Zenaida Arroyo

27
Oct
2017

Friday Five 2.0-Top 5 things I am looking forward to the Turkey Trot Chicago

categories: Ambassador, BibRave Pro, Friday Five 2.0, Running

It is hard to believe that we are close to the end of October and November starts next week. Also, hard to believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Oh, and my birthday is that same week as Thanksgiving. 🙂

I am excited because that same week of Thanksgiving, I only work Monday and Tuesday and then I am off the rest of the week. Thanksgiving is always a time to eat all of the food and spend time with family. It is also time to run in a turkey trot. This year I am looking forward to run the Art Van Turkey Trot in Chicago. I haven’t decided on whether to run the 5K or 8K. It’s been years since I’ve run in a turkey trot. Read along as I list the reasons why I am excited to run this race and why you should too.

1. This race supports the Greater Chicago Food Depository. What better way to start off the day than to help out fellow Chicago friends to ensure they don’t go hungry this holiday season.

2. It is a local race. That saves me time and money. I sleep in my own bed and drive to the race. I’ve never run this race before and am looking forward to runing in Lincoln Park.

3. FREE Race Photos. I never buy any of my race photos (too expensive and don’t like how I look) but I’ve noticed that I do like the FREE ones. Regardless, whether I like them or not, they’re still FREE.

4. It is a short race. There are two options in this race, 5K and am 8K. Whether it is 3.1 or 6.2 miles, those distances are still doable. Right?

5. A cool shirt and medal! New this year is that everyone that crosses the finish line gets a medal. Check out that cool blue color of the shirts! Love it!

EXTRA:
6. I get to wear some cool socks! I purchased these socks at the Shamrock Shuffle expo specifically to run a turkey trot. I am excited to wear them on race day.

Remember, if you would like to sign up, use TURKEYDAY2017 to save 10% off any race distance.

Any plans to run a Turkey Trot this year?

I’m linking up with Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for Friday 2.0.

01
Oct
2017

Chicago Half Marathon & Life Time 5K Recap

categories: Ambassador, BibRave Pro, Race Recap, Running

Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Chicago Half Marathon & Life Time 5K as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

I had originally signed up for the half marathon. However, with the unusually high temperatures in Chicago, I decided instead to run the 5K.

After my run on Saturday morning, I went to Soldier Field to pick up my packet. Parking was a deal for $5! Names were printed on the letters but I didn’t find my name. In fact many names were missing because I didn’t see any names with last names ending in A, B, C, D, or E (just naming a few as I know there were more but cannot remember).

Bib pickup and switching over to the 5K was fast and easy. Not much in the goodie bag.

I do like the shirt.

A reminder that it was going to be warm on race day.

It was a good size expo with many vendors.

I tried Rx bars but did not like the texture.

Almost bought these shoes.

Walked around a bit more and left to meet my friend, Claudia, for lunch.

I woke up early on Sunday morning to get ready and eat something. I also had some coffee. Then I drove to the race location. I got lucky and found parking right away. However, I was there very early so I still had to wait. The half marathon began at 7 am and the 5K at 7:45am.

I found my friend, Claudia, and we use the port-a-potties, took some pictures, and I wished her good luck as she was running the half marathon.

I hate it when vendors take advantage of the situation (I know they are there to make money) and charge a lot for food. That slice of pizza is very small which is the same one runners got at the end of the race.

I was planning to meet Heather prior to the race but that didn’t work out. I did see her once the race began and she was walking to start running.

Then I had to wait again. By this point I was hungry. It was also warm. At least now there were no lines at the port-a-potties but they were also SMELLY!

Finally time to run. It was nice to run in the shade. Miles 1 and 2 went by fast. There was a water/gatorade station a bit before mile 2. I drank some Gatorade and ran again. I was surprised there was a station so late into the race. I didn’t care too much for me because I was running a shorter race. The half marathoners still had a long way to go and shouldn’t have had to wait till mile 2 for water and Gatorade.

I saw a cute Mexican family with less than half a mile away. I could hear the music and the race announcer. I picked up the pace a little bit and finally crossed the finish line.

Done. Got my medal and some post race goodies.

Love free pictures. The bottom one cracks me up. I almost didn’t post it because my eyes are closed. But there is a story behind it. Next to me is my friend’s dad. At the beginning he told me he was going to beat me. Throughout the race I would pass him and then he would pass me. Around mile 2 was the last time I passed him. He surprised me when he caught up to me as we got closer to the finish line and I ran as fast as I could. We crossed the finish line together and I was laughing!! I still beat him by 7 seconds. 🙂

Free pizza. Would you pay $6 for that slice? I am a big fan of Home Run Inn pizza and realize that that picture of the pizza doesn’t look tasty. However, my complaint is the cost for that size.

Are you a fan of 5Ks? Why or why not?

24
Sep
2017

5K Crate Product Review

categories: Ambassador, BibRave Pro, Product Review

Disclaimer: I received a 5k Crate to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

What is 5K Crate? It is a quarterly subscription box ($59.99) that has premium apparel and accessories for runner of all types and fitness levels. Each box is carefully hand picked to include 5-6 items that you will use over and over again. You can select a women’s or men’s version and shipping is FREE.

I was excited when I received my box. Inside my box were the following:

Mission VaporActive Alpha Running Shirt- $35.95
Mission VaporActive Cooling Towel- $19.99
Spigen Wireless Bluetooth Headphones- $45.00
Zensah No-Show Compression Socks- $19.99
(2) Epic Full-Size Body Wipes- $2.50 each
(3) La Fresh Travel Sunscreen Samples- $1.00 each

Total value is $128.93.

Mission VaporActive Alpha Running Shirt – I wear short sleeve shirts for running. However, I like the color and the fit. This shirt is supposed to dry up to 5 times faster than the leading shirt. I really didn’t notice this but it could have been that when I wore this shirt it was mostly for shorter runs.

Mission VaporActive Cooling Towel – It is a soft towel that keeps you cool for up to 2 hours. All you do is wet it, wring it, and snap it. I didn’t take advantage of it during these 90 degree days because all I wanted to do after a run was jump in the shower.

Spigen Wireless Bluetooth Headphones – I rarely run with music. It depends on my mood and run. However, I have two pairs of headphones with wires that when I do use them, the wires drive me crazy. Enter wireless headphones. I wear these mostly for when I am working on my laptop entering grades for school or writing blog posts. These were easy to pair up with my iPhone and the sound is clear and crisp.

Zensah No-Show Compression Socks – Is it possible to have too many socks? No way! I own about 20 pairs and pick a pair depending on the shoes I plan to wear (I have 3 pairs in rotation). I love that they’re thin, soft and comfortable. No blisters either. I didn’t think I would like the ankle height because I prefer no show socks.

Epic Full-Size Body Wipes – I didn’t use these wipes but I know they’re big enough to wipe off the sweat and smell when you need to go somewhere else after a run and you don’t have time for a shower.

La Fresh Travel Sunscreen Samples – I’ve never heard of sunscreen wipes. They’re the perfect size for a bag or even short pockets. The lotion isn’t greasy and I didn’t notice any scent.

Final thoughts: I like trying out the different products. Most of these were new to me. The one item I didn’t care for is the shirt but that is because I have enough in my drawer and I prefer to run in short sleeves.

Is all of this worth $60? Definitely! As you saw above, total cost is about $130 so you get all of this stuff for about half price.

You can sign up HERE and every 3 months you will receive a new shipment with 5-6 items. Join today as the Octobe boxes start shipping on October 16th.

Lola likes the box. She says it is the perfect size and sends her thanks to 5K Crate.

Have you tried any of these products? Have you tried a 5K Crate subscription? Thoughts?

24
Sep
2017

Ready for Fall, running a 5k, and meeting two olympians and an ultra-ultra marathoner!

categories: Motivation, Running, Weekly Recap

Friday was the first day of fall. But it did not feel like it at all. We’ve been having some HOT weather which is normal for July/August but NOT September. We have a few more warm days and then it is supposed to cool down. It looks like it will be cooler for the Chicago Marathon.

Weather Chicago

I am actually looking forward to fall. For sure the weather. I am excited to wear shorts/capris with a long sleeve shirt or thin jacket. To me fall is the best season for running! Ready for fall since last fall

This week I ran 4 days for a total of 11.18 miles which includes a 5k today. Tuesday’s 2 miles felt tough. I had Open House at my school on Thursday and I knew I would not want to run afterwards so I ran early in the morning. It was weird being out there so early.

I got a late start to my run on Saturday and paid for it later. That afternoon I went to Soldier Field to pick up my bib for the Chicago 5k. It was a good expo and I was tempted to buy a new pair of Saucony Kinvara 8. They were only $95 and are very comfortable. But I have too many shoes and definitely do not need another pair.

running 9

Saucony Kinvara 8

Today I ran the Chicago 5k. I had signed up for the half marathon but changed it yesterday to the 5k. Although the medal for the half is much nicer, I am glad I ran the 5k. I didn’t get a PR (wasn’t planning due to the weather) but still pleased with my time.

Then in the afternoon I attended the “Breaking Through The Wall: Marathon Preparation Seminar”. Although I am not training for a marathon, I enjoy going to it and hear inspiring stories from various runners. Last year I met Meb Keflezighi, Desi Linden, and Amy Cragg. This year it was Scott Jurek, Ryan Hall, and Amy Cragg. It was cool holding Amy’s bronze medal from 2017 World Marathon Championships in London. When it was my turn to take a picture with her, I asked her if she could hold her medal. Instead, she asked ME if I wanted to hold her medal. Yes!!

I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap.

Hoping everyone had a good week!

WeeklyWrap

21
Sep
2017

Friday Five 2.0-Luvo Frozen Meals Product Review

categories: Ambassador, BibRave Pro, Friday Five 2.0, Product Review, Running

Disclaimer: I received Luvo Frozen Meals to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

I love to eat but don’t like to cook. My mother makes the best Mexican food and I look forward to it everytime I see her.

I have a hard time deciding what to take to school for lunch. I only have 30 minutes to eat and in that time I also have to finish up some work for the next two hours of class and use the bathroom. Enter Luvo Frozen Meals. The past few weeks I had the opportunity to try their products for a quick, easy, and healthy meal.

Luvo Frozen Meals 1

Luvo Frozen Meals 10

Luvo’s philosophies for their meals consist of :

The right balance of protein, whole grains, and veggies
Not too much sodium or added sugar
No artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners

There are so many meals to choose from – either in a pouch or a bowl. Below are the ones I was able to sample.

Kale Ricotta Ravioli – This one had a great smell! Teachers asked me what I was eating because it smelled so good. This bowl is nut free and vegetarian with 12 grams of protein, 14 grams of whole grains, and 1/2 cup of vegetables

Hawaiian Un-Fried Rice-I didn’t think I would like this but it is actually very tasty. This bowl is vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy free with 10 grams of plant protein, 42 grams of whole grains, and 1 cup of fruit and vegetables.

Luvo Frozen Meals 4

Quinoa & Veggie Enchilada Verde-My sister and I both enjoyed this bowl. I love green enchiladas as well as quinoa. The salsa verde was tasty and definitely not spicy at all. This bowl is gluten-free, nut free, vegetarian with 10 grams of protein, 37 grams of whole grains, and 1/2 cup of vegetables.

Great Karma Coconut Curry-This is another bowl I did not think I would like. I like coconut but not a fan of curry. This bowl is vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy free with 10 grams of plant protein, 16 grams of whole grains, and 1 cup of vegetables.

Luvo Frozen Meals 9

So Cal Kale & Bean-I know Kale is good for you (don’t eat it as much as I would like to) so I looked forward to this meal. It was sweet which I liked. This bowl is vegan, gluten-free, nut free, vegetarian, dairy free with 10 grams of plant protein, 23 grams of whole grains, and 1 cup of fruit and vegetables.

Luvo Frozen Meals 5

Roasted Cauliflower Mac & Cheese-I loved the brown rice noodles and the panko style topping on top made it crunchy! This bowl is gluten-free, nut free, vegetarian with 11 grams of protein, 55 grams of whole grains, and 1/2 cup of vegetables.

Luvo Frozen Meals 6

I know frozen meals are never a substitute for real food. However, with so many choices of frozen meals out there, I didn’t feel guilty having one of these for lunch. Here are a few reasons:

A few have a high number of whole grains and/or protein. I was able to stay full till dinner time.
Most frozen meals have a high number of sodium. However, the meals I tried had sodium in the 300s. The Great Karma Coconut Curry has the highest number with 390 milligrams.
A variety to choose from whether you are looking for a vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, nut free, or dairy free meal.
Great taste! Seriously, I was surprised at how good they were. I tried 6 different meals and I liked all of them.
They’re inexpensive! I went to my local Jewel-Osco and they were on sale for $3.00 (regular price was $4.99) each which is affordable. Click HERE to find out if they’re available at your local grocery store.

Have you tried Luvo Frozen Meals? Which one did you like the most?

I’m linking up with Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for Friday 2.0.

Hoping everyone had a good week!

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