Sunday, November 8, 2015

Planking, sweating, tweaking

Ok, I'm not THAT bad...
The fall race season is winding down, but there were still a lot of races this past weekend! It was really exciting to see all that bling and those PRs hit my FB feed. I'm thrilled for everyone who crossed a finish line this weekend. I won't lie though...I've got race envy like crazy! As if my turn at Chicago wasn't enough. It's taken a ton of self-control, but I've been behaving myself. As tempting as it has been, I haven't signed up for any races. I'm trying to feel satisfied living vicariously through all my running friends. I keep begging Becky to start CrossFit again, but she's timing everything around my races next spring and trying to give me a break. Sigh. In the meantime, I'm keeping my mileage low and doing yoga. Thank goodness for this amazing fall weather we are having--my runs have been a treat!

Meanwhile, to keep my competitive urges at bay, I'm participating in a plank challenge and have shared some of those planks on my IG feed! The plank challenge is sponsored by my friend Kim at Running on the Fly--you can head over to her blog to learn more. It's not too late to jump in! It's been fun to challenge myself with doing different variations of plank. It's not just the top of a pushup, you know...


Have you ever participated in a holiday fitness challenge? SweatPink and Run to the Finish are sponsoring the Holiday Sweat Challenge. It starts tomorrow, November 8th and runs through January 2nd. Every day, there will be a prompt to do an activity and post it on one of the many social media channels! This is going to be a great way to stay accountable and active through the busy season. I don't usually need motivation to stay active, but I'm hoping this holiday challenge will also keep me from doing something stupid, like signing up for another race! 

See what I did there? Just signed myself up for something...

Anyways, there will be weekly prizes and plenty of support from other Holiday Sweaters. That doesn't sound right, does it? Anyhoo, check it out! I think this will be fun. Sadly, this challenge won't help me with my other challenge--Christmas shopping... 


Click here to join the challenge! And remember to hashtag: #HolidaySweat so we can all find each other!

I said tweaking...not twerking!
 On a completely different subject, in case you hadn't noticed, I'm tweaking the blog a little bit. A lot of my blogger friends are doing blog makeovers and I felt the need to do a little renovating over here on the old TTLWH. Trying to keep up with the big bloggers, right?  I'd love feedback and suggestions on the changes. I'm trying to clean it up a bit and declutter. Blogger makes it a little tough to customize, and I'd love to move the title of the blog off the header. So far, I can't find any information on how to do that. Stay tuned. And yes, I know that WP is an option....


Speaking of the blog, I've got the book club coming up in a week. We're reading Bart Yasso's autobiography, My Life on the Run: The Wit, Wisdom, and Insights of a Road Racing Icon. You won't want to miss it! FOMO? It's not too late to join in. I heard back from him this week, and I am thrilled that he provided me with answers to my interview questions! That post will go live on Friday and the book review and link up next Monday. To show what a great guy Bart is, I asked for and received a ton of pictures from runners who have met Bart. I could not be more thrilled about this and can't wait to feature all of them in my upcoming blog posts. Thanks to all who contributed!!!


Finally, I wanted to share my review of a new bar that I recently was able to try. I was contacted a few weeks ago by the people at FLYJOY. I had never heard of these bars, and was anxious to try them, especially when I learned more about them. FLYJOY bars are made of quinoa, chia, and flax. They are gluten free, vegan, and non-GMO. They also contain protein, fiber, carbs, and omega-3s. There are 7 different flavors. Most of them contain nuts. 


I do love me some snack bars.  I especially like to eat them at work, when I have that mid-morning slump. Does that ever happen to you? Anyways, the people at FLYJOY sent me a case of their bars, 6 different flavors. I gave 6 to my Clif bar loving husband to try and I took 6 for myself. Both of us tried a different bar every day. My husband liked the bars a lot, but he thought they were too sweet. I also liked the bars a lot, and for me, the sweetness wasn't an issue. Which is interesting, considering that I don't have much of a sweet tooth. It was hard for me to choose a favorite flavor, but I think I liked the Cherry Coconut Macaroon the best--anything with coconut is a win in my book. The bars are really chewy, which was probably my only complaint. I've had a lot of dental work done, and I was worried about dislodging something. No fear, my teeth are intact.

Would I buy FLYJOY bars? YES! I really liked them a lot. Since I tasted them, FLYJOY has reformulated their bars with less sugar. Guess my husband wasn't the only one who thought they were too sweet!

Any more fall races on your schedule? A Turkey Trot, perhaps? Are you going to be a Holiday Sweater? What are your favorite snack bars?


139 comments :

  1. I can barely walk today and I already want to sign up for another. We crazy!!

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  2. I so want to try the peanut butter and jelly flavor. Yum!

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  3. I started to have a bit of race envy too, but reminded myself that we each have our own priorities. Right now, I need to be more present for my kid so training for something just has to wait for now. Those bars sound pretty tasty, although I am not a fan of sweets at al!

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    1. I hear ya on priorities. I still am battling plantar fasciitis, so staying healthy is definitely a priority!

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  4. I don't know much about changing blog designs, but I am sure you will figure it out! One thing I like about your blog is that it doesn't take forever to load. I have had to stop reading blogs that have a million adds that have to load or randomly start playing a commercial. That is very jarring!

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    1. Some blogs take long to load and some make my computer crash! I'll never have ads on my blog.

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  5. I would love to try and Peanut Butter and Jelly flavor!

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  6. Anything with peanut butter sounds good. But that cherry coconut sounds tempting too!

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  7. Goodness, is it already time for the Holiday Sweat Challenge? How can it be? I stayed accountable last year with it, not much choice to stay accountable this year though. I always love new bars to try and I find that I need them most in the afternoons at work and they have PB&J flavor, oh my! I'm so in! Thanks for this Wendy and thanks for linking up with us! :)

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  8. I've got a Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving and then a Jingle Bell Jog the first weekend in December. I'm also doing the holiday challenge. This will help me keep my eating in check during the holidays!

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    1. I like the idea of logging in my minutes! Keeps me accountable!

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  9. Thanks for hosting the giveaway! The cashew cookie dough and peanut butter cacao both sound AMAZING. My favorite snack bar is the Luna Lemon Zest, but it's getting really tough to find them in the store. Amazon has been sold out on that flavor for months!

    I'm running a Turkey Trot and RnR San Antonio - and that's the end of my racing for 2015! The only race I've currently got on the calendar for 2016 is the Shamrock Shuffle.

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  10. I do love those Luna Lemon Zest bars! That's my favorite flavor! I haven't had trouble finding them--I buy them at Target by the box!.

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  11. Those cherry coconut macaroons sound amazing!

    I'm on the lookout for a turkey trot near me, most of them are 5 milers and I'm trying to find a 5k so my boyfriend will run with me :)

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    1. I actually like the 5 mile distance! I did a TT last year, a 5 miler, and placed in my AG!

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    2. I don't mind the 5 mile distance, but the boyfriend only does 5ks :)

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  12. Your planks are so artistic looking! I know the feeling about wanting to be racing...I am a serial racer for sure. Today I almost DNS'd my CX race because the course was intimidating for me...by the time I was finished I decided I wanted to do the remaining few races of the series after all. Winter ends up being a dry spell most of Dec - early March. Except for a 5K or a swim meet if I feel like those. And the FlyJoy bars sounds awesome. Peanut Butter would be my go to.

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  13. I think the cashew sounds awesome! Donna

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  14. I've got three races left on my calendar: a half marathon, 5K, and my second full marathon in December. The half and 5K I plan to treat as training runs. Those FLYJOY bars look yummy! I just entered the giveaway. The blueberry almond and cranberry nut sounds good. I'm a fruit and nut kinda gal.

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    1. Wow! Seems like all the races are winding down. It's been fun following your training!

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  15. I've never heard of FLYJOY. I love coconut anything! I used to always get the Mounds and Almond Joy after trick or treating. Peanut Butter is another favorite. I'm stuck on Zone Bars right now. You've been really good at being really good (about signing up for races). I'll probably act like a nut once I can race and sign up for too many. I do like your new look. I'm surprised you can't take the title off your header. I'm on Blogger too but I guess that is something I haven't tried. I appreciate you linking with us.

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    1. I'd never heard of FLYJOY before they contacted me. But I'm glad they did! The bars are delish!

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  16. Pb and J sounds interesting!!! I did the hot chocolate 15k today in Chicago, have the Evanston Turkey Trot for Turkey day before our hockey tourney.

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    1. Congrats on the Hot Chocolate! I did that one a few years ago--it was a crazy experience but I've heard they cleaned things up and got organized.

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  17. The peanut butter looks good to me. I don't mind a chewy bar but I don't want to need to go to the dentist! I hadn't thought of the "Holiday Sweaters" - maybe Holiday Sweaties?

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  18. I've not heard of these but they sound good. I haven't even thought about a turkey trot. I'm too busy eyeballing VCM and AOG and the Eugene Marathon. Clearly I am ill.

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    1. I really want my PF to go away, so I'm not entertaining any races (with the exception of the ones I've already signed up for).

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  19. FlyBar? I know FlyBarre (taking class tomorrow night!) but not FlyBar. I love quinoa, and I agree anything with coconut is a total win...but I also LOVE peanut butter. I like to keep bars around so when I'm hangry but not about to eat a meal, I can eat something relatively healthy.

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  20. Great plank pics! Those FlyBars sound pretty good. I'd love to try the cashew cookie dough flavor.

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  21. I´d love to try the Cashew!
    Jenna

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  22. I don't really have race envy (maybe because I just raced); I missed doing that 4th half this year but realize it might also be the best thing for my body.

    In Becky, trust. :)

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  23. I've actually been thinking that I need to find a good plank challenge. I'm going to look at the link you posted--thanks! Also, it's funny to me that you have to hold yourself back from signing up for a race. I'm the oddball of the running community in that I like training but not races, so I am very happy to not have a big race on my calendar, aside from one I'm doing for fun with my dog. I'm vegan so these bars sound great. I've never heard of them. I think I'd love all the flavors!

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  24. oooo I love FlyJoy bars! I used to have them for post-run recovery. Totally entering :)

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    1. You are the first person I know who has tried them besides me!

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  25. Yum! I'd love to try the pb&j

    - Judith

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  26. Hang in there, I know it's gotta be tempting to sign up for more races...hold on! As for the FlyJoy bars first off - yum! They look like the kind I'd really enjoy, and I get that work slump too. I think I'd like Blueberry Almond or Cashew Cookie Dough.

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  27. Anything with PB or coconut... PLEASE! I haven't heard of these but if they don't have LOTS of sugar... yay!

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    1. I haven't tried the new lower sugar bars, but I bet they're good!

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  28. I always love the sweat pink challenge! I tend to start out really well the first week then forget to enter in my minutes after that. Always fun to do!

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    1. They send plenty of reminders, so I don't think you could forget this time!

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  29. I would love to try all of them! I seem to be drawn to the peanut butter :)

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  30. cherry coconut macaroons sounds delish.

    I am addicted to racing so have quite a few planned included a 10K Turkey Trot, Half marathon in Fla and a Holiday lights 5k.

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  31. These look tasty. Cashew cookie dough for sure.

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  32. I love the idea of a plank challenge! Although I need to work on a "general activity" challenge at the moment, haha! Not for lack of want, but I've been having trouble maintaining routine when I don't have a big race on my calendar.

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    1. I liked the idea of the plank challenge too! I always do planks anyways, so this was a no brainer!

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  33. Good luck with the plank challenge, Wendy! What a great supplement to the Sweatpink Holiday Sweat Challenge!

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    1. I know a lot of people do planks for time, but I like to mix it up!

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  34. Still no knee bending for me, so maybe I should do a plank challenge:-). I love cookie dough (and the idea of vegan cookie dough makes me swoon), so I'd pick the cashew cookie dough.

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  35. You always find the funniest videos. A twerking Corgi, too cute !

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  36. Your plans look great. The plank that looks up to the sky...that is hard to hold for a long time!! Those bars look yummy too. I am obsessed with quinoa so I would love to try these. The cashew one looks awesome. Are they sweetened with dates? Also, loving the look of the blog....definitely WP ;) I'm so glad I switched over!

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    1. The bars are so delish! And I'm holding out on Blogger as long as I can...I have it all figured out and I don't want to learn a new platform...let's see what happens!

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  37. I'm doing the holiday sweat thing since I'm not racing. I admit I'm only eating cauliflower right now to get my points LOL.

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  38. Love the #Holidaysweat challenge, it is just what I am going to need.

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    1. It's nice to have these challenges when I'm not training for anything!

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  39. After meeting Bart Yasso at Chicago, I definitely want to read his book! Also, that one photo of you in reverse plank..that is so hard for me! no joke I can hold it for liek 15 seconds. Clearly need to do more core and yoga!

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    1. The challenge for me is to get my feet down and my hips up higher!

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  40. I love snack bars and anything with coconut is a winner! See you at #hoidaysweat I have a good week planned!

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  41. Wow! I'd love to try the cherry flavor!

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  42. I busted a gut giggling at the corgi's butt shaking!

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  43. Umm, I love that border collie quote! Ha. I'd pick coconut!

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  44. The peanut butter and jelly sounds fantastic!

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  45. I love Bart! I met home for the first time in 2013 at the runners world half and since have run into him at quit a few races, he is pretty awesome and always ready to do a #Bartie! I would love to try the peanut butter

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    1. Ooooh, I like that #Bartie! I'll be using that hashtag...I wonder if he knows about it?

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  46. I would love to try the peanut butter.

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  47. cherry coconut macaroon...yum! I'm always on the lookout for good post run (or really anytime) snacks...these look wonderful!

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  48. I'd love to try the Blueberry Almond as I love blueberries!

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  49. I'd love to try the cherry coconut macroon!

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  50. I want to try the blueberry almond.

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  51. I think the question is, which one do I NOT want to try? Right now the macaroon one sounds pretty yummy.

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  52. I would like to try Blueberry Almond!

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  53. I would try the cherry coconut macaroon

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  54. Cashew cookie dough or coconut both sound fantastic!

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  55. I'd like to try Peanut Butter Cacao! Yum!

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  56. I'd like to try the cherry coconut flavor!

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  57. I would love to try the Peanut Butter and Jelly flavor first! They all sound great.

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  58. I love FLYJOY and want to try the new formulation. I like PB&J and the Dark Chocolate Cherry!

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  59. I would love to try the peanut butter and jelly flavor, yum!

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  60. I would like to try the cherry coconut macaroon, what a great combo.

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  61. Dark Chocolate Cherry sounds good.

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  62. I would like to try blueberry almond.

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  63. I'm so glad they reformulated them to be less sweet! That was the one reason I wouldn't try them! I've got my eye on cashew cookie dough.

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