Product Review Wednesdays: Kyrie 1 'Driveway' from Nike

Kyrie 1 'Driveway' from Nike ** image courtesy of Nike

Nike Release Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2015 @ 10:00am
Price: $110


About:

After spending countless hours taking shots in the driveway, darkness always snuck up too quickly on young Kyrie— that’s when the stadium lights got fired up. Kyrie’s dad would park the car at the edge of the driveway and hit the brights, giving his son another hour of work on his craft before dinner time.

Nike Kyrie 1 'Driveway' side view

Nike Kyrie 1 'Driveway' top view

Nike Kyrie 1 'Driveway' back view

Nike Kyrie 1 'Driveway' side view

Nike Kyrie 1 'Driveway' bottom view

** images and information courtesy of Nike 

Fitness Tip Tuesdays: 7 Exercises That Will Ease Joint Pain

Fitness Tip Tuesdays: 7 Exercises That Will Ease Joint Pain ** image courtesy of VivaMagOnline.

Sometimes, after a run, I have a little bit of joint pain. I researched ways to help subside the pain and found an article from HealthCentral.com titled "7 Exercises That Will Ease Joint Pain". Here is what the article said:

Seven Exercises:

1) Yoga:

Yoga has been shown to improve physical function, strength and flexibility in people living with rheumatoid arthritis. But, it may be necessary to modify certain yoga poses to minimize joint stress.

 2) Tai Chi:

Tai Chi has been found to improve muscle strength, endurance, mood and quality of life in people with RA. Overall physical function may also improve, but, like yoga, some poses may need to be modified to protect the joints.

3) Stretching:

Stretching can help maintain or improve the flexibility in joints and surrounding muscles, which contributes to better posture and overall function. It also may help reduce the risk for injuries. Stretching exercises should be done three days a week, while holding each stretch for 30 seconds.

4) Range of Motion:

Range of motion (ROM) exercises are often used in therapeutic programs, as they can improve joint stiffness and flexibility. Some people find that doing ROM exercises in the evening helps reduce joint stiffness the next morning. They are usually done five to 10 times a day.

5) Water Exercise:

Water exercise or aerobics can be a good alternative for people with RA. The water can provide some resistance, while also being easy on the joints.

6) Resistance Training:

Resistance training and strengthening exercises are important, as strong muscles can provide greater joint support and reduce the load and stress through the joint. Muscle can also improve function and help reduce bone loss from inactivity.  Weight resistance should challenge the muscles without increasing joint pain. Even lifting a limb against gravity is a form of resistance training.



** If you would like to read more on the article, please visit HealthCentral.com


 

Travel and Event Mondays: Upcoming Running Events In The United States

Here are a few events that I found in the United States that I would like to do one day:

- The Happiest 5k on the Planet - The Color Run Washington, DC (Washington, DC)
  September 27, 2015
  ** Also known as The Happiest 5k on the Planet, we love chucking paint and making people smile. With events in more than 50 countries, The Color Run is on almost every single continent on EARTH!

Less about your 10-minute-mile and more about having the time of your life, The Color Run is a five-kilometer, un-timed race in which thousands of participants are doused from head to toe in different colors at each kilometer.

- 10th Annual Scarecrow Classic 5k and 1 Mile Survivor Walk (Baltimore, MD)
  October 4, 2015
  ** The 10th Annual Scarecrow Classic 5k and 1 Mile Walk will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2015 at its All-New Location on the University of Maryland Baltimore County campus. This event, hosted by the Brain Injury Association of Maryland (BIAMD) will rally survivors, families, friends, and supporters around the common goal of raising awareness about brain injury within the community and providing much needed funding to support the programs and initiatives of BIAMD.


- 2015 Marine Corps Marathon Team Azalea Charities Run For Wounded Warriors (Arlington, VA)
  October 25, 2015
  ** The 10th Annual Scarecrow Classic 5k and 1 Mile Walk will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2015 at its All-New Location on the University of Maryland Baltimore County campus. This event, hosted by the Brain Injury Association of Maryland (BIAMD) will rally survivors, families, friends, and supporters around the common goal of raising awareness about brain injury within the community and providing much needed funding to support the programs and initiatives of BIAMD.


- Celtic Solstice Five-Miler (Baltimore, MD)
  December 19, 2015
  ** Baltimore's Premier Winter Event!  The Celtic Solstice Five-Miler returns for its 16th year replete with all the festivities that have made it such a smash hit in previous years.  This year the premium is a Brooks winter running shirt that normally retails for $75.  The entry to the race with the custom-designed premium is only $70.  Savings plus the event with soup, cookies, hot wine, and much, much more.

Tune in next Monday for events and running destinations on Travel and Event Mondays!

Also, check in tomorrow for my seventh installment of Fitness Tip Tuesdays!

Song List Sundays: Songs for Runners to Listen to While Running

This week I am going to try to stay on track and keep running. I plan to run at least 3 days this week, maybe three with several walks in between. Needless to say, I will need motivation to keep it up. With that being said, here is a list of 15 songs that I plan on listening to  in the next week:

Also, feel free to check out the videos of each song by clicking each song link. If you like any of these songs, feel free to click the either the iTunes link or the Amazon digital download link to support the artist!

1) Jacob Plant - "Hunger"
Download: iTunes or Amazon

2) Nelly - "The Fix (feat. Jeremih)"
Download: iTunes or Amazon

3) Spada & Elen Levon - "Cool Enough (Addal Remix)"
Download: iTunes or Amazon

4) Robyn & La Bagatelle Magique - "Love Is Free (feat. Maluca)"
Download: iTunes or Amazon

5) Deorro - "Hustlin'"
Download: Not sure where to purchase this song. Just click the link above to watch the video if you would like to listen.

6) Diplo & Sleepy Tom - "Be Right There"
Download: iTunes or Amazon

7) Rita Ora - "Body on Me (feat. Chris Brown) [Dave Audé Tropical Remix]"
Download: iTunes

8) Autoerotique - "Turn Up the Volume"
Download: iTunes or Amazon

9) Fareoh - "Fight for You (feat. Ethan Thompson)"
Download: iTunes or Amazon

10) Fox Stevenson & Curbi - "Hoohah"
Download: iTunes or Amazon

11) Alvaro & D-Wayne - "Take U"
Download: iTunes or Amazon

12) Malaa - "Pregnant"
Download: iTunes

13) Galantis - "Runaway (U & I) [Quintino Remix]"
Download: iTunes or Amazon

14) Azari & III  - "Reckless (With Your Love) (DJ Sneak Stereo Gangstaz Remix)"
Download: iTunes or Amazon

15) Ciara - "Work (Poker Face Radio Edit)"
Download: iTunes


Tune in next Sunday for more music to run to on Song List Sundays!

Also, check in tomorrow for my seventh installment of Travel and Event Mondays!

Supplement Saturdays: Vegan Protein Powder

Plant Fusion Vegan Vegetarian Protein Powder ** image courtesy of BalancedGrettie

I used protein powders, such as whey protein, for awhile. I would usually use this to refuel after a run and after a workout. I am looking into protein shakes and what type of protein powder I might want to start using. Whey protein is good, but I have been seeing a lot about vegan / vegetarian protein powders and its various benefits. I found an article from Hippocrates Health Institute titled "The Ultimate Power Of Raw Vegan Protein Powder". Here is what article says:

Raw Vegan Protein:

"Vegan protein is considered a premium protein, and can be used after workouts to enhance the recovery process and also contains a high percentage of essential amino acids. Your body does not produce these protein building blocks, so you have to eat them. Raw vegan protein powder clearly has some nutritional advantages. It contains high levels of branched-chain amino acids to help boost the immune system and increase the production of glutathione, a natural antioxidant. Additionally, raw protein is absorbed rapidly in the intestines. This results in a nice rise of amino acids and helps recovery. Dietary glutamine plays a key role by helping to maintain muscle mass, enhance glycogen, promote healing, increase growth hormone levels and help prevent muscle catabolism. Vegan protein has no lactose and is an acceptable part of a vegetarian diet. Leucine, isoleucine and valine are essential amino acids that play important roles in muscle tissue repair. All of the essential amino acids and proteins can be obtained by consuming a variety of raw foods. Proteins containing all the essential amino acids are complete (high quality) proteins."

Plant Protein Products:

There are several vegan pant protein powders on the market now. Two of those products are below:

Vega One Nutritional Shake:

Vega One Nutritional Shake ** image courtesy of Vega

Here is what Vega says about their product:

We put the best in so you get the best out. Made from real, whole food ingredients, Vega One is like a serving of "I've totally got this" in a glass. With Everything you need all in one, delicious scoop, Vega One gives you:

- 20 grams premium plant-based protein

- 6 servings of greens

- 50% daily intake of food-based vitamins and minerals

- 25% DV fiber

- 1.5 grams of Omega-3s

- Antioxidants

- Probiotics (1 billion CFU)

- Only 160 calories. (French Vanilla)

Instructions:

Enjoy Vega One shake with water or non-dairy beverage, or in a smoothie.

Flavors: French Vanilla, Chocolate, Natural, Berry, Vanilla Chai

Single Pack ($3.99)

Box of 10 Single Packs ($39.99)

Vega One All-In-One Sampler ($12.00)

Small Tub ($39.99)

Large Tub ($69.99)

** To see more about this product, please visit the Vega online store

Plant Fusion Protein Shake:

Plant Fusion Protein Shake ** image courtesy of Plant Fusion

Here is what Plant Fusion says about their product:

Years of testing and research on more than a dozen different plant-based protein sources led to the creation of this unique blend of ingredients that, when combined, scores a perfect 1.0 on the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS). PDCAAS is the gold standard for rating the quality of protein for human nutrition.

PlantFusion was designed to be a simple, delicious tool to help you achieve your health and fitness goals. The protein in PlantFusion is perfect for muscle energy, managing appetite, and overall recovery from exercise and daily stress.

The only plant-based protein shake that compares to whey; enhanced with 4500mg of branched chain amino acids (BCAA) and 3,350mg of glutamine, PlantFusion is a complete and extremely potent source of protein by any standard. The first plant-based protein that compares to animal proteins (like whey) in amino acid density and balance.

The only plant-based protein shake that compares to whey:

Enhanced with 4500mg of branched chain amino acids (BCAA) and 3,350mg of glutamine, PlantFusion is a complete and extremely potent source of protein by any standard. The first plant-based protein that compares to animal proteins (like whey) in amino acid density and balance.

Nutrient-dense:

A whopping 21grams of protein + amino acids and only 120 calories in a 12oz shake.

Free of all major allergens:

no dairy, soy, gluten (wheat), eggs, nuts, fish, tree nuts, or shellfish. Also free of artificial flavors and preservatives.

Easy to Digest:

contains a proprietary blend of enzymes to ensure that even those with sensitive stomachs are able to digest PlantFusion with ease.

Flavors: Vanilla Bean, Chocolate, Chocolate Raspberry, Natural, Cookies N' Creme

12 Single Serve Packets ($34.70)

1 lb Tub ($29.99)

2 lb Tub ($52.95)

** To see more about this product, please visit the Plant Fusion online store

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

** To read more on the article about vegan protein powder, please visit Hippocrates Health Institute.

Tune in next Saturday for more supplement information on Supplement Saturdays!

Also, check in tomorrow for my severnth installment of Song List Sundays!

Friday Fun Facts: 20 Fun Interesting Facts For Runners

Friday Fun Facts ** image courtesy of Upper End Properties

I found this article titled "20 Fun Interesting Facts For Runners" from Mission In Run to be an interesting read.


Here are the 20 Facts:

Fact #1:

Even if you’re a super-slow jogger, you’ll burn at least 10 calories per minute of running. That means you’ll run off half a block of Lindt Dark Chocolate in less than 23 min!


Fact #2:

The record for most marathons run on consecutive days is 365! Belgian runner Stefaan Engels, knows as the “Marathon Man” set the record in 2011, aged 49!


Fact #3:

Athletes dressed in red are more likely to win events than athletes wearing any other color.


Fact #4:

The fastest mile (approx. 1.6km) ever run was by Morrocan, Hitcham El Guerrouj, in 3:43:13 in 1999.


Fact #5:

The fastest mile for a woman was set by Russia’s Svetlana Masterkova, her time was 4:12.56 – the run was in 1996 and hasn’t been seriously challenged since.


Fact #6:

An average man has enough energy in his fat stores to run non-stop for 3 days at 24km per hour. That’s FAST considering about 10-12km per hour is the average pace general punters run at. Please don’t try this at home.


Fact #7:

The oldest person to complete a marathon was born in 1911, making him 100 years old at the time. He was an Indian man named Fauja Singh. AND guess what? Fauja didn’t even start running until he was 89 years of age. It’s never too late!


Fact #8:

Over 1 billion pairs of running shoes are sold world-wide each year.


Fact #9:

Runners who played ball sports (i.e. soccer or footy) as kids had nearly 50 percent fewer stress fractures than runners who didn’t. Stanford University researchers found that runners who played ball sports had, “greater and more symmetrically distributed bone mass.” (Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine)


Fact #10:

In the feet, 26 bones, 33 joints, 112 ligaments, and a network of nerves, tendons, and blood vessels have to work together when we run!


Fact #11:

Strides are extremely consistent among professional runners, usually between 185-200 steps per minute!


Fact #12:

Music can boost your running performance by up to 15%! But only if you’re a particular kind of runner. If you tend to focus inward while running, music probably won’t help you much… but if you look for stimulus from your environment, pump the tunes to get over the finish line more quickly!


Fact #13:

In a recent study, when asked what food they couldn’t live without, most runners named bananas as their most adored foodie fix!


Fact #14:

You can store about 2,000 calories’ worth of glycogen in your body to fuel your running. But it’s important to replenish your stores, so chow down on the carbs post-run.


Fact #15:

During the Great Wall Marathon in China, racers run 5,164 steps along famed wall during their 26.2 miles.


Fact #16:

It takes 200 muscles to take a step.


Fact #17:

When we run, the human heart creates enough pressure to squirt blood 30 feet.


Fact #18:

Three surprising animals that are faster than the human being are a domestic rabbit, a cat, and a kangaroo.


Fact #19:

Hours after she finished the Chicago marathon last month, Amber Miller, 27, gave birth to her second child. “I got the okay from my doctor to run half, and my husband ran with me and supported me along the way,” Miller said. “I ran half and walked half, that’s how I finished. Everybody just kind of stared as I’m running by.”

Miller’s time for her eighth marathon was 6 hours, 25 minutes, 50 seconds.

Fact #20:

Anyone can run a marathon – with proper training and determination you too can complete a marathon.



** Information courtesy of Mission Inn Run.

Progress Fridays: My Experience with Getting Back Into the World of Running

I must say that this has been a pretty good week. I took the weekend off again, but took several walks. Here is what I have been able to accomplish so far this week.


My Runs:

** Keep in mind that I only time my actual run time. I do not count the stop/rest/walk time in between.

** All of my times are recorded using the Nike + app.


September 4, 2015:
ran: 3.62 miles
time: 53 minutes, 1 second
weight: 178 lbs
stops/rests: Interval taining
cool down walk: 1 mile for 15 minutes and 45 seconds

September 7, 2015:
ran: 1 mile
time: 7 minutes, 11 seconds
weight: 177.8 lbs
stops/rests: None
cool down walk: 1 mile for 15 minutes and 30 seconds

September 8, 2015:
ran: 2 miles
time: 15 minutes, 49 seconds
weight: 177.5 lbs
stops/rests: rested at 1 mile for 30-45 seconds
cool down walk: 1.15 miles for 19 minutes and 25 seconds

September 9, 2015:
ran: 2 miles
time: 15 minutes, 22 seconds
weight: 177.5 lbs
stops/rests: rested at 1 mile for 30-45 seconds
cool down walk: 2.60 miles for 43 minutes and 56 seconds

September 10, 2015:
ran: 2 miles
time: 15 minutes, 26 seconds
weight: 178 lbs
stops/rests: rested 1 mile for 30-45 seconds
cool down walk: 3.66 miles for 1 hour, 1 minute and 15 seconds




** As I continue to run, I will continue to monitor my progress. Hopefully I will keep sticking with it!


Tune in next Friday to catch up on my progress with running and ways to inspire yourself to stick with it on Progress Fridays!

Also, check in tomorrow to see my sixth installment of Supplement Saturdays!