How to Beat the Heat with Shamrock Farms Milk

College rivalries always heat up the last weekend of November in Arizona. It is the week of the Territorial Cup - the annual football game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the University of Arizona Wildcats. Being an ASU alumni myself, and having the game in Tempe this year, makes the week that much more fun.

We went to the tailgate this last weekend and man was it a fun time! Maroon and Gold all around (with a little bit of Navy and Red too!) The crowd was PUMPED for a healthy competition. Before the football started though, Shamrock Farms Milk was hosting a friendly rival Hot Wings Competition in the parking lot! 

I knew it was going to be a good time when I started seeing signs like these lining the sidewalks. In the distance were the ironic white and green Shamrock Farms Milk (which were a perfect compliment to their new packaging - bold green caps for days!!)

When we approached the Shamrock Farms Milk tents there was a sizable crowd gathered - all cheering on their school as two competitors ate their portion of wings and then waited 2 minutes before tearing into their bottles of ice cold refreshing Shamrock Farms Milk to cool their taste buds. If they could wait the full two minute before giving into their thirst, they scored a point for their school!

After watching a few others take the stage, my competitiveness got the best of me, and I wanted in on the action! Let me tell you, those folks at ATL Wings do not mess around with their sauce - it was delicious, but so darn spicy!

After finishing my wings and waiting for what seemed to be an eternity (but was actually only 2 minutes!) I couldn't wait to tear open my bottle of Shamrock Farms Milk. It was the perfect beverage to cool down my palate after that spicy snack!

Game day usually brings a lot of heat, so from now on I'll always make sure I have an ice cold bottle of refreshing Shamrock Farms Milk by my side!

Did you know Shamrock Farms, Arizona's hometown dairy, is the official milk of the Sun Devil Athletic Program? Such a great partnership between two of my favorites!

For more news and updates about Shamrock Farms visit shamrockfarms.net and give them some love on social at facebook.com/shamrockfarms or @shamrockfarmsmilk on Instagram.

This post was sponsored by Shamrock farms but all thoughts are my own.

Workout Recovery Tips

Lately I have focused really hard on post workout recovery, because let's face it, I am not getting any younger! Luckily though, there are so many easy (and enjoyable!) small things you can add into your day that can pay off BIG TIME in the way your body recovers after a workout.

First, you may be asking- what's the benefit of recovering after a workout anyway? When we workout hard, we get little tiny tears in our muscles, and recovery is when the muscles fuse back together and get stronger. If we don't allow our bodies to recovery properly, then they will continue in that broken down state which will lead to major fatigue, burn out, or even injury.

Probably the easiest (and one of the very most beneficial) ways for recovery that I have found is adding collagen to my morning coffee. I have been consuming collagen for about 2 1/2 years now I am the BIGGEST believer in this supplement. My favorite brand is BUBS Naturals Collagen Protein, I've found it to dissolve the easiest, with absolutely zero taste. I've found that it's the most convenient for me to just add one scoop to both of my cups of coffee in the morning (one pre-run and one afterward with breakfast). BUBS instantly dissolves - I never can taste or tell that it's in my cup of joe at all! If you don't drink coffee, you can add it into any hot or cold beverage or even tings like yogurt, sauces, or salad dressing!

BUBS' Collagen promotes health and healing from the inside out. It really is the best recovery tool after exercise and crucial to joint support. It's also a great source of protein and amino acids. As an added bonus, collagen also is loaded with numerous beauty benefits too such as increased skin elasticity, smoother and more radiant skin, and stronger and longer nails and hair.  It's really a must have for athletes (and in my opinion, EVERYONE), especially as we age and continue to run and train at a higher intensity level.

Some of the other things I have found super beneficial for post workout recovery is eating within 30 minutes of finishing a workout. If possible I always try to make sure I have a good portion of protein with that meal too to further aide in muscle recovery. Since I exercise in the morning, my go-to recovery meals has eggs in it.

I also love hot Epsom salt baths for recovery. A good 20 minute (or longer!) soak does wonders to ease muscle soreness and promote healing. Sleep is also super important in helping to heal your body and I love a good 20-30 minute nape when my schedule allows.

I foam roll a couple times a week and try to do a handful of stretches daily to keep things loose. I keep my foam roll visible in my kids playroom so that I can just grab it and roll out my muscles - half the time they try to hop on my lap while I'm doing it, but hey, that mom life, right?

What's your favorite form of recovery? 

Wardrobe Updates Summer into Fall with PinkBlush

I'm a mom and a runner, which usually means, if I'm buying new clothes, they are typically going to either going to be workout clothes or clothes for the kids. It's pretty rare that I treat myself to new non-running clothes. I was so excited when PinkBlush reached out to me asking if I wanted to style a few items for them.

I absolutely LOVED the PinkBlush maternity line when I was pregnant. Their maternity clothing is so cute and perfectly cut. I had forgotten that they also make women's clothing too - and REALLY CUTE styles that you don't see everywhere.

It is still really warm in Phoenix, and will be for another few months, so I knew I wanted to focus on warm weather pieces that could also transition into fall. I also wanted items that I could pair together, but that would also work well with my existing wardrobe too.

The three pieces I chose were an olive green pair of shorts, a mustard flowy tank, and a navy blue ruffle short sleeve blouse. For size reference, I selected a small in each these items and I would say they all fit true to size on me.

For my bottoms I chose these Olive Solid Shorts. I'm a big fan of drawstring, elastic waist shorts. I think they are the perfect mix between casual and cool, and I loved the little metal detailing on these drawstrings.

That, and the piping detail on the shorts makes them perfect for dressing up or down. They are made of a heavier weight material, adding to their elegance, but are still nice and lightweight and perfectly breathable for summertime. I love the color olive as a neutral - it pairs so well with everything and is still unique!

I paired my new shorts with this adorable Navy Solid Ruffle Sleeve Crochet Top. I have a think for ruffle sleeved tops - I think they are so fun and feminine!

 The detailing around the neckline of this top were another cute detail that actually helped keep the top super summer friendly too. This piece is the perfect length that can either be tucked in, or left un-tucked depending on what it is paired with.

The third piece I chose was this Mustard V-Neck Sleeveless Top. I love sleeveless tanks because they are so versatile. Wear them in the summer to keep cool and par them with a cardigan when the weather dips.I was drawn to this tank for a number of reasons.

 The color is so fun and I really don't have any mustard in my current wardrobe. I think its a great cheerful color that goes with so many other things! I also adored the drape of this tank - so slouchy and flattering.

 The cut is absolute perfection with a v neck in front (subtle and not too revealing) and the side slits and curved hem elevate the style so much. Again, this top too is the perfect length that can with be worn half-tucked or worn loose.

By adding just a few key pieces to my wardrobe from PinkBlush, I now have so many more versatile pieces to mix and match into endless fun style combinations. Thank you for following along!

Your Perfect Long Run Fuel - Chocolate Cherry Beet Oatmeal

When training for my full marathon a few months back I fine-tuned the perfect long run breakfast and I can't WAIT to share it with you - Chocolate Cherry Beet Oatmeal!!

Why is this the perfect long run fuel?

My Chocolate Cherry Beet Oatmeal is the perfect blend of protein, fat, and carbs, and includes lots of other nutritional powerhouses that not only taste super yummy, but are strategically included to give you extra endurance!

-Oats: are super antioxidant rich and filling, giving you a steady and long lasting source of carbs to burn through

-Cherries: have high anti-inflammatory properties and are known to help relief muscle soreness

-Nuzest Rich Chocolate Clean Lean Protein Powder: contains ALL nine essential amino acids so it's very easily digestible and powers your workout with 19 grams of muscle building protein. 

-Beet Powder: an energy powerhouse that increases exercise endurance.

Oatmeal Ingredients:

1 cup oatmeal

2 scoops Nuzest Clean Lean Protein, Rich Chocolate Flavor

1 TBSP Beet Root Powder (I used NOW Foods brand)

1 tsp dried cherries or cranberries (optional)

1 tsp chopped nuts or seeds (I like shelled pumpkin or sunflower seeds)

1 cup water

Mix the above ingredients together, stir well, and microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Top with:

1/4 cup (or more!) cherries (I use frozen cherries, slightly thawed)

1 tsp dark chocolate bits

Grab a spoon and dig in!

I like to pre-measure all of the dry ingredients into zip-top bags and have a few on hand in my pantry, so that all I have to o is grab a bag in the morning, add it to a bowl, add a cup of water and heat. 

It does make for a BIG hearty bowl of food, so if you are a lighter eater than I am, or want to eat treat before or after a shorter workout day, you can easily half this recipe and still be totally satisfied too!

I've used this recipe before countless long runs and for race day and it kept me me satisfied and full of energy for lots and lots of miles - I may have to rename it my PREAKFAST - that would be PR-BREAKFAST, haha. 

Are you going to give this oatmeal a try before your next long run? If so, I have a discount code I can share with you, click HERE and you will automatically receive a 15% savings off their entire site! I LOVE their Nuzest Clean Lean Protein Powder, Drink Mixes, and their Muti-Vitamin Snack Bars too!