Change of Season

Spring time generally brings warmer weather and an end to the hockey season ... This year with the snow still hanging in it's hard to to see the boy off the ice and an end of @ZacMc7's Major Peewee year.

The GK Major Peewees (2001) had a great season with many improvements making it into the OMHA Playoffs for the first time.  The boys continue to impress as they develop ... Looking forward to next year already!

The name bars and sponsor bars may be off the jerseys but Minor Bantam is just around the corner, tryouts in April coupled with two Spring Hockey teams means this hockey mom won't be out of the rink for long!

And I wouldn't have it any other way!

Powered By ENERGYbits

It's Christmas time and I received an early present in the mail this week from ENERGYbits.  The kind folks at ENERGYbits sent me a sample to try out after I expressed an interest in their product. 

Right out of the gate I will tell you to take their advice and don't attempt to chew these little green bits, they look harmless but their flavour is reminiscent of fish food .... or better yet fish food sitting in a fish tank!  It is certainly an acquired taste but these little bits are small enough to swallow quite a few at a time, thus eliminating the need to dig the green crud out of your teeth!  If for nothing else my munching on one single bit provided a laugh for my son while I danced around the kitchen ;)

I held off trying anymore of the ENERGYbits until I could commit to a proper workout, and today was the day!

Before hitting the dreadmill I took 30 bits ... relax, it sounds like a lot but it's not.  They are really quite tiny and it only took 3 swigs of water to get them down the ol' hatch!  I should point out that ENERGYbits are called "bits" for a reason, they are not pills.  Spirulina is an algae that is compromised of 64% protein, 40 vitamins & antioxidants .... taken in the right quantity these little bits are a meal replacement, not just an energy boost.

I definitely felt the energy boost almost right away, I thought it was all in my head until I was on the 'mill.  I noticed that my breathing wasn't as laboured (keep in mind I am a newbie runner) and my endurance was far greater then normal.  I only ran 2.5 miles today because I have taken a few days off and did not want to over do it.  That being said, I felt like could have finished the 3 miles that I normally have a battle with and kept right on going! 


I suspect that the improvement in my breathing and endurance was a direct result of not just the ENERGYbits themselves but more specifically the natural nitric oxide found in these little wonder bits.  Nitric oxide opens up your blood vessels and provides a steady stream of oxygen and nourishment through out your body .... which in my mind can only help!

I would say the best part of these bits would be the clean energy it provides to your body, no caffeine like crash afterwards and no jitters or heart palpitations to deal with during your workout.

There is a whole line of different "bits" .... ENERGYbits are 100% spirulina and are intended to boost mental and physical energy.  SKINNYbits are also 100% spirulina and help to eliminate hunger and fatigue.  RECOVERYbits are 100% cholrella and can assist in preventing colds ... they even help with your holiday hangover!  VITALITYbits are 50% spirulina and 50% chlorella providing a mix of both algaes in a smaller amount.  

I have to admit I was quite impressed with these little green bits, being #poweredbyBITS proved to be a positive experience and I highly recommend this small addition to your daily routine.  I plan on introducing bits into my son's daily regime of hockey and physical activity, I can see it being a simple yet effective addition to his training.  Be sure to pop by their website and check them out on Twitter and Facebook as well.

Cheers to ENERGYbits!

K.

Hittin' the Pavement

I did it!  I actually ran outside last night.  This may not be a big deal for some of you but this was HUGE for me and I couldn't be more excited if I tried! 

I got my Polar heart rate monitor out that I used to wear when I taught spin, downloaded Endomondo onto my phone, leashed up the pooch and hit the pavement!  I was shocked that I was actually able to follow the same walk/run routine (with longer running interval I might add!) that I have been doing on the treadmill without pushing myself too hard or getting caught in the dog's leash and falling on my face!

I ran 2.70 miles going door to door so it included a warm up/cool down that slowed my actual time down.  My average pace time was a slow 13:46/mile but I don't care, I did it .... I ran outside!!!  For those who think I am overreacting you need a little back story .... I have never been able to run outside, I get winded faster, I can't pace myself and worry way too much about who might be looking and judging!  Running in the dark certainly helped the worry of onlookers and for some great strange reason I was able to pace myself and run a wee bit faster then I have been when I am on the 'mill!  I can't tell you the number of times I have looked at Steve since I got back from my run and squealed, "I ran outside!!!"

My plan is to get out again before our lovely Canadian winter hits, we have been totally spoiled with this amazing 25+ degree weather for the end of October!  Over the winter I am committed to working on form and technique so I can enter my first 5K in the spring!  I am so excited, I am beginning to understand the drive in running.  The sense of accomplishment, not to mention the bonus of fresh air and scenery!  My pooch even liked it, he stayed close by me and seemed pleased to be running .... even if to no where in particular!  By the time we got back home he was quick to look for a drink and then hit the floor ... I actually wore him out! 


Busy weekend coming up so I may not be able to get out again until Monday, I'm on a bus and off to Barrie, ON for two hockey games this weekend.  I will definitely be chomping at the bit to run again!