to do with how many reps and how often.
Here are a couple of the exercises/stretches that they recommended for me in my 14 page detailed report.

Half kneel hip flexor stretch

Piriformis stretch

I have implemented the suggested exercises and stretches into my workout routine and am already feeling a difference.  I didn't realize how tight some of my hip muscles were until I started stretching them.  It's been great and I do notice a big difference!  Thanks Motion Geek! 

If you are a runner, I would suggest getting an analysis done by Motion Geek. You won't be sorry you did, and they even have a guarantee that you'll see results (see website for details and restrictions).  

I recieved a free anaylsis in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own. 

Looking for a last minute gift?

I know everyone is scrambling to get everything done before Christmas and sometimes at the last minute you realize that you don't have a gift for someone.  How could you forget?  Well it does happen, but relax, I have a quick and simple solution - homemade sugar body scrub.   It's easy to make and smells and feels great!

The recipe calls for:  2 cups white granulated sugar, 1/4 cup coconut oil, an essential oil (I used lemon) and food colouring of your choice (I couldn't find yellow, so I chose green).

Mix the sugar and coconut oil until well mixed (like pictured below), then add a few drops of the essential oil & mix.    Separate the sugar/coconut oil mixture in two separate bowls, and in one of the bowls, add a few drops of food colouring & mix (it doesn't take too many drops to colour it). 

In an attractive container, alternate layers of the coloured and non-coloured mixture, and voila, you're done!   Now you can gift it as-is, or wrap it up.  You might even want to keep some for yourself :)

Citrus Sugar Scrub - Finished Product

Winner!!

I know you've all been waiting, so without further rambles, the winner of they black leopard gloves from Gym Girl is......

"Hungry Hobby" is the winner!  I've sent you an email, and if you can message me back, I can set you up with how to get your new black leopard gloves from Gym Girl.

For those of you who didn't win, you can still get yourself a pair and get 15% off with the code ENVIGEURFITNESS.