Monday, December 12, 2011

Day 12 of a Fit Christmas

It's the FINAL day of a the 12 Days of a Fit Christmas!  I hope it's provided a little extra motivation to help keep you on track this busy holiday season.  Just reading your entries have made the difference in getting me out the door some days!  The random winner of Day 11's custom iPhone cover from Family Fan Club is... ERIN D., who ran 5.5 miles, followed by the hip portion of the StrongStrides DVD.  Erin, please email me at runwithjess@comcast.net to claim your prize.

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When I was training for my first half marathon, a runner friend asked me if I was practicing mid-run fueling.  The answer was obvious by my "deer-in-headlights" look.  Almost three years later, I've gotten it down to a near science.  My product of choice is GU Energy gels.


GU Energy was first on the scene with energy gels, introduced in 1991.  Easy to take, simple to digest, the GU Energy gels provide a shot of fast-acting natural fructose (natural sugar) to boost your energy supply while on the run.  The 100 calorie pack restores vital electrolytes to keep your blood chemistry in line and hydration levels stable. The gel contains complex carbs (in the form of maltodextrin) to assist in maintaining your glucose levels over the course of your run.

I typically use energy gels when I plan training runs over 8 miles in length. In a half marathon, I've found timing to be best at mile 5 and 10.  Sometimes I even take one before a 5K or 10K if I feel like I didn't fuel properly the night before.

GU Energy also offers "fuel" in forms of chewable Chomps, electrolyte drinks and the Roctane ultra-endurance gels.  I've trained with them all at some point or another.  The Chomps remind me of my kids' fruit snacks. If you have a hard time swallowing the "goo," then these are probably your best bet.  The drinks are a great addition to your water on a long run to keep your electrolyte levels up.  I found this really helpful during my full marathon training.  The Roctane is a serious boost of caffeine. I've tried it many times without a consistent result.  Sometimes my tummy can't handle it; other times it's fine.

Overall I prefer the regular GU Energy gels.  There is definitely a difference when I use them on a long run or marathon.  My favorite flavors are Tri-Berry, Strawberry-Banana, Mandarin Orange and Jet Blackberry.  And now, GU Energy introduced a seasonal flavor for the winter... Peppermint Stick!

I recently tried out the Peppermint Stick flavor and found the minty flavor refreshing while on the run.  Keep in mind, I love Peppermint flavor in general.  I chew Peppermint Extra gym while running all the time, so this flavor was perfect for me.  Think of it like a breath mint - your running partner will thank you!

GU Energy also introduced new Peanut Butter and Island Nector flavors.  I haven't tried them yet, but Peanut Butter sure sounds interesting to me!?


It's Monday AND the last day of a Fit Christmas ... so GET BUSY and GET ACTIVE today!  Then come back and tell me about it to earn an entry to win today's prize... 
Peppermint Stick GU Energy gel!




HERE'S HOW TO WIN TODAY'S PRIZE
 from GU Energy

First you gotta work out!!  That's #1 priority here folks.  Get your sweat on and then come back and tell me about it!!  Make stuff up and Karma will come knocking at your door...

1.  BLOG
Comment below on this blogpost:  Answer me this... "How did you stay FIT today?"  Simple answers such as "I ran 3 miles" will suffice, or you can brag it up and give me a detailed summary.  One entry per person per day.

2.  TWITTER
Tweet, tweet, tweet!  Tweet something like this... "I ran 4 miles to win  Peppermint GU in the #FitXmas @GUEnergyLabs @RUNwJESS"  Of course, you should replace the underlined part with what you actually did.  Key is to include the hashtags #FitXmas@RUNwJESS and @GUEnergyLabs.  No need to come back and tell me about it... I'll see it on Twitter if you tag me appropriately.  One entry per person per day.

3.  FACEBOOK
Comment on today's Facebook post that asks, "How did you stay FIT today?"  Again, no need to come back and tell me about it... I'll see it on the Run with Jess FB page.  One entry per person per day.


No matter which social medium is your forte, 
you can play the 12 Days of a Fit Christmas!!
If you do all three, you'll earn 3 entries into today's drawing.
Day 12 closes for new entries at 12:00 midnight CST.  Winner will be announced on Dec. 13.


THE FINE PRINT
• You must follow Run with Jess via Google Friend Connect (click Join button in the right sidebar), on Facebook and/or on Twitter.  I don't mean to force you to like me, but I gotta be able to get in touch with you.
• Giveaway items were supplied to me by the named companies.  However, the opinions expressed here are all Jess.
• Open to U.S. residents only. Sorry my international buddies, but postage is getting expensive.
• Each person may only win once.  Gotta spread the holiday cheer around...
• No sign-up or registration required.  Just come back each day from Dec. 1st thru the 12th.
• Each person is allowed a maximum of 3 entries into each giveaway (1 for a blog comment, 1 for a tweet, and 1 for a FB post).  Each entry must answer the question, "What did you do to stay fit today?"  

51 comments:

  1. I just ran 3 miles after untangling myself from my 1 year old and before my 2 year old woke up....that might have been more of a workout then the running.

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  2. I ran, did pushups, and abs this morning! :)

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  3. Ran a little over 3 miles this morning, it was a nice cool morning run!

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  4. 7 mile run (hill work) on the TM!

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  5. I worked out 1 hour, 3 mile run 2 mile walk. Push ups and a few strength machine . Great to work out with my buddy today!! Bootcamp later :)

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  6. ran 6 miles along with 30 min of weights

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  7. I ran 1.7 miles and then did BodyRock.tv Pin Up Legs workout, streak day 13!
    Thanks for doing all this Jess!

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  8. ~K~
    ran 6.25 miles this morning...cold enough that a walker told me there was frost on my hat! (but that's b/c my head was sweating underneath) ;-)

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  9. I did situps, pushups, planks and squats today :)

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  10. Hit the gym again today to extend my gym streak to 13 days (not counting several 2-a-days). Determined to come back from injury stronger than ever!

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  11. I rocked it at the gym this morning. I did Upper and Lower body workout (even feeling a little sick) and then hopped on the treadmill for a quick 2 miles. I'm needing that GU!! :)

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  12. I did not want to run today until I saw your Runwithjess post. It was a nudge to get off my hiney and get with it. Thanks for the motivation today! I ran 4.01 miles in 37 minutes.

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  13. I have been reading all of these Jess, but I'm in Canada but I wanted you to know I've been awesome! 45miles last week :D

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  14. Did a Jillian Michaels workout DVD this morning (then planning an evening group run!).

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  15. Ran 6.5 this morning....Holiday Shred tonight!

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  16. I am so glad this is your final giveaway, and reeeeeeallllly hope to win :)
    I rocked out an early morning core/hip/cardio workout just for this!!!!!!!!

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  17. I ran an easy 5 miles this morning. FYI, the pb Gu is amazing! It is my new go-to flavor.

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  18. I did an hour of plyometrics followed by some stretching.

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  19. I took a core fusion class this morning and will run 4 miles this afternoon. And PT exercises at some point!

    -@amber4miles

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  20. I ran 3 miles this morning and walked 2.5 to take my daughter to school and then pick her up. Trying to talk myself into some weights while she's napping too...

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  21. Today I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and abs.

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  22. Speed workout in the pool. 8 x 50m sprints and then some strong laps to stretch out/cool down!

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  23. I'm a Hammer girl myself. But, I admit the peppermint GU sounds yummy. After reaching my max bench, I did a circuit that included running, kettlebell swings, and the dreadful pullups.

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  24. Whoo hoo for day 12! Today I did my favorite 8.25 miles loop around the lakefront.

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  25. Ran 4 miles today. Even if I don't win, I really appreciate you doing this giveaway!

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  26. Took a 45 minute spin class tonight! It has been fun reporting to you for the 12 days. Thanks for the motivation!

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  27. Short mile and a half on the treadmill plus bootcamp for me!

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  28. I stayed fit today by doing Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred and walking 1.5 miles with my dog

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  29. 3 miles on the treadmill and about to do another 2-3 miles.

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  30. I ran 2 miles tonight. Thanks for holding this wonderful contest, its been great help staying motivated!

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  31. Ran 2 miles, did core work and squats. Quick workout because I had to get the baby home for his nap.

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  32. I did 3 miles of speedwork on the treadmill!

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  33. 3.5 miles speedwork on the treadmill. Apparently I'm a copycat ;)

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  34. Treadmill - 20 minutes! This was a great challenge - thanks!

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  35. I'm traveling for work and I walked to get dinner tonight instead of taking a taxi.

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  36. 1 hr of weight training along with 1 hr of elliptical.

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  37. 50 minutes on the spin bike and 15 minutes of stretching.

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I appreciate your feedback and comments!