Tailwind Nutrition Review

Rock ‘n’ Roll Madrid is getting closer and closer and I’m starting to get really excited. I think what has me looking forward to this race is that it’s a no pressure race. I’m not looking to PR having reached my goal at RnR Arizona–quite honestly, if I never beat that time I think I’ll be okay lol. With Madrid, I want to enjoy being in a different country with my husband doing what we enjoy doing: running

What I am concerned with is that when I get back from Europe May 3, I have that dreaded mandatory Death March 17.8 mile run/hike the next morning. With jet lag and the exhaustion from being gone a week, I think I’ll be a good representative of that hike’s title. My running group leader has been getting on us to make sure we’re prepared telling us that temps at the bottom of the canyon can go up to 100+ degrees. Fueling and hydrating is super important and because of that, I’ve been trying a few things.

I tried Energybits a few weeks ago (my review) and during Sunday’s 14.75 mile hike I tried Tailwind Nutrition for the second time. Tailwind is a mix you combine with water and it comes in several flavors–all the ingredients are natural and organic. The berry flavor I tried was amazing . (I’m one of those that when I hear natural and/or organic, I automatically assume I won’t like it (I know, dumb) ). It was sweet but not overly sugary and had zero aftertaste but it def gave my water a little extra yummy oomph.

Berry amazing :)

Berry amazing 🙂

Having not eaten anything before the hike–I usually eat a Nutrigrain bar but my daughter snagged the last one the morning before– Tailwind surprisingly kept me full the whole time. I was really worried I’d be starving during the run/hike but I starting drinking about 15 minutes in and throughout the entire way and was perfectly fine. In fact, I sucked my hydration pack dry by the time I reached the end lol! It was really really yummy and actually very satisfying–it’s advertised to meet your calorie, hydration, and electrolyte needs so no need for gels.

I’ve also tried the lemon flavor (yum!) and have yet to taste the Mandarin Orange. They also have a flavorless mix. I’ll keep you posted on the last two.

Tailwind came recommended from a buddy in my running group who swears by it and I’m glad I gave it a shot. Here’s the website: www.tailwindnutrion.com I love how they offer single packages (the berry flavor is on my weekend buy list).

Let me know if you decide to try it. So far it’s a winner in my book.

–What do you use for fuel?

–Do you like mixing things in your water?

I was sent my package of Tailwind free to test, however, my opinions on the product are my own. I do plan to continue using the product because I truly like it.

 

Trying New Things–Energybits Review and Giveaway

It’s been a busy family week as we all get ready to travel to Ohio to visit family next Wednesday but I’ve been able to squeeze in a couple of workouts so that I could try this popular “fuel” called ENERGYbits.

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I’ve been hearing quite a bit about Energybits from my runner friends and figured I needed to check it out. One of the things on my list is to try experimenting with fuel–something I don’t think I did an adequate job of training for my first marathon. So, here are my thoughts on this particular one.

Energybits is unique in that it is an all natural product made from 100% organically grown spirulina algae. If you know me, you’ll know that “all natural” and “organic” are not typically in my food intake vocabulary. Energybits also has zero caffeine or sugar. I know, I know! You’re probably thinking, “Helly, this is against everything you believe in!” Lol! While I love my caffeine, sugar, salt, and everything else bad in food that I eat, I do know that I should be sticking with stuff that won’t cause tummy issues when I run–which this product claims won’t happen.

So, before my Tuesday scheduled run, I took 30 of these bad boys (yes, 30!) 15 minutes before my workout started. I was definitely a bit incredulous reading that I had to take 30 pills, but, that’s what it said to do and as a teacher, I follow all directions.

One thing I did appreciate was that it suggests you swallow the pills and not chew them. Yeah, they’re not particular tasty (but they don’t have an after taste–whew!)

I don’t know if it’s truly a wonder pill or not, but I held an 8:38/mile pace for 6 miles that run. I knew I wanted to push myself because I didn’t want to run scared after my what happened last weekend. I had my SPIbelt with my necessities: Epi Pen, Phone, keys.

My run was a challenge but felt really, really, really good. I had zero stomach issues and while it was tough maintaining that pace (I hadn’t done a run like that in a while), I felt strong and I felt energized. I also didn’t feel hungry. I didn’t want to eat before my run (considering what happened on Friday) but with Energybits containing 64% protein, another one of it’s highlights is that it curbs your hunger.

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I had to try Engergybits one more time. Before my Wednesday workout, I swallowed some more pills and was ready.

Typically, Wednesdays are track days but my run club had something different in store for us.

Uphill running pulling a tire...just another day in the life

Uphill running pulling a tire…just another day in the life

Our workout was so fun! Because we were doing a lot of high intensity stuff, I really felt the Energybits giving me the extra oomph I needed. I’ve always been a little skeptical on products claiming to give you a quick burst of energy or push, but I did think the bits were doing something. I mean, I felt really good after both workouts. I wasn’t completely exhausted or worn down or starving and I really pushed myself both days.

Overall, I have to say I’m an Energybits fan. I like that it’s natural, I like that it didn’t leave a yucky taste in my mouth, I like that there was no “crash” after, and I like that it’s small and travel friendly.

I know your interest is piqued. If you want to try a sample of Energybits, you’ve got a few ways you can do it.

First, you can enter my giveaway for a FREE sample below and leave a comment on whether you’ve tried Energybits before or what other fuel(s) you’ve tried.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Increase your chances:

1.) Like hellyontherun on Facebook
2.) Like ENERGYbits on Facebook
3.) Follow hellyontherun on Twitter
4.) Follow ENERGYbits on Twitter
5.) Tweet about the giveaway
6.) Follow hellyontherun on Instagram

And cool update! I’m on Pinterest 🙂 You can follow me there too if you’d like to just for fun! (And ENERGYbits) 🙂

Don’t want to wait to see if you win? Enter the word BLOG into the coupon box at checkout at energybits.com for a 10% discount.

The fine print:
Giveaway only ships in the U.S.
Giveaway ends Tuesday 3/25 at 12 a.m.

I was provided a free sample to review but my opinions are always my own.