Island Boost Review

I have always had really hard time with certain gels and they always lead to stomach cramping and heavy stomach feeling after I washed them down with the recommended water.   Back in June I saw Island Boost pop up on twitter feeds and in a few blogs.  Upon researching the company and product (see their FAQ page HERE) I found out two things that peeked my interest: 1) It was not necessary to take Island Boost with water and 2) It supposedly worked quickly so it would no longer be necessary to take it 15 minutes before I needed it.  I was placing an order with REI anyways so I added a few Island Boosts to my cart.

I have been using Island Boost since July as my primary source of fuel for my runs (I say primary because during my ultra training and 50K race I did need actual food like sandwiches, nuts, fruit etc) So here is what I think:

Taste: I can taste the coconut water in all 3 flavors but it is not so over powering that I feel like I am eating/drinking sunscreen. Overall all 3 of the original flavors are good, with Passion being my favorite, and all 3 taste fabulous frozen.

Consistency: This was the biggest surprise, because it really is not sticky or gel like at all, in fact it is a liquid.

Does it live up to it's claims?: YES! Island Boost essentially saved my butt at mile 14 of my 50k when I ran out of water and still had 2.6 miles to go until the next aid station and all I had left was some nut butter and 2 Island Boosts.  I never take it with water and I have never had stomach issues.  I rarely take it "early", and most of the time wait until I am starting to feel a bit fatigued between miles 6-8 (this past weekend I did not take it till almost mile 8.5 and never worried that it would not work fast enough to keep me going).

BRAND NEW CHOCOLATE FLAVOR

About a month ago I was contacted by Island Boost and asked if I would be willing to taste test the new Chocolate Flavor, in exchange for my honest review I was provided with 2 packets of Chocolate Island Boost to try and 2 packets of Passion as a thank you (um my favorite!).  While I was provided these free I was never required to give anything but an honest review/feedback.

I used my 1st packet of Island Boost before a 10 mile training run.  The run itself was a disaster, but not because of fuel but because of tired and sore legs that were struggling to get back into road running after the 50k.  I hoarded my 2nd packet in the freezer for last Sunday to use before the Detroit Free Press International Half Marathon, because I wanted to give it a good test run before writing a review.

Taste: YUM! I love chocolate however not a big chocolate gel/gu type runner because most of the time it's a bit to heavy or tastes to artificial.  Chocolate Island Boost tastes like chocolate pudding, but with a thinner consistency. (And if frozen would taste like a fudgesicle)

Did it work?: A big YES! I used the Chocolate Island Boost approximately 10 minutes before the start of the race and did not need my 1st Passion Island Boost till mile 8.5, and never ended up using my 2nd Passion Island Boost.  My not so scientific theory is that because the chocolate has a little thicker consistency then the original flavors I felt "full" longer (I'm sure it was a little physiological too).

Did I PR?: NO...BUT I would not say I was racing and had tons of energy left in the tank after.  I will be using Island Boost to train and definitely during my next goal race where I am going to break the 2 hour mark for a 1/2 marathon.

Would I recommend Island Boost to a friend?: YES and have. I will not recommend a product I do not use or a company I do not believe in just because.  I highly doubt I will every use another gel when I run, in fact I still have about 10 packets of my former gels sitting in my fuel basket that have been there for months, yet instead of using them I keep ordering more Island Boost.

Interested in Island Boost check out their website to learn more about them: www.islandboost.com

Want to order some Island Boost and help get Chocolate Island Boost on the market check out their Indiegogo Campaign: http://igg.me/at/IslandBoost

Want to try Island Boost? Leave me a comment and enter with rafflecopter as to what is one thing you like/dislike about your current fuel source and I will send one lucky winner 2 packets of Passion Island Boost from my stash. (Contest ends Oct 31st 2013, no purchase necessary, etc etc)

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Review & Giveaway: SLS3 Compression Sock

As most of you may know I only run in compression socks and the more colorful the better, so when SLS3 contacted me a few weeks ago and asked if I would be interested in trying some out of course I jumped at the opportunity.

This is the pair they sent me:

Awesome bright pink and a butterfly pattern! I could totally make these work for Peace, Love and Run Woodstock!

My first time sporting them was my 8.2 mile leg of Red Eye Relay:

I have since worn them for my 18 mile trail run and the day after as recovery socks. This is how I feel so far:

Fit: I was sent a large based on shoe/calf size but I really think a medium would fit better.  The large is almost to long to wear comfortably pulled all the way up because it goes over my knees.

Compression: These socks are a bit tighter then the ones I normally wear even in the larger size.  For me this was a benefit because I tend to like my socks tighter, I feel it makes a bigger difference the longer the run gets.

Quality: The socks appear to be high quality and since I have only had them a few weeks I cannot comment on how they will be a year from now.  But in the first few washings (including one time through the dryer which I know is not a good thing but after Red Eye I just wanted everything clean and dry to pack up before heading the 5.5 hours home) they have held up nicely.  On the 18 mile trail run this weekend they took a beating and ended up with several snags from the over grown trails, but that is to be expected, better the socks then my legs.

I am a big believer in the benefits of compression socks which is why I have worn them since pregnancy and on every run, including increased blood flow, faster recovery, and all the other reasons SLS3 details on their website here: How Compression Works

SLS3 also has what looks like really nice Tri gear (I have no plans for one anytime soon but some awesome tri speedsuits!)  The founders Sebastian and Sylvie Linke were actually pro German triathletes in 2004 so they may know a thing or two about a good trisuit. (Read their story here on their  About Us page)

Overall I was really satisfied with the socks, feel they are priced properly and will happily purchase a pair when the time comes to replace worn out socks.

The awesome folks at SL3S have offered me a free pair to giveaway, all you have to do is like their Facebook page then enter using Rafflecopter below.  I will choose a reader at random on Monday (8/5/13) morning (who wouldn't want to start their week off with a sweet new pair of socks!)

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Do not want to wait for the giveaway to end, go ahead and use the following code to order yours today!

Lock Laces Giveaway

It is official I will never tie my shoes again! Seriously I cannot believe that it really took me this long to become a Lock Laces convert.  They have not only given me the "perfect" fit, they never come undone right when I find the perfect stride. 

Now as a parent I absolutely hate tying my boys baseball cleats.  I don't know why, I think it is something about the dirt all over the laces, it's like nails on a chalk board.  This year it is no longer a problem because my oldest will happily be sporting Lock Laces on the field. 

 

After my first Lock Laces Review I contacted the company and let them know how much I loved their product.  Less then a week later I was surprised to find 3 Pairs of Lock Laces in my mail box!

Lock Laces are simple to use and not just for runners, these are great for everyone.  Thank you to Lock Laces for these goodies and I look forward to giving away a pair of Lock Laces to 2 lucky readers (1 Black Pair and 1 Pink Pair)...Enter below using Rafflecopter, giveaway ends Friday!

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Disclosure: Lock Laces did send me 3 pairs for free however the opinions are my own.

Pro Compression Socks Review and Giveaway!

My Pro Compression Collection (minus black they are in the wash)

I have ran and raced in compression socks for years. For me it always felt better to run in them, and my legs always appreciated the tightness of compression socks. I even wore compression socks when I was pregnant to keep the swelling in my ankles down. The only thing I hated about compression socks was there were not many "options", I could have either white (which would end up dingy and gross after a few months) or black.  A few months ago I stumbled upon Pro Compression on Facebook and was excited to see the colors, oh the wonderful colors of compression socks.  Now if only they fit and worked as good as the other brand I had been using for years.  I figured I needed a new pair of socks anyways and even if they did not fit perfect for training they would at least come in handy to wear after long runs so I ordered the limited edition Michellie Jones pink and stars socks.  They arrived in just a few days and fit great. They were a bit long but after some wear and a few washings it was not a problem at all.  I have since retired all of my boring white and black compression socks and replaced them with some fun colored Pro Compression socks including my latest pair of "Lucky Socks" that I hope will help carry my to a sub 2 half marathon in a few weeks.  

Why would one consider switching to compression socks?  Here is a little blurb from Pro Compression's website explaining a little about graduated compression socks and what they do.

"What will your socks do for my legs and feet?"

From the moment you slip on a pair of PRO Compression socks you will benefit from the science and comfort behind the ‘graduated compression’ technology that is felt mainly around the ankle.

Whether at rest, playing a round of golf or running a marathon, your PRO Compression socks are working to circulate blood back to your heart and lungs. With more efficient circulation comes less fatigue and your tired muscles are replenished with fresh oxygen and nutrients to reduce soreness and give you the extra stamina needed to exert yourself at the fullest.

Sporting my limited edition Pro Compression at PoHo in January

I personally feel compression socks work during and after a run.  During the run I feel a little extra support on my legs as opposed to when I am wearing ankle socks.  After a longer run I will wear a new pair and notice there is always less muscle fatigue and soreness the next day, as opposed to how my legs can feel when I forget.  I also wear my compression socks if I will be at work standing for a long period of time or if I am traveling a will be sitting for a long period of time.

I contacted Pro Compression and not only were they kind enough to give my readers a code good for 40% off a pair of Marathon Socks but they are sponsoring a giveaway and one lucky reader will get a FREE pair of Marathon Socks (size and color of your choice!)

Visit: http://www.procompression.com/marathon-socks/

To receive 40% Use Coupon Code: BLG13

Enter to win your very own pair here just by leaving a comment telling me what color you would pick if you won.  Contest ends March 18th at 12:00 am.
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(Pro Compression is sponsoring the giveaway with one free pair of marathon socks however the opinions expressed are my own and I have purchased all of the Pro Compression socks I wear)