Relax, Recover and Rest with Nuun

Disclaimer: I received a 2 tubes of Nuun Rest to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!

Afternoon Speed Work in the SC Summer, of course!

As a runner, I have a lot of strong qualities. I can write a training plan like nobody's business. If I say I will meet you to run, you better the heck believe I will be there. I am the first person to say "Yes" to running a stupid number of miles if you need long run company. Cross training? I'm at Burn Boot Camp at 5:30 am pretty much every weekday morning. Pushing 100 degrees out? Lace up and let's go. Speed work? Hills? The more the better. I am willing to put in the work.

But where my true weakness lies is in an area that is just as important as putting in the work, REST. 

I suck at resting. I took a rest day this past Sunday because I honesty could not remember the last time that I had not either run or gone to Burn and when I woke up I felt like I had been beaten in the night. So I begrudgingly took the day off on Sunday, and totally felt guilty the whole day. And when it came time to go to bed, I just couldn't relax. I was so restless I ended up getting a crap night's sleep which lead to a crap day on Monday. Moral of the story - I should have had some Nuun Rest as a part of my bedtime routine! 

Nuun Rest, What's That?

I'm glad you asked. You may have heard of Nuun before. It is the go to hydration supplement for many a runner. It's awesome stuff that I've used for years. Basically flavorful drink tablets packed with electrolytes and other great things (depending on the type - vitamins. minerals, caffeine and other great things to keep you hydrated and performing your best). 

Recently Nuun introduced a new product to their line up, Nuun Rest, which is designed to help aid in recovery, rest and relaxation - all the things I suck at. So yeah, when given the chance to try it out, I was 100% in. Here are some basic facts about it:

• Nuun Rest is meant for recovery. It is NOT an electrolyte replacement like other Nuun varieties.
• The key components in Nuun Rest are Magnesium and Tart Cherry juice which help aid in recovery.
• Since this is a rest/recovery product it really helps with sleep...that means it also can 
  make you sleepy.
• Due to Nuun Rest’s high levels of magnesium (300mg) only 1 serving per day is recommended.
• 1 tablet = 10 calories & 1g of sugar. Contains no artificial sweeteners and Non-GMO verified ingredients.
• Nuun Rest should be mixed with a smaller amount of water than other Nuun products. It is recommended to mix with 4-6 oz of water instead of 16 oz like the electrolyte Nuun products. (I mix mine with warm water, it not only helps it dissolve faster, but also adds to the calming effect I think.
• Comes in two calming flavors: Blackberry Vanilla and Lemon Chamomile.

For more information from the Nuun website - check out their blog post here: https://nuunlife.com/blogs/news/introducing-nuun-rest

So Does it Work?

I've used Nuun Rest several times now as a part of my bedtime routine. I mix with warm water in a mug and drink it about 30 minutes or so before I hit the bed. I love the taste of both the Blackberry Vanilla and the Lemon Chamomile, but think I like the Lemon Chamomile a bit more - it is very tart and refreshing. I've used it the night before a race to help calm pre-race jitters and have used it on nights when I've had a stressful day to help me relax. I do really feel that it helps me to get sleepy and unwind better. I will continue to use it, especially on the days that I find I need a little extra help slipping into relaxation mode.

Want to try it for yourself? You can order Nuun Rest from the Nuun website here: https://nuunlife.com/ and use discount code "HYDRATEBIBPRO" for 20% off your purchase. (Excluding subscription options and bundles. Good through 10/31)

Cheers to a good night's rest!

Dropping FBOMBs - Fat Is Smart Fuel Nut Butter Review

Disclaimer: I received a 16 pack of FBOMB Macadamia Nut Butters to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!

So, if you have read my blog at all, or followed me on socials (if not, here's my Twitter and Instagram) you know that I run. And I work out at Burn Boot Camp. A lot. I expend a lot of energy in the day, so I find myself snacking a lot to keep my energy up. And I am always on the lookout for clean, healthy snacks that provide good nutrition and clean energy, otherwise all of that running and strength training would be wasted. So when I was given the chance to try FBOMB Nut Butters, I jumped at the chance. 

Someone dropped an FBOMB on my porch, lol

First, let me hit you with a few FBOMB facts.

• They each come in around 200 calories. 
• They are Keto friendly
• They are Paleo friendly
• They are Vegetarian friendly
• They are Vegan friendly
• They have no sugar added
• They are Gluten Free
• They have no GMOs
• They are Dairy free
• They are Peanut free
• They have a unique texture that is creamy with small nut chunks
• They are DELICIOUS (this one may be opinion) 

FBOMB Nut Butters come in 4 different flavors:

• Macadamia with Coconut Nut Butter Blend
• Macadamia with Sea Salt Nut Butter
• Salted Chocolate Macadamia Nut Butter
• Macadamia Pecan with Sea Salt Nut Butter

And spoiler alert: they are all fantastic, but my absolute favorite is the Macadamia with Coconut. This stuff is seriously good! I may have even cut open the packet and licked the inside. It's THAT good!

I've used FBOMBs both as a post-workout pick me up and as a coffee break snack at work. And while they are super easy to eat right out of the pouch (just Knead, Tear and Eat), you can also use them to add a bit of extra energizing yum to other foods. I drizzled the Macadamia Pecan on a cut up apple and it was AMAZING! Another one of my fellow BibRave Pros who also got to sample them posted an amazing looking FBOMB Banana Bowl recipe here: http://www.scootadoot.org/2019/09/04/road-tested-fbomb-macadamia-nut-butters-2/

If you’re interested in trying these out, use code BRP10 to save 10% off the 16-count FBOMB Nut Butter Variety Pack on their website - https://www.dropanfbomb.com/collections/nut-butters/products/fbomb-nut-butter-variety-pack-16-count

Time is Running Out To Conquer the Bridge!

I’m promoting the Savannah Bridge Run as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews!”

You may have seen my post about 2 weeks ago on the reasons why you should run the Enmarket Savannah Bridge Run - if not, check it out here: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2018/11/5-reasons-to-conquer-bridge-savannah.html

Race day is THIS SATURDAY! (Dec. 1st) And you only have until Thursday, Nov. 29th  to register online!!!  Don't be like me and miss out on this amazing race over the 

Register here: http://www.savannahbridgerun.com/ and use discount code "BIBSAV20" to save 20% off the registration price. You can also get more information and see course maps plus helpful links for planning your trip to Savannah. 

CONQUER THE BRIDGE!

EARN THE MEDAL!

5 Reasons to Conquer the Bridge: Savannah Bridge Run

I’m promoting the Savannah Bridge Run as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews!”

On December 1st, runners will descend upon the beautiful Southern city of Savannah, GA with one goal in mind. CONQUER THE BRIDGE. Here's just a few reasons of why you should join them for the Savannah Bridge Run. 

1. Running over a bridge, especially a huge one, is just plain cool. Have you ever ran over a bridge over a huge river before? I've done it a couple of times now (Cooper River in Charleston and Allegheny River in Pittsburgh) and let me tell you, it's pretty awesome. The views are magnificent and there is something just beautiful and calming about being high up over the water like that even during a race. Plus, for the rest of your life you can point to the Talmadge Bridge and say to your friends and family - "Guess what, I ran over that" and revel in their ooohs and ahhhs. 

Pic taken at RnR Savannah - 11/3

2. Savannah is BEAUTIFUL, especially on foot. Close your eyes and picture an imaginary city in the deep south. Marsh-lined beaches, palm trees, grand oaks draped with Spanish Moss, beautiful old homes, charming parks with statues and grand fountains, quaint riverfront areas with shops and amazing seafood and soul food. Except this isn't imaginary, it's Savannah. It is practically oozing with Southern Charm and beauty. 

3. Savannah is one of the most welcoming cities for runners I have ever experienced. I recently ran the Rock n Roll Savannah races, and seriously, the town was THE BEST. There were cheer squads the ENTIRE route of the Half Marathon. People handing out supplies like water, snacks, tissues, heck, I was offered at least 5-6 beers in the last 2 miles alone. And not by course volunteers (though there were plenty of these as well) but by kind spectators. Savannah truly lives up to it's nickname as the Hostess City of the South.

4. The Savannah Bridge Run has race options for every type of runner. No matter your level, there is an option for you. Wanna cross the bridge once? Run the 5K. Want to cross it twice? There's a 10K. Still have more in you? Boom, run the Double Pump Challenge, both the 5K and the 10K for 3 awesome bridge crossings. Need an even bigger challenge? There's even a Rucking division! Want to involve the whole family? There is a FREE kid's challenge, and though it does not go over the bridge the kids get their own awesome medal when they cross the finish. 

5. The Savannah Bridge Run SWAG/Finisher Rewards are straight up AMAZING!

Here's what you get:

All 5K, 10K and Double Pump participants receive the following:

• Awesome Finisher medal
• Long sleeved participant shirt 
• Access to the Post-Race Party for beer and live music
• Brunswick Stew
• Virtual SWAG Bag
• Bragging rights that you completed the South's toughest Bridge Run!
• *5K runners will get a complementary shuttle ride back to the Post-Race Party area

Unfortunately for me, I am unable to attend this year's Savannah Bridge run due to a conflicting family schedule, but I'm for sure adding it to my 2019 list. Don't you miss out too! 

Register >> http://SavannahBridgeRun.com and get 20% on your entry with discount code "BIBSAV20". You can also get more information and see course maps plus helpful links for planning your trip to Savannah.