Vega Plant Based Bars

I had the chance to review for the company , Vega, some of their bars. 

I have been a vegan athlete for over 10 years so I was thrilled to try the protein based bars. Below is a picture of my Vega sports cup ready to go! 

My favorite was the All in one Meal Bar in the flavor of Chocolate Coconut Cashew. Fulfilled my hunger post run and the taste , sweet, not overly coconut in texture and firm. Yes. Love)) 

I also liked for pre running miles the Vega Snack bar. Nice and light for a snack before heading out to the trails. Fav was the Dark Chocolate Mixed Nuts and Berry. Total yum. 

As a marathoner and team racer that is vegan, I have to pay close attention to my energy needs and fuel. I cannot say enough positive reviews for the Vega Product Line and the All in one Bars. 

www.vegateam.com

www.aliciarunner.blogspot.com 

Loon

Another mountain race? Yes! 

USA Mountain racing Championship was held July 6th at Lincoln, NH. Heavy competitors all around. I was honored to be there, just to start. 

Beautiful area, green and trees and bears...

The course started fait flat on dirt road by a river then winded up the mountain ski slope. The climb started fault quickly. Very rocky footing and I almost feel 2 times) the leaders started at a 530 pace and I was behind for a short time in 630 . 

Then first climbs were not too bad, but by mile 3 my calfs  were achy. 

The final Walking  Boss hill, totally nuts. 

I was bent at a 180 angle for .5 miles. 

I feel ok upon finishing, I felt strong and happy to of completed the hard course. My first championship race . It will be my goal for 2015 to again qualify and to be in the top 10. 

Our CMS team placed 5th in the top competition !! 

Very proud . 

Next race is in the USATF-MT series Cranmore July 20th in North Conway NH 

Then The Morgan Valley UT Marathon July  26th, right outside of Salt Lake City UT 

My Karhu Flow Trail shows, swiftwick low cut socks , seemeinthedark headband, and GU Watermelon chomps helped me for the race. HealtheOrganics protein bar for breakfast and I was good to run. 

Love the mountains. Going for a PR in UT. 

The rock pile

Mt. Washington 

What can I say. It was epic. It was do so hot. It was freezing cold. A mental game. A breathing challenge.

Cannot wait for next year. Redemption .

The first 2 miles were spot on pace, about 11:00 per mile. I was going for a top 20 placing for sure, feeling great, breathing well. The first 4 miles or so were at a 8 to 12% grade. 

Then I got so hot, sweating, my heart was going to bust)! so I walked for a minute. I then picked the pace up. I passed a strong women with an Ironman tattoo - thought to myself ,  " that's encouraging" 

I saw one of my great running friends at mile 6, Jim Roche, he gave me a hug and a piece of chocolate . Feeling good now. 

Then the wind came down the mountain, it went from 55 degrees to 35 quickly. I started to see mountain men walking DOWN the slope with full parkas and furs on, the fog started to roll in, I was seeing goats in the mist.... Surreal 

The top of the race was so cold, windy, could not feel my hands. And then the last grade of the race was 12%!!! 

Finished, almost fainted, Woozy, frozen, done! Age group 8th!! Our CMS open team I am in was third!!! Still. 2015, top 10. I love theMountain races. 

Next up Loon Mountain US Championships July  6th. 

Gear: 

Karhu Flow Trail shoes

www.karhurunning.com

See me in the dark custom tank

www.seemeinthedark.com

Swiftwick compression socks 

www.swiftwick.com

GU Watermelon Chomps

www.guenergy.com

Pre race energy bar 

www.healtheorganics.com

A new Love and PR

Last weekend was my first Mountain race! Ha. Cool for this road running track girl. 

How about 3.7 miles, 12%grade, all uphill, in the woods? 

I loved it

My legs and breathing took about 5 minutes to say, oh my gosh.... This is do hard... Then I figured out I had it and the rest was truly a challenge but wonderful ! 

Next weekend is Mt. Washington which will be double Mt. Ascutney , same grade, 7.8 miles. Whoooo!! Trail running is a blast. My legs seem to like it. 

I ended up third in my age group .

Yesterday was a Team USATF-NE race, 5 miler in NH.

Hot day. 

Not too ready yet. I dumped water over my head at mile3 and felt better then tucked my tank up. Pushed on.

The team open division , which I am in, was third!!! Too cool . I ended up to 15, new PR by 2 minutes. I am really a distance runner, so my short race times are not too fast at all. 

But.

Making progress!

My legs felt good and a n negative split the last 2 miles, just give me 20 more miles and I would of had a blast. 

Thank you to my sponsors for the wonderful gear and products. I have much positive support. 

Now on to the top of the Mountain Sat. 

www.karhurunning.com

www.seemeinthedark.com

www.guenergy.com

www.swiftwick.com

www.healtheorganics.com

www.swirlgear.com

www.vegrunchat.com

Mountain Training

For the month of June I have 2 MT. Races- both are uphill only! Whew. 

Next weekend I will be racing MT. Ascutney,  a part of the USATF-NE Mountain trail Grand Prix series. This is in the town of Windsor, VT. 

This will great preparation for the June 22nd Mount Washington race. This will be a 7.6 mile uphill. I cannot wait. 

I have been in a recovery week and this upcoming cycle will now focus on speed, hills, and some quality long runs.

Continuing to focus on good fuel and larger amounts of post workout beverages containing electrolytes in this hotter weather! 

94 and 95

Fargo marathon last Sunday. Perfect weather, 55 and cloudy. The race pickup was hectic but had lots of free stuff and snacks! 

The day I felt ok- my glute had been very sore the week prior and I had a massage- which helped. 

I changed my priorities to finishing healthy and having a strong time, but not pushing for a PR as planned. I can not have an injury ) 

I paced with one of my wonderful Manic Marathon friends to a 317 finish.

Not the time I could race, but satisfied with a top 10 and age group win .

State sub four 46 done .

Marathon number 95 and Sub four State 47 was the next Sunday in Northern Maine.

Sugarloaf resort. It was gorgeous 

Pine trees, waterfalls , hills. 

Turned to be one of my top 5 marathons as a favorite.

My glute and leg still ached so I was not sure of even finishing - 

Raced the first 14 easy. Then my Garmin stopped . Again . No time on the course do no idea my pace. My leg was hurting, but I sucked it up and paced the last 8 miles at a sub 700 pace. 

Not happy with the finish time but thrilled with a top 10 again and Age group award !

I saw a moose which made my trip and I met some cool new friends. 

Recover time for the next 2 weeks. June with bring a USATF-NE 5mile team race and a Mt. 7.6 race 

Goal for UT marathon will be speed !