Not a food post but an exciting giveaway with Garmin Fitness. If you follow me on Instagram I announced a fun giveaway for this beauty last evening. Vivoactive GPS Heart Rate Smart watch. You can read all about it here. Retail is $249.99. I realize some people aren’t on Insta so I wanted to share this giveaway here as well. Please comment on this post or any recipe posted from now till November 6th. 8p EST a winner will be announced, tagged and emailed. A 24 hour reply is mandatory or we randomly select another winner. U.S. residents only.
I also wanted to share some fall running favorites with you all before fall is over & I miss my opportunity. I run at 4:30a or so & require lots of reflective & WARM gear. These are my top favorites.
Okay so to get you out the door these are my favorites & what you will see me wearing from now till spring.
Picture 1 – Lucy Reflective Running Tights , Picture 2 – Black Diamond Revolt Headlamp ,Picture 3 – Reflective Running Gloves
I suffer badly from Raynaud’s so I’ve found that these are integral and sold by the case at Costco. I just insert these into mittens when the temperature is in the 30’s or below.
And finally, my fuel changes that I’ve been making. Since seeing a sports dietician, she recommended I use this starch-based fuel, U Can, in lieu of gels/GUs. I have a super sensitive stomach and training for 3-5 hours of running, I can’t handle another sugar loaded gel. I use one scoop of this mixed with my Vega Energizer in my water bottle. My stomach and energy have been great!
What are your fall running favorites? I’m always excited to hear what you love and what you use to keep yourself visible and warm. Please always take the time to replace batteries in your flashing lights so that you aren’t out there not visible to drivers. Trust me, this happened to me today in a rainstorm.
I wish you happy fall running & training. Also good luck on the watch giveaway!
My update on running/training for the week looks like this…
Sunday: 7.25 outdoor, windy miles
Monday: 60m elliptical, 60m treadmill incline walking, weights/core
Tuesday: 9 outdoor miles
Wednesday: 60m elliptical, 45m treadmill incline walking, weights shoulders/abs
Thursday: 11 outdoor, rainy & windy miles
I’ve been battling a cold all week long so wasn’t trying to push my effort beyond reason. A light training day tomorrow then a rest day.
— Knead to Cook
Seriously answer to my prayers if I get this watch !
Good luck to you!! It’s a beauty. oxo
Love the Vega protein, though I’ve never tried the energizer kind. I’ll have to give that a try! You’re a champ for going at 4:30am btw!!
Ellen, That energizer carries me through my runs. Love it. Good luck!!!
Thanks for your blog! Love the Garmin Vivoactive!
Best of luck to you Laura!!!
Would love to have this Garmin!!
No snacks today between brunch and dinner…giving it a shot at least! Teaching my body when to be hungry and when to not needlessly munch 🙂
Perfect! I always find that snacking never stops once I start. Keep the faith. Best of luck!
Thanks for your input on Vega Energizer.. saw it recently and have been wanting to try it.. now I will! And by the way.. I love ur IG post!
Thank you for the kindness! Best of luck to you. oxo
I’m trying to get that watch! LOL! What Garmin do you wear? Is that the 235?? I’m ready for a new one. I might try the Ucan. Thanks! Great post 🙂 By the way, love your IG!
Hi Kae! I wear the Garmin Fenix 3 heart rate. I love it. I’m a big fan of having the heart rate built in like this Vivoactive! Thank you for your kindness and best of luck.
I love the Vega protein, but haven’t tried the energizer. What does it have in it that gives you energy?
Love the Vega protein too, I really should try more of their products. So badly hoping to win a new Garmin too!
Best of luck! Love my Vega so much as well. 🙂
Fingers crossed!!!!
I’m super interested in trying out that Ucan and Energizer. My tummy is finicky as well, and I’ve had such a hard time looking for fuel that works for longer runs. Definitely don’t like carrying a meal’a worth of munchies! Any tips on where to purchase? Also, what size handheld do you utilize?
Love the gloves!
And I would looooooooove the watch and give it a good home!
Great blog!
Thanks Kelly! Good luck to you!
Woot! How awesome!
Best of luck Abby!
Love the Vega too! And Ill have to look for those gloves! Exciting giveaway you are having, fingers crossed!
Best of luck Ashley!!!
Used the Ucan for a midnight race in Texas. It wasn’t bad but the race was mid July and so hot that I haven’t tried it since then just because those conditions will make anyone sick. Haha. Excited about this giveaway too!
Oh yes I would agree! Heat is really hard to deal with. Best of luck! oxo
Hi Robin! Thank you so much for your post about your nutrition change up. I’m always interested in new ways to fuel, and I’m excited to try the Ucan with the Vega!
Love following you on IG. Enjoy watching your “stories” with your workout updates. 🙂 Would LOOOOOOVE this Garmin. I need a new one so bad- my teen son has taken over my old one.
Ahhh teenagers 😉 Best of luck to you Amy and thank you for tolerating my post workout stories. oxo
I started using Vega products recently (partly bc I see IG like yourself rave about how good they are) and I love them. They have clean ingredients and so the job. Thanks for always sharing and inspiring:) crossing my fingers
You are such an inspiration! Trying to get back into running after a baby and this watch would be soooo amazing to win! Love following you on insta!
Amanda, Thank you so much for the kindness! Wishing you all the patience coming back. Give yourself some grace in this process. Best of luck to you. oxo
That’s an awesome giveaway! Btw you have really cool recipes!!!
Love it! I want the watch, and need the hand warmers!
Allison, the worst part of winter is freezing hands. Best of luck with the watch giveaway! oxo
The vivo active looks cool! I tried Ucan but I didn’t take it to it. I wonder if mixing it with something other than water would help?
It’s been really good for me but it isn’t a high dose of carbs like gel- definitely more of a steady flow of energy. Best of luck!!
I’ve heard good things about ucan and am curious to try it someday. 🙂
It’s really an interesting product. I’ve enjoyed it thus far. You can buy packets of it too. Best of luck!
Need to invest in the reflective gloves for my evening runs.
Is Vega the only option for vegans?
No but it is the cleanest and non-stomach issue causing fuel I’ve found. Best of luck on the giveaway!!
I dig those Nike reflective gloves! UCAN is something I’m just starting to use and I’ve always enjoyed vega pre (and post) workout, I love the idea of mixing them. Perhaps that can be my tool in working out before breakfast.
Happy resting.
Michelle, Me too. Anything reflective is key anymore! Best of luck! oxo
This is what I’ve been saving my birthday money for. Would be awesome to win. Battling foot issues lately so no running, but walking 8 miles per day. A girls gotta get it in somehow 😉
Wow Heather that’s awesome and determined! Best of luck!
this would be nice for my college daughter she works out when shes not studying or working and shes been wanting a device to track your workouts
Carol, I hear you! So important to keep those college students moving. Best of luck!
Thanks for the opportunity, Robin. My Nike watch is no longer being made and I need something easier to use than a traditional garmin. This looks great!
Ilana
Llana, Best of luck to you!! oxo
Oops. Typo in my email. 🙁 resubmitting.
I would love to enter to win the watch. One year ago, I had to take a break from distance running due to knee surgery. I’m hoping to start increasing milage again and my old Garmin no longer works. Thanks!
Randi, I hear you on the journey back… I’m there right now. Best of luck to you!
I’m super interested in giving the energizer a try! I also follow along on snapchat and instastories and am really intrigued by Nikki’s coconut butter! All of the flavors sound incredible, so that’s another item on my list of things to try. Personally, I’ve been liking Nuun Energy for a preworkout boost of energy. Can’t wait to find out who wins the watch!! I would be so extremely grateful if it was me! I’ve been following along for years now silently and just want to say thank you for being you!!! I love your snapchats and look forward to them each day.
Thank you Ashton for the kindness and sweet words. They mean the world to me! Best of luck with the giveaway 🙂
Been following your blog and Instagram for a while; especially during your injury rehab..it’s OF luck to you!
Also, never thought I would need a headlamp ever in my life until I started running!
Dawn, I agree. That headlamp is crazy but works perfectly. Works best with a hat tho so it doesn’t slide down your sweaty head. Not fashionable but safe. Good luck to you! Thanks for the love and support.
I’m an early morning runner too!! I am always out the door by 4 am. I’ve read great reviews on the Garmin Viviactive. I’d love to win!!
Ahhh my twin! Best time to run despite the world thinking your insane. Best of luck!
I would love to update my Garmin . And thanks for the running glove tip! I also have Raynaud’s and have yet to find a glove I really like for running.
Katie, Mittens work best to share the heat of each finger I’ve found. Those warmers do help big time. Best of luck!
I would love to win this for my husband! He recently got back into running & I know he would love this!!
Definitely! Good for him and so sweet of you! Best of luck!
Thank you for sharing about the hand warmers! As far as I know, my hand sensitivity to cold hasn’t been linked to anything serious, but it’s frustrating to have to deal with it. At 29 and finally feeling in the best shape of my life, it tends to be a downer and frustration a lot of times. While my hands are freezing, the rest of my body is sweating. I recently ran my 1st marathon and qualified for Boston, but I’ve been dreading training in the winter. Maybe the hand warmers will make all the difference for me :). Your posts are so helpful, thank you for sharing your experiences, equipment, etc. I’m new to the world of running and inexperienced, your tips have been so helpful. Btw, I’m amazed how you find the time to log so many miles, take care of your family, and work. I definitely have no excuses!
Natalia, CONGRATS on BQ!! Geez lady you are a rockstar. Raynaud’s seems to happen with RA from what my docs have said. If I have a smoothie that’s too cold I have issues. I do use mittens (better than gloves) and add those warmers all the time. They do help take the edge off. No excuses, right? Wishing you the best of luck with the giveaway. oxo
Omigod! My Garmin is legit 8 years old… I would LOVE this!
You are due for an upgrade for sure! Good luck Suzie!
I’ve never owned a running water, but it sure would be fun to have one. ☺. Thanks for sharing your recipes!
Good luck Heidi!!!
I have heard such great things about this watch!! Thanks for the giveaway : )
Good luck Angie!!!
Hello! I used to run. But, “the change” kinda zapped my life away from me… Literally, menopause has killed my waistline 🙁 I see your Instagram Stories and I’m inspired by you! Thank you for sharing the details with all of us following along!
Arvie, It’s all a battle and you are so worth it!!! Wishing you the best of luck with the giveaway. oxo
I have a super sensitive stomach too so will definitely check out the Ucan product. I’ve been using Huma gels for the past few weeks and the texture is a little gritty (probably the chia seeds). Thanks for the recommendation on the headlamp too. ❤️
Oh Blaire that headlamp will light about a mile in front of you and blind anything in your path 🙂 Best of luck to you!
Thank you so much for the opportunity!
Good luck Trenda!!
I think it is awesome to see someone combining fitness and nutrition so seamlessly. Well done. Good post and inspiring blog. The font is also to die for. 🙂
Well thank you for that awesome though and I try very hard to convey my passion. Best of luck and happy weekend! oxo
Would love this Garmin! I’ve also heard of Ucan and would like to give it a try!
Krystal, I’ve been enjoying the UCan for sure. Best of luck to you!
What an amazing giveaway ! I love good nutrition, walking and pilates, thanks for the chance to win !
I love your blog & instagram! Is the UCAN powder vegan?
Jon, You need to watch because some of their products are not. The plain powder is and so are some of their bars (fruit flavored and coffee). Good luck!
Have to admit – the prospect of not wearing my HRM around my chest (so cold to put in the winter!!!) This give away appeals to me.
I also used the sugar free
Vega energizer lemon-lime, but would like to try the berry.
Betsey, I’m with you on the strap and I get chafed so badly. HR on the wrist is so much better! Good luck to you!
I would love a smart watch! I always need to wear a watch; it would be great if it was a smart one!
Smart watches are definitely better! Good luck Rivka!
My husband would love this!
Good luck Steph!
I’m trying to tame my PCOS symptoms with fitness; this watch would definitely help!
Sarah, Best of luck to you!!
I am a huge fan darker fall running with my teeny NiteIze Shoe Lits because they’re both a light and reflective (awesome if they burn out) and they’re small enough I can stick ’em anywhere, not just on shoes. I also love the super bright blue lights from RoadID, because they’re not a color you expect, so I stick them on our run stroller so no one misses us coming down the street. Add a bottle of warm apple cider Skratch and I’m a happy mother runner! I love your reminder about checking batteries. My rule of thumb is “dress like a Christmas tree” and checking if I have enough going on if something were to burn out. Better too much than not enough!
Oh my friend, I so agree. My lights were getting quite dim and my husband saw me on a dark and rainy morning and reminded me. The important reminders 😉 Hugs and love to you and best of luck with the giveaway!
I am so happy to be following you now. ALL of your recipes look fantastic. My 14 year old son is in need of lots of high fiber meals to help with some stomach issues. Can’t wait to start cooking. Thank you.
Fingers crossed on the garmin giveaway!!!
Julie, Best of luck and I’m so happy to hear that you will be cooking for your son. No greater love than sharing healthy and healing foods. Hugs!
I’m so in love with those Lucy tights and the vega recovery has been a game changer for me. I’m loving your vegan recipes. Running NYC Marathon this weekend. Love the blog!
MC!! Ahhh best of luck to you! I’m heading in to NYC to meet up with some friends running. Exciting! Best of luck! And those tights are a game changer. The most comfortable yet!
Wow! How cool it would be to own this smartwatch!rusthaw
wishing you all the best of luck!!
Hey! Saw your Insta post! Thanks for always posting inspirational healthy pics & info! What flavor vega do you use? The one I tried was a little strange but you can beat their ingredients! I hope luck is on my side and I get that watch!
Hi Isabel! I use Vega Energizer (berry flavored or lemon lime sugar free), recovery powder is tropical flavored. Best of luck to you!!! oxo
want want want! this looks awesome!
OOOHHH! A new Garmin is just the motivation I need! Found you through the Vega site.
Best of luck to you!!
I have been needing a watch that accurately tracks my exercise. The one I had that broke only tracked when I was walking or running it didn’t track when I rode my bike
Good luck Tonya!!
Would love this watch!!! Love your blog and positivity❤️
JJ, Best of luck to you!!! oxo
Thanks for the tips! I have began running at the gym in the early mornings and I can’t imagine running at any other time of the day now -I’m hooked! Starting the day with a run is the best way to wake up. I would love a Garmin watch someday so I can begin heart rate training! Good luck everyone! Thanks for all of your inspiring, informative, and motivational post’s, I love reading your blog!
Thanks for a great blog and awesome giveaway.
Best of luck to you Ellen!