I will be the first to say tempo runs are no joke. My plan called for a 6 mile marathon tempo run. I had a small course mapped out (including a few hills to add variation) and I was ready to do it. I did a small 1/2 mile warm up and then got to it.

I went out too fast on the first mile. I have really got to work on “feeling the pace” as my husband likes to call it. I think the first mile came in at a 7:53 which was too fast for the 8:01 I was aiming for. When you are doing a tempo every second can make a difference.

It started raining about 2 miles in and by 4 miles I could feel it getting much harder. I kept pushing through. I finished in 47:45 with a goal of 48:00 minutes. Not too shabby but I still need to focus on better pacing. It will come I’m sure.

 

Today in honor of Friday I thought I would share another 4 Products I’m Loving This Friday with you all.

Energems

I discovered these little things a couple months ago and they are awesome. If you haven’t ever heard of Energems they are small bite sized chocolate “gems.”  They contain caffeine and B Vitamins and their unique energy blend. The amount of caffeine in these are equivalent to 3 cups of coffee.

The only time I really take these is before a long run. I need energy that will kick in about 4-5 miles in and I find that these do the trick. They also don’t mess with my very sensitive stomach.

These little “gems” were created for anyone who needs quick energy. I’m not usually into “quick energy” gimicks but these actually seem to work and provide just enough energy when I have a long run or a tough workout to get out the door. Of course, they don’t sustain me through the entire long run but they at least get me going!

They come in three flavors:

• Chocolate
• Mint
• Peanut Butter

I can’t even choose a favorite. They were all delicious!

My husband swears by these and the more I use them the more I enjoy them!

 

SeabuckWonders Facial Cream

I don’t normally post about beauty products, but I really love this one so I wanted to share! I recently tried SeabuckWonders: Sea Buckthorn Facial Cream.

I naturally have very dry skin. I usually need to put some sort of moisturizer on after I shower. However, most of the ones I have tried either do nothing for my dry skin or make my skin extremely oily. This cream provides exceptional moisture without giving my skin an oily and sticky feeling.

The cream itself is infused with Omega 3, 6, 7 & 9 and provides light but substantial moisture to the skin.

Another plus is that it is Non-GMO, Paraben-free, Cruelty-free, Dairy-free, Wheat-free and Gluten-free.  It will work on just about everyone’s skin!

SeabuckWonders is committed to quality products:

“SeabuckWonders is committed to being an environmentally-friendly, responsible company. We believe in the importance of caring for the Earth and having as little impact as possible while making our superior products. All our supplements are kosher certified and made with USDA-cerified organic sea buckthorn oil in a cGMP facility. We never use any genetically modified ingredients (GMOs).

With SeabuckWonders, you know you have the best sea buckthorn product. SeabuckWonders operates its own organic certified raw material processing facility in Tibet/China. The USDA certified organic sea buckthorn berries we use are of the best quality; our berry oil contains 30-35% of omega-7, the highest level in the industry. Each batch is thoroughly screened for heavy metals, microbes, pesticides, and other contaminates prior to shipping to the US. In the US, our end products are made in a cGMP facility and each batch also goes through rigorous third-party testing to ensure the highest quality.”

If you are in the market for a new moisturizer, I would highly recommend Sea Buckthorn Facial Cream.

TwinLab Clean Series Sport Protein

I’ve written a few times on the blog about protein powders. I don’t use them THAT often but recently I have been taking them with me to drink after my runs are finished especially if I am out at the track for speed work.

I like to get a protein/carb mix in within the first 15-20 minutes after my run, and sometimes if I am away from the house unless I have something quick it makes it more difficult.

I recently came across a protein powder that has been working for me: TwinLab Clean Series Sport Protein

All of the clean series have no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners. They carry several different types of protein but I prefer the sport protein because it has a good mix of both protein and carbohydrates.

In one serving (1 scoop) you will find:

• 23 g of protein
• 11 g of carbohydrates
• 160 calories
• 2 g of fat
• 275 mg of calcium

It is a very well balanced and perfect quick post-workout drink. I would say I take this about 2-3 times per week when I don’t run from home. It makes it easy to get what I need in before I head home to eat lunch.

Oh, and the chocolate flavor is really delicious. I am not going to force myself to drink a protein powder that doesn’t taste this good. This has all the nutrients I need plus it tastes great!

 

Drip Drop

Drip Drop has really been a life savor recently. You may remember that I wrote a full review on Drip Drop not that long ago. I just can’t get enough of it though!

To make sure I am hydrating correctly I keep a 32 ounce water bottle with me at all times throughout the day. This allows me to always focus on hydrating throughout the day no matter where I am or what I am doing.

Even though the packets call for 16 ounces of water, I prefer to put one packet in my 32 ounces. I don’t like a really strong fruity flavor and this gives the water just enough flavor without going overboard.

50 years ago scientists discovered a way to treat dehydration with a mixture of sugar and electrolytes.  This was known as Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS). For many years you could never really find ORS in any store, simply because the taste was less than desirable.

Drip Drop is the first ORS formula to combine these medical standards of rehydration along with an enjoyable taste. With the precise ratios of salts, sugars, potassium and several other ingredientsDrip Drop combines all the ingredients for optimal performance and taste.

I use this product on a daily basis and I really believe it has dramatically improved my recovery.

 

What is a product you are loving currently?

When is the last time you did a tempo run?