31 March 2017

Do you know what Gokay is?

Hi! How’s it going? Over here it’s going gokay. Is that a thing? I vote that it’s a real thing now.

Gokay =  good + okay

This just occurred to me because I was about to say things are ‘good!’ but really they’re not. Things are okay but I’m optimistic they’re going to be good again so I’m going with gokay. I dig it! I’m going to make gokay happen.

make fetch happen

I’ll let you know if gokay happens and I’ll also let ya know what else is up in RER-land BTS as we go along.

I was on a mission to get out of the house and do something fun yesterday. So it was perfect timing that a friend invited me to meet up at a chocolate bar. Seriously, I couldn’t turn that down.

I got my greasy bangs in the car and headed to the cute lil chocolate shop.

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Dark chocolate truffle for me. Dark chocolate has anti-oxidants so it’s basically a vitamin, right?

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I might not always stop to smell the flowers but I do stop to take pictures of them sometimes.

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This morning I had an easy 6 miler with the sunrise. It was a super gorgeous time with the sun starting to peek through the trees. Love.

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Then, I did the BeachBody dirty 30 workout while watching that new Bravo show Sweet Home Oklahoma or something like that – I don’t even know. I just put it on because there was nothing else on – but randomly started laughing during one part where one of the ladies realizes her kids changed Siri to call her Butt-Liquor.

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I really needed a laugh so I just enjoyed it and laughed instead of doing whatever move was happening with 21 day fix.

Laughing burns calories, right?

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I made my usual green smoothie for breakfast and ate it while sitting on the floor. I was going to watch TV while eating but was almost done when I realized – I never turned it back on after my workout. I just sat there deep in thought the whole time on the floor. What a weirdo!!

Let me tell ya a little secret life hack – I open up popcorn from the bottom sometimes because I figure the salt falls to the bottom and I think this might help disburse it. Boom.

My 2nd life hack is to always mix Spark in a shaker bottle and not stir it to get the back mix-up.

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I also have a new awesome green smoothie recipe coming soon!! Stay tuned for that.

Runner Spotlight:

A reader reached out about her friend’s new race website that is like Trip Advisor for races – Race Advisors.

The purpose of Race Advisors is to provide race participants with a one-stop-shop for race information. Whether it is attempting to find a specific distance or a specific location, Race Advisors will help you find a race that fits what you’re looking for.

Many races cost a pretty penny these days, so rather than gamble on a race that you don’t know about, you can read reviews from past participants to determine if a race will have solid value for you. You can search according to your home town or a specific destination. And, since many runners also participate in other competitive activities, Race Advisors provides information on cycling, swimming, triathlon, duathlon, and paddle races as well.

Question: Should I stop trying to make Gokay happen?

The post Do you know what Gokay is? appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

30 March 2017

10 Things I’m Addicted To…

1. Running.

No surprises there. I am happily addicted to running.

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Check out this white bird I saw on my run this morning! Hi, friend!! I like random ‘seen on my run’ stuff.

white bird (460x613)

2. Being messy – can I be addicted to that?

I’m too much of a mess to worry if that’s not a real addiction. But I did go through my mail while eating breakfast so I have that going for me.

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green smoothie and mail (800x600)

3. Popcorn.

If a store sells popcorn I am buying it. I don’t care where I am or if I just ate or the fact that there’s a pile of fallen popcorn under the seat of my car – I need it.

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4. Cats and puppies.

Anyone else get caught in 22 hours of looking at cute cat videos? I also thought up a name for my next dog today so I’m pretty excited about that.

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5. Dark Chocolate.

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6. Watermelon.

Watermelon is my favorite favorite food.

But watermelon pop-tarts are not anyone’s favorite as I saw these on clearance at the store…

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7. Seltzer.

The lady in front of me at the grocery store said something about how much seltzer I was buying and kinda laughed. I think she realized I have a problem. Ha! I just said “I love it!” since I didn’t hear her.

Now that I’m thinking about it… I hope she didn’t say something sad and I responded with “I LOVE IT!”

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8. Spark.

My favorite flavor varies from week to week right now it’s Fruit Punch, Green Apple, Mango Strawberry in that order.

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9. Seasonal treats!

Reese’s Puffs cereal! Have you spotted this limited time cereal at your grocery store?!

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10. Anything on sale or clearance. Anything.

I saw this ladder bookshelf at Target and was 100% going to buy it but I only had one of those arm basket things and didn’t want to drag it to the front of the store.

addicted to clearance target (460x613)

Question: What are you addicted to this week?

The post 10 Things I’m Addicted To… appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

Weight Loss Win: How Caitlin Leach Lost 100 Pounds

weight_loss_win_caitlin_leachI have been writing a weekly series over at Yahoo Beauty called Weight Loss Win, featuring incredible weight loss stories. ...

29 March 2017

My Boston Marathon Race Strategy Broken Down Into 4 Parts

My 4 part marathon race strategy. This can be used for a half marathon too, just update it to breakdown the miles into 4 pieces.

marathon race strategy

Hi! Today’s Hyland’s Team Challenge post is to visualize the race and do some word association for a few different miles of the Boston Marathon. How does that mile make you feel? What do you think of when you imagine hitting that mile marker?  The point is to share any specific mile or part of the race that is particularly scary or exciting or stressful or fun (some miles are all of those things).

This was kind of a fun and scary process (just like actually running a marathon) because I had to think about how I’d feel at the end of the race. I don’t want to think about that because I already know how I’m going to feel = like quitting or crying or peeing or doing all of those things at the same time.

I don’t want to think about that! I like to just let it surprise me. 

But I hate surprises – so that’s not really a smart plan.

So I am creating a marathon strategy to run the race smarter and stronger.  I broke it down into 4 parts.

 

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Mile 1 -6 : Run Smart.

I need to run the beginning of the race smart. I often go out way too fast and pay for it later. This is an even bigger challenge at the Boston Marathon because it starts downhill!

The combination of being super excited about running the freaking Boston Marathon, just starting the race and there being a big decline = RER running too fast and completely using all her energy in the first 6 miles.

So my focus is to run smart, listen to my body, pay attention to my pace and enjoy the race.

 

Mile 7 – 12: Turn on the machine.

You are a machine, a running machine that is primed and ready to rock 26.2 miles. Get in the zone. Run YOUR pace.

Enjoy everything around you. Take in all the sights and sounds and crowds. Take a deep breath, say a prayer and thank God for getting you through all the training miles that led up to this point. Turn on the machine and run your plan.

marathon strategy

Mile 13 – 18: Work hard, run hard.

I remember Sole Runner’s coach Steve saying something like miles 13 to 17 is when you put in the work. This is the part of the marathon where you are no longer buzzing with excitement. Your energy is probably fading at this point too. You’re not close enough to the finish to feel like ‘you’re almost there’. You can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel yet.

This is where you just buckle in and do the work. Make sure you’re fueling and hydrating – the wall is coming if you don’t! Get in a zone and try to conserve energy by checking in with your running form. Check your pace and keep it steady. Have a gel or bloks. Keep going.

 

marathon strategy be brave

Mile 19 – 26: Be Brave and fight for it.

This is where I tend to slam into the wall. This is where the finish line seems so far. This is where I want to quit or cry or pee or cry about how I have to pee. My mind starts falling apart, my body feels heavy and slow…. and the only thing I can do is tell myself.

BE BRAVE.

You’re hurting? Okay, that’s normal – be brave and keep going.

You’re tired? Okay, that’s normal – be brave and keep going.

You feel like quitting? Okay, that’s normal – be brave and keep going.

Be Brave. Save the excuses for something else and fight for yourself. Fight to finish strong. You put in all the training and so much work. You deserve to fight hard to finish strong.

be brave

 

Want more on the Boston Marathon course?

Check out this Mile by Mile Guide of the Boston Marathon

Boston Marathon Elevation Profile

Question: How do you breakdown races or long runs?

Do you have a strategy? Reminders or mantras?

The post My Boston Marathon Race Strategy Broken Down Into 4 Parts appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

Maybe new weight goals?

On Monday, I was texting John, and we were talking about lack of motivation to run. I told him how I hadn't run in nearly five weeks since I decided I needed a break from training (I had planned to continue to run a couple of times a week, but so many factors have come into play where that goes--I'll explain more below--but basically, it just didn't happen.) John said that he was going to try to run after work on Monday, so I made him a deal. I said that if he went for a run on Monday evening, then I would run on Tuesday morning.

Anyway, I started my new medication (for depression) only a few days before my last run about five weeks ago. I remember having a terrible run--feeling tired, lethargic, and very out of breath. I hoped it was just a coincidence, but each time I've tried to run over the last five weeks, I feel the same way. I've also experienced a HUGE lack of motivation, which is the last thing I want. I don't know if this is from the medication or not, but it seems to have gotten much worse since starting the medication.

Read more »

Things I That Make Me Feel Better…

Hi! How’s it going? Over here it’s been a little challenging. I am trying to figure everything out with the guys (including Vegas, Ben and the guy at Yogurtland who’s concerned I come in too much) in my life. I don’t really know what’s next exactly but I do know it’s going to be okay. The stress of the unknown is hard though, ya know?

I shared this on Instagram but in case you’re reading RER and need a little hug right now…

Two years ago I was scared and sad before meeting up with Ben and texted my three lil friends to pray for me. Bri responded with Psalm 23 and it immediately gave me some peace. It seems like a weird Bible verse if you’re not in a life or death situation but when you feel like everything is crumbling it definitely helps.

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You know what else helps?

Chocolate.

Supposedly Chocolate does make you feel better – but only for 3 minutes! (That’s why I have to keep eating it!)

kisses chocolate

If chocolate doesn’t make you feel better – maybe a cat will?

I spotted this lil friend yesterday on my walk. He (she?) was so friendly. That’s rare with gatos! I think he must have a home around here because there are a good handful of random cats that live around here. Either way, Vegas said we couldn’t keep him.

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If chocolate and a cat don’t make you feel better…

Go for a run! That helps me sometimes.

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Bonus points if you can run somewhere beautiful.

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You know what  makes me feel better sometimes?

New clothes – specifically new running clothes! I am digging the snake skin patter on these running shorts (from RoadRunner Sports).

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Sometimes a well-placed photo-bomb is fun and helps your mood.

This photo-bomb is just toes and tails – which is extra random and fun so I think that’s even better.

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Big ridiculous salads always make me feel better too.

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My favorite food makes me feel better, but it’s not in season right now so I’ll happily settle for this watermelon welcome mat.

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You know what makes pancakes even better?!?!

Syrup.

It wasn’t a trick question.

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But you know what makes it super crazy better??

A runny egg yolk.

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Now all I need is to go for a run, have some pancakes topped with an egg, cuddle a puppy and eat chocolate and I’ll be set for life!!

puppy love 2 puppies love 1

Question: What do you need to feel a little better today?

The post Things I That Make Me Feel Better… appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

Junk food addict dumped by his girlfriend for gaining weight sheds six stone by doing THIS



A JUNK food addict who ballooned to 21 stone was dumped by his girlfriend for letting himself go - and now looks incredible after shedding more than six stone.

28 March 2017

Exercise Motivation, The Weird Way

image: flikr

Do you look forward to a strenuous workout?

If so, congratulations! But the rest of what follows may seem like incomprehensible gibberish to you. If you don't need to twist your brain into pretzel-like configurations in order to motivate yourself to exercise: you are free to resume websurfing. Enjoy a few more videos of rhinos cuddling with meekrats, or watch with terrified fascination as the next Trumpian plans for the apocalypse are announced. Google up a tasty gluten-free avocado brownie recipe! Or hell, go out and run a marathon and follow it up with a nice little nap.

There all sorts of healthy ways to motivate to exercise! I've talked a lot about exercise motivation and demotivation and remotivation over the years, and will doubtlessly yammer on for years to come. I have all kinds of healthy motivational tricks that I'm not embarrassed to share, and these are a large part of my aresenal.

But there is also a seamy back-alley of exercise will-power, and I have some other secrets you don't see mentioned in respectable publications. Yet for some of us, these are a real help in keeping us consistent throughout the years, yielding the numerous physical and emotional benefits that sedentary people do not get to enjoy.

Just what the heck am I talking about?


But first, a little more about what I'm up against. Anyone else?

Doing Battle With Natural Reluctance and Sloth

Here's the problem: I have a highly evolved human brain. It knows vigorous exercise is good for me. But still: I don't wanna.

The prospect of changing into a special outfit, removing myself from my comfortable house, transporting myself to some inconvenient location in order to lift heavy things over and over, or flail around until my heart pounds and my legs weaken and I can barely breathe, and to end up all sweaty so I need to shower and change again? I'm like: Fuck this, do I have to? Really?

And yet it's weird: most of the time when I go, I don't hate it all that much, and in fact, I often even enjoy my workout for many minutes at a time!

So what gives? Why can't my logical brain put these two facts together, conclude that reluctance is a shitty predictor of future reality, and skip all the melodrama?

Apparently there's a stubborn, archaic part of my brain that is still trying to "protect" me from the possible unpleasantness of physical exertion.



Get Back on That Couch, Crabby!
image: wikimedia


Yep, I think it's my inner cavewoman.

She can't help it though, she's wired that way. Sure, she would motivate me very efficiently if I were starving and needed to climb a tree for fruit or catch a rabbit, or alternatively, to flee from something with fangs and claws contemplating me for dinner.

But she seems to believe that I need to conserve my energy for these rare circumstances, and should rest up whenever I can, and hang on tenaciously to my precious fat stores in case famine is looming. In particular, she wants me to stay the hell out of the gym.

"You're going to be miserable, Crabby," cavewoman warns, as she spies my workout clothing coming out of the drawer. She pumps out a huge dose of fear-and-loathing chemicals for good measure. "Don't do it, you'll be sorry!"

"Shut the hell up, you ignorant unevolved hominin" my modern brain says,  "it's not going to be that bad!"

And yet, deep within my twisted psyche, I believe her. If it were just the two of us, cavewoman would win every time.

But instead..

It's Inner Neurotic to the Rescue!



So what skills does this maladjusted motivational hero bring to the fight?

Illogical Reasoning!

My inner neurotic is completely looney tunes when it comes to cause and effect. It over-generalizes, catastrophizes, makes unjustified leaps.  "You MUST WORK OUT today Crabby, or you will immediately lose all your muscle tone, gain 100 lbs, become a lazy unmotivated loser, and your life will spiral downhill in such a shocking way you may wake up tomorrow morning in a trash dumpster with the smell of Cheetos and Thunderbird on your breath."

OK, so maybe some of these visualizations are unconscious. But I'm pretty sure they're in there, or else why would the "shoulds" and "musts" be so amazingly effective? There are all kinds of other "shoulds" I ignore with no problem!

Obsessive Overthinking!

My neurotic brain loves to plan, scheme, analyze, invent, hypothesize, experiment, tinker, refine, and of course narrate and opine and explain things to imaginary audiences. So a simple question like: what might be the optimum way to exercise today? I can keep my brain circuits firing for hours on that, before, during, and after the actual athletic endeavor.

(Just yesterday I developed a whole new running-in-the-park interval and functional fitness routine, specific to a particular section of Balboa Park. Which is interesting timing considering we are moving, leaving town tomorrow, and that was probably my last Balboa Park workout for the foreseeable future.)

Is it healthy to devote so much mental energy to something so trivial? No! But it adds a whole level of entertaining intellectual engagement that I believe may help keep me coming back for more exercise year after year, despite what cavewoman has to say about it.

Narcissism!

When I'm in really good shape, I believe I look "better," according to the arbitrary aesthetics our superficial screwed up society currently endorses. I do know, intellectually, how stupid and shallow this source of motivation is.  And yet I'd be lying if I said it doesn't help me get my ass out the door and onto an elliptical machine.

Procrastination!

I don't look forward to exercise but there are always chores and tasks and decisions that cause me more angst than working out does. Exercise is concrete, physical, and time-limited, and if I have some other obligation I'm avoiding, strapping on a heart rate monitor and filling up that water bottle start to seem a lot more appealing.

Guilt and Self-Flagellation!

To exercise or not is a lifestyle choice, not a moral dilemma. I am not a "better" person if I work out, or a "bad" person if I do something else instead.  My brain gets confused about this though.  (Again, with plenty of help from a superficial society).

The idea that I can somehow "buy" virtue by lifting a few weights or logging a few miles is preposterous. And yet I suspect this delusion helps me crank out a few more reps when I might otherwise quit.

Important Cautionary Note:  Beware Truly Self-Destructive Exercise Habits

I am blessed with a natural slothfulness that keeps me from every taking these neurotic tendencies too far. So I feel I can make light of them.

There is still debate among experts as to whether exercise addiction is truly a thing, in the sense of being a recognized psychopathology. But we've all seen people who are truly compulsive about their exercise behavior, and who have lost the ability to make rational decisions about when to exercise and when to stop. It often seems to accompany disordered eating behaviors such as anorexia and bulimia.

Exercising to the point where you endanger your health is no joke. If you are getting feedback from those around you that have an issue, don't dismiss it out of hand. You don't have to take their word for it, but consider getting some professional, objective input about your behavior and its impact on your health.

OK, enough of the serious responsible shit.

Anyone else use ridiculous methods to motivate yourself sometimes, or are you guys all healthy and normal about getting exercise?

Getting through the Home Stretch

Getting through the Home Stretch in Weight Loss - photo by MaridavLosing weight is a beast of a battle that can be equal parts mental and physical struggle. Making big changes ...

5 Tips to RUN Faster, Happier and Healthier this Spring

Run faster, healthier and have more fun this Spring with these running tips. This post is in partnership with FLONASE® SENSIMIST™ allergy relief.

Hi! It’s Spring over here in California! Is the weather Spring-y where you are? Hopefully Spring temperatures and flowers are popping up all over the place and you can enjoy running outside. But with every new season comes a few new opportunities to tweak your running to get better. And sometimes season changes bring new challenges. So today I’m sharing 5 tips to help you to have the BEST Spring Running Season of your life!

tips to run faster happier and healthier Spring

But first –  I wanted to share a little from from my day after the PCRF Half Marathon.

I went to hang out with my niece and was played a ton of different games including: hide-n-seek, building dirt castles, ‘cheers’, taco stand and more. I love it.

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And this morning I was craving a donut like a crazy person.

As soon as I woke up I changed, grabbed my keys and hit up a donut shop down the street.

Fresh donuts are EVERYTHING. The other day I was talking to a friend and asked if they needed anything. He said, “A dozen old fashioned donuts.”

I said, “I totally would but they’re not fresh right now. It wouldn’t be worth it.” I think that’s part of what got it in my head. (That, and I’m always thinking about donuts.)

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Unfortunately, I just wanted a OG fluffy glazed donut – but they forgot that one! FAIL. Oh well, guess I have to go back again soon…

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5 Tips to RUN Faster, Happier and Healthier this Spring

1. Check the time of sunrise and sunset.

With the recent time change the days seem longer because it stays light later. I love that for taking a walk after work!

But it is also dark when I wake up and the sun seems to rise a little later in the morning. Because I have a flexible schedule right now I wait until the sun is up to run most days. But if you need to stick with a certain morning schedule you might suddenly be  running when it’s dark in the morning.

Even if you’re not scared of the dark (like I am) you should make extra cautious about your safety. Make sure you are dressed in bright, reflective gear. Wear a light or reflective vest. Run in safe areas that are well lit. Be mindful of your surroundings.

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2. Switch up your running clothes.

The temperatures are rising and it’s time to update your running wardrobe – or at least pull your Spring running gear out of storage. Wearing too much or too little can hinder you from running your best. This isn’t about fashion, it’s about function. Dress for the weather and your workout so you are comfortable and can concentrate on running – not your clothes.

You might have to switch it up day to day. Dress in layers. If there is a slight chill but it’s not very cold focus on covering your hands and ears.

*Everyone is different so take note of the temperature during your run and if you felt cold / hot / just right in your Running Log. Long term you should know what you like to wear in 50 degrees versus 99 degrees and everything in between..

Keep in mind:

– The weather: temperature, rain, snow, fog, sun… and that Spring weather can change from week to week as the season transitions.

– How much you’re running – distance, speed, time

– Time of day – do you need reflective gear or lights

– Your body’s needs – do you get hot fast? tend to freeze even in 70 degrees?

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3. Check in with your goals for the year.

We’re about 4 months into 2017 – how are your running goals coming along? Did you set a running related New Year’s Resolution?

> If you wanted to sign up for a particular race or run a certain distance – go for it NOW. You need 12 to 18 weeks to train for a half marathon – don’t wait. Pick a race and a training plan and get on it.

> If you haven’t set a running or fitness goal for this year –> set one.

The time is going to pass anyway, you’re going to be running or working out either way – make it more fun, challenging and rewarding by setting a goal that will make you proud. It can be anything from running a race you do every year – faster this year to running a certain number of miles next month.

Go Go Gooooooo!!

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4. Put a Spring in your step with new music!

The warmer weather, pretty flowers and a little running gear… it’s a recipe for a great mood and great runs. Take it up a notch by adding some new fun music to your running playlist. (Check out my latest running playlist here.)

Already added new music?

Change up your running and keep it fun and fresh by:

changing your running route – it can be as simple as running your usual route backwards (don’t run backwards, run your route in the opposite direction)

add in new cross-training – yoga, strength training, zumba, karate… try something new

consider joining a running group or meet-up – some groups that take a break during the winter are starting back up. check ‘em out

This helps keep it fun and keeps your body from ‘getting used to your workouts’ so you continue to make improvements.

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5. Don’t let anything – even allergies stop you.

This winter was the wettest, rainiest winter of my entire life. I can’t believe how much it rained in Southern California!! I’m happy the drought is slowly going away and I’m happy the grass is so green and the running paths in Orange County are lined with flowers. But this new, lush environment is disbursing a ton of pollen.

A few weeks ago I was running along and thought it looked like someone was throwing confetti from a tree…. what? I was so confused. Turns out it was big ol’ pollen and flower puffs floating through the air. That’s happened a lot now! I’ve noticed my throat get itchy after a run on a windy day.

Running is hard enough – but if you have allergies and are trying to run you might need some back-up.

That’s where FLONASE® SENSIMIST allergy relief can help. It temporarily relieves the symptoms of hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies like nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, itchy and watery eyes. (The regular one is for ages 12 and up, there is also a children’s version.)

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FLONASE® SENSIMIST allergy relief can help relieve dust allergies, pet allergies and outdoor allergies. I am just in ‘stop and smell the flowers’ mode, but you can check it out for those issues too.

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Fun fact:  76% of the U.S. population lives within a 5 mile radius of a CVS Pharmacy so it’s so convenient to swing by and pick up Sensimist spray while you are grabbing your prescription or other essentials. Easy peasy!

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Question: Where are you and how’s the weather there?

Me: Orange County. Right now it’s 55.

Disclosure: I’m proud to be working with CVS Pharmacy to help spread the word about how to #BeGreater with #SensimistAtCVS. All opinions are my own, and all product claims or program details shared should be verified at CVS.com or with the appropriate manufacturers.

The post 5 Tips to RUN Faster, Happier and Healthier this Spring appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.