Tag Archive | run

Guest Post – Susie Stephen of LongRunYoga.com on Aubrey Organics Hair Products

Jun8

Let me just say, this is by far my most exciting post because it enables me to support another fellow active running girl who is enthusiastic about organic products.

Here is how Susie Stephen, founder of LongRunYoga.com describes the blog she writes:

” “Ooh, I want to tell you, it’s a long run”, The Eagles.

This website aims to provide information about running and yoga, all designed with staying happy & healthy in mind for more than a few weeks or months, but for the long run. Yoga and running suggestions are made that can be fitted into a normal working day or week, for months and years to come.

Both yoga and running meet and satisfy the body and the mind’s need for not only movement and activity, but also relaxation and reflection. They are free and simple practices that we think will help you feel better and sleep more soundly.

Please bear in mind this website is a labour of love, and a work in progress. Click around for a few ideas to get you going, and email us with any suggestions or questions about yoga, running, or anything else – connected.

Happy Trails!”

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To me, her outlook and approach to yoga and running is refreshing, inspiring, and contagious! Love it!

On her blog, Susie also briefly describes herself & experience:

“About Founder:

I started running at age 11, took up yoga as a undergraduate student – and basically have been doing a mixture of the two ever since. On this website I share a few insights from the world of each – and a combination of both activities because they have helped me to stay sane, learn, travel and meet incredible people!”

Susie offered to give her feedback and opinions on

Aubrey Organic’s hair products,

as I had recommended them to her. I was very excited to hear that she tried them–it is a gift that she was willing to write about them! Without further a due, here is her review of these products:

“Aubrey Hair Products for Active Lifestyles, and one running yogi!

Over the the last few months I have been on the look out for hair products that are less ‘sticky’ and more ‘eco-friendly’, if that makes sense. It’s seems difficult to find the combination of something that actually ‘feels good’ – for my hair and the planet! But I think I’ve finally cracked it. Thanks to recommendations from Jesica at Run On Organic, my new go-to hair products are Aubrey’s Swimmer’s Normalizing Shampoo, and the NuStyle Organic detangler & shine booster. 

But why? Let me explain. As a ‘sporty’ girl (and I could have written fit…) with curly, dry hair, prone to frizz, it’s difficult, & far too time & energy consuming to constantly be worrying about my hair. The usual result is that I just tie it back in a bun or a ponytail and pull on a headband or cap – sound familiar? So I was excited to try the new Aubrey Detangler (non-aerosol), especially because it’s made from a range of organic products (quinoa, evening primrose oil and aloe), and isn’t tested on animals. Also the Swimmer’s shampoo claims to, ‘Gently remove chlorine, salt & perspiration to prevent dry, brittle hair’. Awesome. I packed both for a two-day trail running & yoga extravaganza on the North Shore of Oahu. 

And the conclusion? After an action packed weekend of hot & humid trail running (with plenty of perspiration!), followed by breezy hours of yoga-by-the-sea, and a sea swim in Waimea Bay on the way home – you would think my hair was frazzled. But no. Using the all-natural swimmer’s shampoo, followed by a quick spritz of the light & refreshing detangler and a comb, I was always ready to go – with no worries about the condition/ state of my hair! Thankfully I have a feeling my hair will be seeing more daylight from now on thanks to Aubrey, and thanks to Jes!”

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I can relate to Susie in every way, especially in the hair department. Aubrey Organic’s have had the same impact on my constantly sweaty and stressed hair. How cool is it that this groovy girl lives this beautiful, passionate life on Oahu?! I am constantly inspired by this phenomenal gal, and you will be too after checking out her blog. Go read & learn awesome stuff at LongRunYoga.com !

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A gigantic thank you to Susie for providing her honest words and opinions! They are much appreciated. Happy running, sister!

Indianapolis Mini Marathon 2013

May6

Even though I have been an avid runner for several years,

participating in organized races has not been my forte.

My parents have participated in the

Indianapolis Mini Marathon (13.1 miles)

for the past 5 years or so and I had to miss because of college obligations. I was thrilled to run in this race for the first time this year (& my fiancée got to run with me!) Here is the race depicted in photos:

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Happy running and racing to all of you!

Losing Weight: Keeping a Healthy Mind & Body in the Process of Weight Loss

Apr6

As my wedding day approaches, I am staying mindful of making healthy choices and implementing healthy habits. I find it easy to have moments where I fall into the rut of the “get thin” mindset. I’ve wasted enough time with wedding dress measurement stress. Like everyone else, I’m not perfect. I splurge sometimes, I eat more than I should, I indulge in pizza and ice cream on occasion. I’ve found it’s about allowing yourself to enjoy little indulgences amidst practicing healthy habits the majority of the time.

The words that seem to be discussed most often in this day and age are

“losing weight” or “weight loss” or “lose inches” or “shrink”.

The problem I have with this terminology (even though those words are in the title of this post) is that they scream “lack” and “struggle” and “loss of sanity.”

I prefer to think of the process as GAINING so much, not LOSING. Gaining strength, gaining endurance, gaining health, gaining overall body function (losing fat is just one of many benefits of making healthy food & exercise choices). If the process seems like a terrible struggle, you are surely not doing the most healthful way.

I am in a constant state of balancing: 1. Eating without a restricted feeling and 2. Staying mindful of what I’m putting into my body.

This urge to eat is intensified on days when I run extra mileage. It is even more important on these days that I make healthy decisions so I don’t get deterred from my goal: to eat clean, organic food the majority of the time. My fiancée calls me a “lioness” because of my ferocious appetite. :)

In all of this, I keep these certain things in mind to make sure I am becoming more fit and toned without sacrificing health:

1. Break a sweat once a day.

Most days I’ll run 2-8 miles and some days I will simple do some push-ups and squats at home but either way I’m staying consistent with having my body endure activity every day.

2. Don’t think: Lose weight. Think: Gain Health.

3. Drink a big glass of water.

When I feel my hungriest, I find doing this not only revitalizes me, but it helps me to not be such an animal in the kitchen.

4. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.

Make them the focus of each meal, not the side. Plants have an incredible ability to revitalize and nourish the body.

5. Drink a daily elixir or detox drink.

My favorite concoctions are 1. lemon juice/coconut vinegar/raw honey/water and 2. spinach & water blended together. Having a routine of drinking this each day helps me keep a healthy focus on food.

6. Buy organic products. Yes, it’s worth the extra money.

7. Appreciate the beautiful body you have.

Might not sound like the first thing on your mind when you’re trying to improve your body. However, I find that becoming healthier and more fit while loving and appreciating your body is the road to success, whereas hating and being overly critical about your body while trying to improve will make your success diminish, as you are then in a negative state of mind. Negative is not productive.

8. Smile! Be happy.

I know that a happy Jesica is an energetic, productive, focused and inspired Jesica.

My ultimate goal is to be the healthiest me–Not the skinniest or thinnest. I think most people perhaps have the same goal, yet they go about it in unhealthy ways that ultimately are detrimental to the body.

Picture yourself where you want to be, live in the moment, focus on health, and don’t sweat the little details. (What I’m telling myself)

Did I mention I’m getting married this year? Wahoooooo :) (I’m so lucky he picked me!)

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Navitas Naturals Organic & Raw Maca Powder Review

Apr3

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Navitas Naturals Organic & Raw Maca Powder

-Navitas Naturals Description:

“Maca is an herbaceous plant native to the high Andean Mountains of Bolivia and Peru. It is one of the only food plants in the world able to thrive at such a high altitude. Maca, and more specifically the root of the plant, has a long history as a superfood. The maca root was prized throughout the Incan empire for its adaptogenic-like qualities that enable it to nourish and balance the body’s delicate endocrine system, and to help cope with stress. It also energizes naturally, without the jitters and crashes of caffeine, and it can aid in reproductive function, helping to balance hormones and increase fertility. Navitas Naturals Maca Powder is the raw and natural form of this special root.”

-My Description & Thoughts about Maca:

I have become increasingly interested in finding foods that can aid and optimize the function of the endocrine system.

I don’t believe I’ve ever sought information before for the sole purpose of bettering this specific pathway in my body. The thing that intrigues me most about the idea of optimizing the system that is responsible for hormone dispersement is this: ample amounts of exercise, heart rate raising and muscle challenging activity can have a decreased effect on the body (for increased athleticism, decreased body fat, accelerated metabolism) when the messengers inside your body, known as hormones, are not doing their job the best they can. Like every other system in the body, food intake effects this.

I love reading and learning more about superfoods like Maca that have the power to elevate the health of the endocrine system, sans hormone injections or other invasive methods.

Maca has an interesting taste to it; it’s hard to even come up with a good description for it. It is a bit earthy, with similar flavors of other roots like beets, carrots or parsnips. I like it best simply mixed with water and gulped down the hatch. Since it has a peculiar flavor, I don’t often put it in smoothies nor fruit bowls. It’s more of a “maca shot.” Sometimes I will add it to another daily elixir I drink that is made of lemon juice & coconut vinegar.

Navitas Naturals products are available at most health food stores like Natural Grocers and Whole Foods. One bag that will last a few months costs about $17.

Dew Puff Plant Fiber Exfoliating Sponge for Acne Prone Skin

Apr3

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Ever since my early teens, I have combatted facial acne and blemishes.

I’ve fervently searched for routines, products, regimens and methods for having clear skin.

I have successfully found several organic face soaps, serums and moisturizers that nourish and feed my skin so that my breakouts are minimized.

Part of my face cleaning routine has consisted of utilizing a facial exfoliating round, one that you can find at your local grocery store or pharmacy. These rounds basically got the job done from a standpoint of creating a nice lather and exfoliating the skin; though they did, at times, leave my skin red and slightly irritated after showering if I scrubbed the slightest bit too hard.

It occurred to me that what these little rounds are made of should not be ignored. I don’t have any knowledge as to what they are made of. Plastic maybe? That’s my best guess.

The reoccurring thought I had was “I am putting so much time and effort into learning about, purchasing and implementing these organic face cleansers, yet I am neglecting the vehicle with which I am applying and scrubbing them into and onto my skin.” I didn’t have any products in mind to replace these plastic rounds yet, though.

It was on a regular trip to a health food store called Natural Grocers that I came across this awesome exfoliating facial sponge. I found this product amongst the organic beauty products, pumice stones and hair brushes. I was eager to try it!

This Dew Puff is effective yet gentle and is made of plant fiber, a more trustworthy and recognizable material.

This is how Dew Puff describes this product:

“Dew Puff facial sponges are made from the root of konjac, a plant native to Asia. Konjac has long been regarded for its health and medicinal properties. With its natural ability to break down dirt and promote circulation, Dew Puff is the perfect puff for dew-beautiful skin, everyday! Dew Puff with Bamboo Charcoal contains activated carbon and minerals to help prevent breakouts, plus antioxidants to fight acne-causing bacteria. Soothing for blemished skin. Super soft and for gentle everyday skin care. Cleans, exfoliates and refreshes. Skin stays naturally hydrated 100% chemical free Just add water to use.”

After using this Dew Puff sponge for several weeks on my face, I am not only a fan of this product but I am surely converted to plant based facial exfoliators.

This sponge provides gentle, yet thorough and effective exfoliation. It is supposed to be used wet, so I put it under the shower nossle to douse it before use.

If you have a skin care regimen that already includes exfoliation, consider trying this Dew Puff. I’m glad I switched.

Juice Beauty Organic Skin Care & Cosmetic Products Review

Mar15

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Juice Beauty Organic Skin Care & Cosmetics

I was extremely curious and excited to try Juice Beauty Products! I had read about this company months before as a top organic beauty brand. Not sure why it took me to long so finally get my hands on these products. Actress Alicia Silverstone helped create this beauty line and also is behind several animal-rights and eco-friendly efforts.

Perfecting Foundation: Organic Sand & Organic Ivory

-Juice Beauty’s Description:

“This Perfecting Foundation is packed with organic ingredients that will leave your complexion looking refreshed and perfected. The combination of organic aloe juice, fruit extracts and minerals provides a cream to powder finish that will wear all day, while giving you a perfect airbrushed look and feel.”

-My Description & Thoughts:

I cannot say enough good things about this foundation! I absolutely love and recommend this foundation. I am so excited to talk about this product–as I haven’t ever been a foundation wearer before. Because of the unevenness of my skin (due to sun spots, blemishes, etc.) I had recently become open to the idea of foundation to even out my skin tone. While shopping on Juice Beauty’s site, I became increasingly impressed with their make up products and their ingredients. That, along with my recent interest in increased coverage makeup drove me to purchase this foundation.

After buying the “Organic Sand” shade, I figured that my skin’s closest match would be a mixture of “Organic Sand” and the next shade lighter, “Organic Ivory.” So, when I apply it, I mix them together to match my facial skin tone.

It is such a clean, natural looking foundation. I am wearing this foundation in the picture below. I am pleased with how it looks on me.

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PomSmooth Conditioner

-Juice Beauty’s Description:

“Achieve more silky, hydrated hair with this smoothing blend of organic pomegranate and aloe juices, nourishing organic essential fatty acids and repairing organic olive and jojoba.”

-My Description & Thoughts:

This is truly the best conditioner I’ve ever used. That’s the most succinct way to say it. It detangles just as well as it moisturizes. It has a pleasant, light, fruity smell and leaves hair manageable and easy to comb/brush. The clean ingredient list mixed with the effectiveness of this conditioner make it the best I’ve ever tried.

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Green Apple Peel Sensitive

-Juice Beauty’s Description:

“This patented organic fruit acid complex with raw cane sugar exfoliates to reduce breakouts, discolorations and fine lines. Heals while hydrating with rejuvenating algae, vitamins and antioxidants for a smooth, glowing complexion.”

-My Description & Thoughts:

I enjoyed using this peel; I applied it onto skin like I would a mask. It found that the fruit acids in this peel help revive the skin (a similar effect to what exfoliating has). I was a nice morning pick me up. My skin felt fresh, clean, and detoxified after using this green apple peel.

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Blemish Clearing TRIO Sample:

1. Blemish Clearing Cleanser

-Juice Beauty’s Description:

“Prevent blemishes, deeply cleanse and remove impurities with this clarifying cleanser of certified organic lemon, cherry and aloe juices. Deeply cleanses, heals while hydrating.”

-My Description & Thoughts:

I could tell that there was lemon in this cleanser right away. Lemon has this incredible power of detoxifying skin and acting as an astringent. It gave my skin a thorough, clean, refreshed feeling.

2. Blemish Clearing Serum

-Juice Beauty’s Description:

“Reduce breakouts, unclog pores, and even skin tone with this powerful serum packed with organic fruit acids and salicylic acid from willow bark; while organic aloe, CoQ10 and fat-soluble Vitamin C renew the skin for a healthy, clear complexion. Heals while hydrates.”

-My Description & Thoughts:

This serum is an effective and solid barrier that protects and heals my skin when used in combination with the moisturizer. I could also recognize the fruit acids in this serum immediately because of how it felt it detoxified my skin. Serums are new to me, as I’ve never used them in my skin care routine before. However, this serum seemed to really add an extra layer of “skin food” to my face.

3. Blemish Clearing Moisturizer

-Juice Beauty’s Description:

“Hydrate, quench and restore your skin’s natural moisture balance with this lightweight oil-free moisturizer that contains a blend of certified organic grape and pomegranate, soothing aloe vera, vitamin antioxidants and nutrient-rich sea algae to restore the skin’s natural balance.”

-My Description & Thoughts:

The texture and moisturizing abilities of this moisturizer are ideal. It is light enough that it does not leave skin goopy and greasy, yet it is substantial enough to effectively moisturize my skin. All three of these blemish clearing products smell pleasant as well.

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What is your focus while running?

Feb7

Lately, I’ve been focusing on certain things while running:

-Posture
-Deep breaths (in through the nose, out through the mouth)
-Relaxing into my natural gait
-Keeping a pace that doesn’t cause me to sacrifice form yet stays moderately challenging

These things, especially maintaining good posture, help me to run for longer with less exhaustion and less pain.

I’ve been exploring various, different and new routes and am loving the new adventures!

What is your focus while running?

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Larenim Powder Eyeliner Review

Jan28

This is my first time trying powder eye liner. I found this

Larenim Powder Eye Liner

at a local health food store in Overland Park, KS called Natural Grocers. They have an impressive selection of organic and all natural cosmetics and toiletries.

I considered the idea of trying powder eye liner instead of pencil eyeliner for a few reasons,

1) I wanted a natural option for black eye liner.
2) I wanted to experiment with the application of powder eye liner to see if I liked the way it applied & looked.
3) I am trying to find the right products and application techniques for my wedding make up :)

This Larenim powder eye liner is just awesome. Conveniently enough, I found this slanted brush in Natural Grocers also. It is the absolute perfect brush to apply this eye liner.

I only wear eye liner on my upper lid. For a more dramatic look, applying it to your lower lid does the trick. I personally prefer the way I look with eye liner only on the top.

This eye liner powder can double as an eye shadow, which is great for traveling with minimal make up on hand.

The application is so simple and easy. I find that sometimes pencil eye liner is tough to layer on the way you want it and can be tough to apply, depending on the consistency of the pencil. With this powder, you have the freedom to layer it as subtlety or as profusely as you wish to.

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Lululemon Athletica Running Apparel Review

Jan12

I have had a recent affinity for buying (and receiving as birthday, Christmas, and “just because” presents) lots of running apparel from

Lululemon Athletica.

For several years as a runner, I almost exclusively wore Under Armour Frosty Tights when running. They have a great fit, they stay put and they are durable. I was apprehensive to try another running tight simply because of that satisfaction with UA.

I have been tremendously and pleasantly surprised with how much I like Lululemon’s “Runder Under” running tights.

The fabric is extremely comfortable and breathes just enough. They stay put, they fit nicely, and they look super duper awesome & groovy (see patterns & colors below). Also, I’ve heard from other avid Lulu patrons that these tights will last for several years.

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I’ve yet to wear them because the weather has not been permitting to wear crop pants, but I am excited to wear these,

Run: For Your Life Crop

I’m sure I will enjoy them just as much as the Runder Unders. During the summer they will get plenty of use!

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In addition to the tights, I got several other neat Lululemon items, my favorite of which is the

Run: Bundle Up Jacket

(pictured in black, below).

It is absolutely awesome! It’s very warm without being bulky and it fits well through my shoulders–not too snug nor uncomfortable. Pictured separately is the hood that attaches to the jacket (I run without it attached). I love how it adds a lacy feminine touch to this black jacket. :) I also love the two different textures on the back of the jacket!

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A long sleeve shirt that Lululemon calls the Run: Ice Queen Long Sleeve

is excellent to wear under my jacket or wear by itself on days with higher temps. I love the detail of the shirt (pictured in black below). It has neat detailing on the shoulders and elbows as well as holes for thumbs the ends of the sleeve. That feature is neat for keeping the sleeve in place while putting my jacket on and also for covering the skin where my jacket ends and my gloves begin.

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I’ve also gotten 2 wide headbands. I so appreciate having these, as I am a headband connoisseur when it comes to running apparel.

Lululemon calls it a “Post Headstand Headhugger”

They are designed to stay on the head while doing headstands. Although I won’t be attempting many, if any, headstands, I have and will continue to wear these during runs. They are excellent at keeping my “baby hairs” out of my face while also keeping my ears warm in the cold months.

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A blue Lululemon neck gaiter

also has helped me to stay toasty while it’s been in the freezing temps in Indianapolis. I find that if my neck is warm and shielded from the wind, my body temperature tends to remain tolerable. This gaiter has a feature that allows you to pull it tighter to your skin via a grey drawstring type material in the front (slightly visible in picture) which helps it stay up if you wear it up above your nose or mouth.

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Homemade & Organic “Icy Hot”

Jan12

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Homemade “Icy Hot”

This is not a new creation of mine, in fact, I’ve been using it for several months now. However, I had yet to share anything about it here on my blog. I use my version of “Icy Hot” every time before I go for a run. It is simple to concoct, is effective, and contains all organic ingredients.

Ingredients:

Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Peppermint Essential Oil

Sweet Birch Essential Oil

Wintergreen Essential Oil

I basically eye-balled all of these measurements. I started with the coconut oil as a base, then added about 15-20 drops of these 3 essential oils. Coconut Oil is solid at about 75 degrees fahrenheit, so to mix all of these essential oils with the coconut oil, I place my small container of oils in front of a space heater just to slightly liquify it.

The reasoning for using these oils is that they combat fatigue, cramps, act as a “pick-me-up”, and aid in alertness.

I basically rub a big glob of the mixture over both of my entire legs before suiting up in my running tights. I find that it gives me a little pep in my step even before stretching because of the sensation from the different mints. It also makes you smell fresh and minty before going out and getting sweaty and stinky. :)