Monday, June 2, 2014

Prefontaine Classic 2014

Wow! To say that I had an amazing weekend would be an understatement.

This was my first time at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon. I have been wanting to go to the Pre for years now, but this year, my dad made it happen! He booked us tickets for a father/daughter weekend trip.

I made my way south toward Eugene right after work on Friday. After checking into our hotel, we head over to Hayward Field to check out some of the evening events. We got to watch Miss Mary Cain run, finally! This girl has some serious talent and not only that, but she's extremely humble. I watched her sign autographs and take pictures with a bunch of pre-teen girls after her race. She thanked each and every one of them for supporting her. I thought that was pretty awesome.

We also got to witness Galen Rupp smash his own record at Hayward Field in the 10,000 meter event (10k) with a time of 26 mins, 44 seconds! It was incredible to watch him run. I loved that Alberto Salazar ran the victory lap with him after he had won.

On Saturday, we began our morning with a beautiful run on the Prefontaine Trail, unfortunately, I forgot my armband so I couldn't bring my phone to take photos. :( I was so incredibly bummed because it was BEAUTIFUL. So I guess you'll just have to take my word for it...

After grabbing a coffee and a quick bite to eat, we took a drive to Pre Rock where Steve Prefontaine died. I loved seeing what runners had left on his memorial-- one runner left a shirt, sweat covering the front of it--dedicateing the run to Pre, himself.

To our surprise, Steve's older sister Neta was there telling stories about her brother to keep his memory alive. It was an intimate experience. Neta said that every year, she comes to Pre Rock during the Prefontaine Classic to meet the people who continue to honor her brother's memory as a thank you. She was such a sweet woman and I was incredibly honored to meet her. She even let me take a picture with her! This is truly something I won't forget.

For your dedication and loyalty
To your principles and beliefs...
For your love, warmth, and friendship
For your family and friends...
You are missed by so many
And you will never be forgotten...

We spent the rest of the day watching some of my favorite athletes compete; Ashton Eaton, Allison Felix, Bernard Lagat and Sonya Richards-Ross--all incredible runners! It's unbelievable to watch these events in person! Here were a few photos I captured.

Eugene is an amazing place. There is SO much history for runners here. I truly felt the spirit of Pre and the town just LIVES for this event every year. It was very special to be a part of it. I can't wait for next year as my dad and I plan to make this an annual tradition.

How was your weekend?

Have you been to the Pre?

Who is your idol runner?

And CONGRATULATIONS to Karrie Millheim for winning the Costco membership giveaway!

Monday, May 26, 2014

Vega Sport Performance Protein Review

As a Sweat Pink Ambassador of Fit Approach I was offered the opportunity to review the Vega Sport Performance Protein Powder. I had heard nothing but positive things about this stuff so when I was offered the opportunity to test it out, I couldn't have been more excited about it!!

I have been looking for a good quality protein powder for quite some time now but haven't wanted to invest in expensive powder and end up not liking it. I also didn't know a whole heck-of-alot about proper protein fueling for my body either. I just wasn't able to find a good protein for me...until I tried this stuff.

Not only does this powder taste amazing (seriously, it doesn't even compare to other protein powders) but it is also really good for you, made with plant-based protein!

A complete multi-source, alkaline-forming, plant-based protein powder blend, featuring 5,000mg of BCAAs and 5,000mg of glutamine per serving

This powder in particular is purposed as a post workout recovery protein, made to

Improve strength and exercise performance

Repair and build muscles

Reduce recovery time between training

The recent innovation to Vega Sport Performance Protein comes from the addition of SaviSeed (sacha inchi) protein, a rich, plant-based source of the amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is a key component of serotonin production(1). Serotonin—the feel good hormone—helps with the mental aspect of recovery, so you’ll keep the drive alive and be motivated to train again. Take Vega Sport Performance Protein within 30 to 90 minutes of your workout or throughout the day to meet your individual protein needs to recharge and repair so you can do it all again, sooner. Available in Vanilla, Chocolate and Berry flavors.

For optimal recovery, it can be paired with the Vega Sport Recovery Accelerator for those who are training for competitive events and pushing their bodies to the limit.

I have created 4 signature wholesome smoothie combos to #FuelMyBetter after some brutal hill work. These smoothies get me over the hump in hunger cravings and aid in a quicker recovery, which gets these little legs back on the pavement much more often!

Here are my favorite go-to smoothies

Very Berry Vega Sport Protein Smoothie

1 cup Frozen Mixed Berries

8 oz Almond Milk

1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt

1 tbsp Honey

Vega Sport Protein Powder

Tropical Oasis Vega Sport Protein Smoothie

8 oz Almond Milk

1/2 cup Frozen Pineapple

1 cup Frozen Mango

1 Banana

Vega Sport Protein Powder

Pina Colada Delight Vega Sport Protein Smoothie

8 oz Coconut Water

1 Banana

1 cup Frozen Pineapple

Vega Sport Protein Powder

Green Machine Vega Sport Protein Smoothie

1 cup Organic Kale

1 cup Organic Spinach

1 cup frozen Mango

1 tbsp Honey

1 tbsp Chia Seeds

8 oz Almond Milk

Vega Sport Protein Powder

How do you #FuelYourBetter?

For more information on this product and a personalized plan for YOU & YOUR training check out the website listed below!

*I was compensated product for this review. My words and thoughts are all my own.

Weekend Ramblings

I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend honoring those who have or still are serving our country. I also hope that you were able to get some of that delicious BBQ in your belly and enjoy the sunshine with loved ones and friends!

My parents came up this weekend and we had such a wonderful and relaxing visit. We started every morning with a great workout (so that we could enjoy a feast of deliciousness that I like to call, brunch).

Awful shot (taken while running) but here's a trail my dad and I ran on, Saturday.

Saturday morning, we checked out the Beaverton Farmer's Market. If you live in the area and haven't been, I highly suggest it! They had everything. We snagged some fresh asparagus, three heads of organic lettuce (bib, red and green), 2 beefsteak tomatoes and some Happy Cup Coffee.

I love Happy Cup Coffee, it's so delicious. But what I love even MORE than it's amazing flavor, is the fact that they hire adults with special needs. Now how cool is that?! I love the slogan: Coffee Roasted By People With Potential. So if you haven't checked these guys out, they have a few locations (mainly in Portland) but head over and grab yourself a coffee!

Support local business and support businesses doing good things for real people.

*I tried to get information off of their website but after several attempts, I could not get the page to load. I did however come across their facebook page. So if you're interested, you could follow them from there!

We also made a stop to the Japanese Gardens here in Portland as well. I still cannot believe I have not visited this place yet! We lucked out and went on a beautiful day. And although it was pretty packed, it was still extremely tranquil.

We had a big BBQ, relaxed outside, did a little shopping and most of all, enjoyed each other's company...

with wine of course!

;-)

And today is also ANNOUNCEMENT DAY...the winner of my Yoga+Creativity Giveaway is...

Ashleigh

(from Passionlifelovehealth.com)

Please look for an email coming your way very soon!

Congratulations Ashleigh and thank you to all who took the time to participate! If you would like to own a copy of this book, you can locate the purchase link to the right of my page (under what I'm reading) for $20.

How was your weekend?!

I would love to hear about it!

Friday, May 23, 2014

Müller Yogurt Review + Costco Membership GIVEAWAY!!

I love yogurt. I have yogurt just about every day. It's my favorite morning snack as it is packed with protein and calcium, tastes great while being good for you! And lucky for me, Müller Yogurt graciously provided me with a Costco sized variety pack of Corner Yogurt to review on the blog today.

There were three decadent yogurt flavors in this package--they're so fancy, they remind me of desserts!

Strawberry

Chocoballs (Malted Chocolate Balls)

Caramelized Almonds

I loved the Caramelized Almond yogurt. It wasn't too sweet and the creamy yogurt mixed with crunchy almonds were a killer combo.

Proof that I ate them.
In other news, I am unbelievably photogenic...it blows my mind. ;-)

This is my, Ooh I am so satisfied with this delicious yogurt face.

I really appreciated the packaging. The toppings were separated well on the corner from the yogurt which allowed you to pour to your liking. (Hence the name, Corner Yogurt...)

And lucky for you, Pacific NorthWest Costco's are doing samples of these delicious yogurts May 25th, June 11th and June 25th. So head over to your local Costco today and check them out!

Oh...but you don't have a Costco Membership you say?

NO WORRIES!

I'm giving one away on the blog TODAY!

Enter below for a FREE Costco Membership for ONE YEAR ($55 value) right now!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(This was a sponsored post by Muller Yogurt & Costco. I was compensated product for this post, however, my thoughts were and always are my own. )

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Summer Style

Okay, so I know that this blog is considered a healthy living blog. However, doesn't healthy living also include feeling good about yourself from the inside/out? I am a strong believer that if you feel confident, you will emit confidence! And hey, I'm fine taking a slight break from the usual topics!

So for today's post, I am daydreaming about some of my favorite looks for summer as it is just around the corner!

Here are a few of my favorite trends, via Pinterest.

*If you aren't following me on Pinterest, check out some of my boards. I have everything from inspirational quotes & exercise tips to beauty products & DIY projects.

Wear This

Colorful Maxi Dresses