Running in the Midwest, in the winter, on all the hills, with a jogger… is something that I am learning to acclimate to. I have been wanting to embrace and run hills as part of my marathon training. My wish has been granted as our new area has an abundance of hills to run and train on.
As a stay-at-home mom, there is almost always at least one child home with me. That means that all of my midweek runs will be run with the T man. For now, he is bundled up in the jogger while I push him (he is not so little anymore). When the weather warms up, he will ride his bike on some of my midweek runs.
Running with kids and/or pushing a jogger (or chasing kids on bikes) is always an adventure. Not only do I find that I am challenging my physical strength but also my mental endurance also. I find that I am pushing myself further than my comfort level and coming out stronger.
Today was a warmer day (sunshine, roads cleared) and the morning temperature was in the mid 20’s. I decided to take advantage of this warmer day and explore a new-to-me area and run hill repeats while pushing not-so-tiny T in the jogger.
I have been experimenting with FRS Energy on the past few runs. I had been researching and looking for a healthy fuel that increases my energy… with out the crazy sugar crash. I was sent a two-10 Discovery Challenge pack from FRS and FitFluential as part of a recent campaign. I have tried FRS in the past, but was curious what I would think about it again.
A few weeks ago (before the move), I fueled my 10 mile run with the FRS soft chews. I found that I never bonked or lacked energy through the duration of the run. In fact, I found that I had a negative split and could have continued running. I was very pleased with my results (of that run) fueling with the soft chews.
This morning, I decided to find my energy + endurance with FRS. As I sat in the van to warm up, I drank my can. It is super tasty. The patented FRS Energy formula uses antioxidants and vitamins that work with the body at the cellular level, unlike traditional energy products that rely on chemicals, sugar and large doses of caffeine to create energy spikes. Studies have shown that those who drink FRS experience many benefits including: long-lasting, natural energy, improved athletic performance, increased mental function, and immune support.
I like the scientific studies behind this brand… and was willing to give it another try. I could use all the energy, endurance, and improved athletic performance on this mornings hill repeat run while pushing T in the jogger. Time to embrace my inner Super Mom status.
When we got to the paved area (road) near the lake where we would be running and exploring, I made sure to bundle the T-man. He was toasty and warm. He also was super content playing his school tablet while I ran. Lucky for him.
After I was warm (about a mile in), I found the temperature comfortable for running. My energy was up and I felt great! Not sure if it was my healthy breakfast kicking in or the FRS Energy drink. Either way I will take it. I had enough energy to power up and down 8+ hills over the course of 5 miles.
On average, each hill (up and down) was about .25 miles. Some were longer while others were shorter. Over all they had a good climb to the top. I was breathing hard and heart working. At one point (maybe around the 6th hill repeat) I asked T if I could just park him on the side of the road (it was an empty road) so I could just finish my hill repeats. He declined my request and I finished my hill repeats while pushing him up and down and around all the hills.
My cold, hilly, stroller run was a success. I am learning to love and embrace hill running. I thought to myself, #IOwnThis , a few times… often on the downhill strides… but I remained positive.
I am digging my FRS and look forward to drinking it when I have that mid day slump. Check out more about FRS Energy and all the good stuff inside!
What’s inside?
The FRS formula was originally developed and tested by health scientists as an effective way to deliver natural, sustained energy to chemotherapy patients. The FRS patented Healthy Energy formula features the all-natural antioxidants quercetin (found in blueberries and apples) and green tea extract, plus seven essential vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C and E.)
Although FRS products contain a small amount of caffeine, it is derived from green tea extract and is a mere 20mg to 48mg, which is the equivalent to 1.5 to 4 ounces of coffee. The caffeine in FRS is not the primary source for improved energy and performance but rather acts as a metabolic enhancer to kick-start the patented FRS formula.
Equally as important is what’s NOT inside. FRS does not contain preservatives or artificial flavors.
Benefits seen through scientific studies:
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30% of participants had a reduction in mental fatigue
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17.1% saw improvement in concentration
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13.2% saw an increase in endurance
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2.9% saw an increase in physical performance
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3.9% say an increase in Vo2max3 (typical measure of fitness)
If you are curious about the FRS two-10 discovery challenge, check out more information HERE. You can sign up for the FRS Two-10 Discovery Pack which includes:
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1 full-sized bottle of FRS concentrate (16 servings)
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1 sample pack of FRS soft chews (2 servings)
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2 regular-sized cans of FRS drink (2 servings)
Whether you are balancing work life and fitness, parenting and fitness, or just daily life, you need sustained energy. I challenge you to take the Discovery Challenge with FRS during your busy day. See for yourself how it can provide long-lasting, natural energy and improved mental function you need to survive the day!
Check out more information on FRS on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Don’t just try to get to your workout. Finish it.
This post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of FRS.
Deanna says
I don’t like the soft chews at all but I love the drinks. I do notice a difference in my energy. Thanks for the confirmation that this is a healthy option. I always worry about that!
CARLA says
FINISH IT DO IT OWN IT 🙂
jill conyers says
What a beautiful route to run! #beastwithajogger 🙂
mary says
This is pretty interesting. I am in the beginnings of running. Trying to lose weight so I don’t want extra calories but I would like more energy on my runs. Do you think this would work?
Rachel says
Yes. You need to fuel your body on your long runs… so any type of fuel is necessary. These chews are great for shorter runs (as they are only 40 calories).
Jenn says
My husband recently got into these drinks for his workouts. He swears by them, maybe Ill try one to give me some more energy.
Marysa says
Wow, you are dedicated! I would definitely need some help getting out in the cold like that. Looks like you are equipped for it! Thanks for sharing these great prodcuts.
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
I’ve been hearing a lot about FRS. Sounds good! I’m impressed that you run hills with a jogger! Serious skill.
Kate @KateMovingForward says
Holy hills mama!! You are a rock star! My husband and I had the FRS energy chews a while ago and he LOVED the little extra pep he got from them during a busy workday…I’ll have to pick them up again!
Scott says
We’re getting ready for running season also, but I wouldn’t call mid-20’s “warmer weather”. It’s snowing and 15 here today – you won’t find me outside running until it is well into the high 50’s.
Travel Blogger says
Haha I found my self laughing “I asked – he declined.” Kids can never cut us some slack can they? lol But I guess it was all well, because you did it!
Rachel says
Ha! Thanks. I honestly was really bummed he didn’t just sit in the sun (on the safe side) while I ran repeats… we both would have been happier. 😉
Sandra Laflamme says
Way to go for powering up the hills in the jogger. I do miss running with mine! Such an excellent workout!!!
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says
what a gorgeous view! i’m glad to hear you are settling into life in the midwest!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
Looks like you’ve got some gorgeous views in your new neighborhood. Glad to hear that you’re enjoying running in your new neck of the woods.
Elle says
I am wondering if you mean to post a link to the FRS challenge when you used the word HERE… will see if I can find it – great that you are pushing outside your comfort zone and so happy for you that you are getting your runs done!
Rachel says
Thanks for catching that, Elle. I need to go back and fix it. 🙂
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
I would totally die. I used to be amazing at running hills, but since living in Chicago, NO. And I fear the jogging stroller of my future. GO YOU!
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club says
FRS is my favorite! Hands down. My running buddy’s husband told me about it a long time ago and I had a chance to try the 10-day program and was pleasantly surprised. I will be signing up for it again.
Rachel says
Awesome! So glad to hear that! 🙂
safari says
wow! You’re amazing! I hate hill repeats just carrying ME up them…can’t imagine doing them with jogging stroller! Talk about NO excuse!! YOU ROCK!!!You will definitely ease up them when running on your own. I’ve never tried FRS but it sounds like a great way to fuel…may have to look out for them.
Jasmine @ CHISELTraining says
Never heard of FRS…interesting.
Jessica Joy @The Fit Switch says
I absolutely love your determination, and how you set the bar so high for yourself. What you did, is amazing, and WITH a jogging stroller?! Uh….rockstar. I appreciate your hard work and dedication so much. Thanks for sharing, and keep up the studliness. My favorite phrase is ‘Love The Challenge,’ and you embodied that. : )