Happy Wednesday! Now that the marathon is behind me I thought it might be good to talk about some new products that I tried during my training cycle.
I always think that a new training cycle is an opportunity to try new products (within reason). If something works for you that’s great, but if there is something that needs improvement, I’m all about trying out new products until you find what works best for you. Here are five new products that I incorporated into my marathon training cycle.
Training for a spring marathon means lots and lots of runs during the winter. I’ve trained in the winter for a half marathon before, but training for a marathon is entirely different! This winter was particularly brutal, especially in December/January. After a few runs where I still felt cold, even with multiple layers of clothing, I did some research about base layer shirts. As luck would have it, I found this UA base layer shirt at Marshalls – score!
This base layer was absolutely perfect for those really super duper cold runs (temperatures of 15 degrees or below). Even when I did a long run when the real feel temperature was 0 degrees, I felt warm. That’s how I knew the shirt was a great investment. If I train for another spring marathon, I’ll probably buy another one – always good to have a back-up!
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
I first heard about collagen last year but did more research on it last month as more and more running bloggers were talking about it. When I started having issues with my knees and my back, I thought what better time to try this product. Collagen improves hair, skin, nails and most importantly joints, ligaments, tendons. The powder is flavorless and odorless so it’s easy to mix with liquids. I added one scoop of collagen to my green tea every morning. Also it’s easily digested and absorbed by the body quickly for maximum benefits. Now I can’t be 100% sure, but I do think that the collagen helped with my knee and back pain. The pain was still there during the race, but it was less intense.
Vega Vanilla Protein Nutrition Shake
I first tried these yummy protein shakes in January and I was hooked! Not only do they taste great, but they are also portable. The shakes also have a whopping 20 grams of protein per serving, making them perfect to drink right after a long run or a hard workout. As someone that struggles with getting enough protein, especially during training, these were a great find!
Green Superfood Effervescent Tabs
I won this product in a giveaway at the end of last year. Once I started training, I made sure to use one tablet a day to help keep me healthy during training. I’m happy to say that I didn’t get sick one time in the past 3 months of training. I attribute that to being very diligent about washing my hands all the time and also taking using these tablets. Each tablet has one full serving of greens and veggies and contains vitamins C, E, B1 and B12. I used the berry and lemon lime flavor and both were super yummy!
Inflammatone was recommended to me by my ART doctor. What I really love about the product is that it contains all natural ingredients. I can pronounce all of the ingredients which is always a good thing. The ingredients help to reduce inflammation in the body without any major side effects. In the past I would have taken Aleve for joint pain but I’m glad to have this natural option now. I started taking these pills last month and I could feel a difference within 2 weeks. Although I don’t take it everyday, it’s safe enough to take one to two pills daily.
Have you ever tried new products during your training?
I’m linking up with Marcia from Marcia’s Healthy Slice, Erika from MCM Mama Runs and Patty from My No-Guilt Life for Tuesdays on the Run.
I’m also linking up with Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama and Nicole from FitFul Focus for Wild Workout Wednesday.
I’m also linking up with Rachel from Running on Happy, Lora from Crazy Running Girl and Debbie from Coach Debbie Runs for Coaches’ Corner!
Stephanie says
I know a lot of people who have started adding collagen in their daily routines and have been interested to try it myself. My knees tend to bother me, I think I’m going to give it a try!
kookyrunner says
Definitely give it a try! It didn’t totally eliminate my joint pain but it did help
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
Vega and Vital Proteins are my jam!
kookyrunner says
Two really great high quality brands!
Annmarie says
I’ve heard great things about Tailwind! I actually have those exact UA base layer tights – love them!
kookyrunner says
The UA base layer products are amazing! I might try out the tights next year.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
Kudos to you for all of those winter miles. I am such a wimp when it comes to being cold, and wind up running more on the treadmill than outside during the winter. But it sounds like that UA base layer served you well.
kookyrunner says
Thanks Kathryn! I really hate running in the summer so I try to just grin and bear it when it comes to the cold weather lol. The base layer really helped though.
Montana @ Pretty Lil Mudder says
I tried lots of new stuff during my marathon training last year! I love the UA base layer shirt…I wear that to super cold OCR’s! It really helps me stay warm, even when I’m going in and out of water all day!
kookyrunner says
Oh wow that’s awesome that the base layer kept you warm even when going in and out of the water!
Rachel Frutkin says
I definitely need to look in to Inflammatone. Sounds like magic!
kookyrunner says
It was SO very helpful! I would highly recommend it.
Coco says
It’s great to find new products that work for you! I never run with a base layer – just a thick top and vest or light jacket — i run hot!
kookyrunner says
I tend to run hot too but this winter really kicked my butt so I needed something really warm lol
Debbie says
Hmm, I’m interested in that Inflammatone. I’m trying to stay more natural and I use things like turmeric and other natural anti-inflammatories. I have a couple UA base layers (that are probably not as warm as yours, because, California) and I love them for cold days. Of course I am a wimp so maybe they are the same. š
kookyrunner says
I would highly recommend it! I am so thankful that my ART doctor told me about it as he’s been using it for years.
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
These all sounds great! The inflammatone sounds interesting. And Im glad you didnt get sick at all during training, thats definitely a plus!
kookyrunner says
I was counting my blessings that I didn’t get sick during training!
Chocolaterunsjudy says
I LOVE trying stuff! It’s kind of a curse. But you’ve tried some interesting stuff! I have read a lot about Collagen and keep thinking I really ought to add that in, but haven’t pulled the trigger yet.
kookyrunner says
I agree – trying new items can be a gift and a curse, lol. But honestly that’s the only way to know if you like something!
Collagen has a lot of health benefits – I say you should give it a try!
Wendy says
I used Vital Proteins for a couple of months but didn’t notice a difference in my inflammation. The GLG Collagen, on the other hand, has made a huge difference for me. It’s really hard to believe but I continue to feel well all around.
Gotta love when you score good gear at Marshalls or TJMaxx. I was just there today and the selection was not good. It’s really hit or miss.
kookyrunner says
That’s interesting that you noticed more of a difference with the GLG Collagen!
Oh it’s such a hit or miss when it comes to Marshalls and TJ Maxx, but when you score a good deal, it feels like Christmas, lol.
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
I have never heard of those. Looks like they are similar to a Nuun tablet but more nutritious!
kookyrunner says
Yup, very similar to a Nuun tablet and the flavors I tried were great!
Kimberly Hatting says
I saw a lot of buzz about collagen a few months ago as well…and it had me intrigued. I might have to give that a try…not necessarily for any current pains or probs, but as a general wellness supplement.
kookyrunner says
It has a lot of benefits and it’s good for hair and nail growth too!
Zenaida Arroyo says
I use Vital Proteins with my coffee every morning. I have noticed a difference in my hair. It is growing like weed!
I am curious about Inflammatone. I’ve never heard of it but will have to check it out.
This winter I stayed warm with a Oiselle wazzie wool long sleeve and a jacket. Sometimes I had to wear 3 layers depending on how cold it was.
kookyrunner says
That’s good to know about Vital Proteins – I’m hoping it will help my nails grow too!
The Inflammatone is great. Like I mentioned, I don’t use it every day, but it’s an awesome alternative to Aleve or Motrin.
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
The Vega Protein Shake looks great! I am still struggling to find the right post-workout drink. I haven’t really tried any new products this training cycle. The Under Armor top looks really nice too, definitely would have come in handy!
kookyrunner says
It’s really good! The vanilla flavor is awesome and it’s pretty affordable at $30 bucks for 12 bottles (although I already try to get them on sale)!
It’s you’re looking for a base layer shirt, now is the time to buy since they are on sale!
Patrick@looneforfood.com says
Awesome on the winter miles outside. I stick to my treadmill all winter as I am a cold weather wimp. I do not take any supplements but collagen is certainly a buzz product at the moment.
kookyrunner says
Thanks Patrick! I know that a lot of people absolutely hate winter running and I totally understand why. It’s brutal running in the cold weather sometimes!
Megan @ Meg Go Run says
I have a really thick UA long sleeve as well. It is so warm and only good for the VERY cold days. Unfortunately I paid a lot for it at Dicks, but luckily I have had it for 10 years and it’s still going strong! Marshall’s is a great place to get workout clothes for cheap!
kookyrunner says
I totally believe in spending a lot of money on items that you know will last a long time. You definitely made a great investment if you still have it after 10 years!