Should You Exercise When Sick and other Q&A from Instagram stories

Here’s the latest Q&A from the @RunEatRepeat Instagram stories. We’re talking about running while sick, blogging or podcasting as a full time job, running the Boston marathon, rest days and tapering for a half marathon. I answered all the questions in video but here’s some extra information.

If you have a question for me… ask!

Email: RunEatRepeat@gmail.com

Ask via Instagram stories: @RunEatRepeat Instagram stories

Call the RER voicemail line: 562 888 1644

What kind of exercises if any do you do when you’ve got a head cold, chest congestion, headaches…

Remember the phrase, “If it’s in your chest… you must rest.”

So I avoid running with chest congestion. But I wasn’t clear if you were asking about those symptoms individually or all at the same time?

If I have a cold or headache I’d consider a nice walk, short run, strength training or yoga at home. All that depends on how bad any symptoms I have are making me feel. Above all else – listen to your body. Respect it’s need for rest, fuel, movement, love…

I always suggest that you go to your doctor if you are sick, have an injury or are unsure about any health issue no matter how big or small.

You can also check out these resources…

Is it okay to exercise if I have a cold? from the Mayo Clinic

Should I rest or run with a cold? from Runner’s World

Exercising with Respiratory Infections from Harvard Health

 

Is RER your full time job?

Yes, this lil website and the RER social media accounts have grown into a full time job for me. I started Run Eat Repeat to document training for my 1st and only marathon and diet struggles. I was having a really hard time losing weight, with my body image, training for a full marathon… and I really connected with people on other fitness and food websites.

I wanted to start my own site so I’d like a professional name / handle to use when I commented on other people’s feeds and blogs.

So I thought up the name Run Eat Repeat… looked it up to see if it was available and opened up a WordPress account to use to build up a blog for free…. RER was created! (Okay the whole process of starting a website or blog is a little bit more involved… but I promise it’s easy. It just takes some steps to get it going.)

I did that about 10 years ago and it was meant to be a little hobby and way to make friends online. I never expected it to turn into a real website with a big following or big social media accounts! But I was having fun and documenting my running and eating and eventually it grew and grew until I realized I could get some compensation for all this work.

 

Have you ever run Boston or the Houston marathon?

Yes I’ve run the Boston Marathon! I haven’t run the Houston Marathon… yet. I’ve heard it’s a great race and fast!!

I ran the Boston Marathon with the Hyland’s Powered All Women’s Team in 2017. The company is a big sponsor of the Boston Marathon and each year they put a team together to celebrate runners and a legendary race.

The year they asked me they were celebrating women because it was the 50th anniversary of the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon. It was a huge honor!!

And speaking of a big honor… this year I’m hosting the show documenting the team’s training journey!! Follow Hyland’s Powered so you can watch the runners rack up 10,000 all together!!

(Note: Most runners need to qualify for the race based on a time qualification. I haven’t run fast enough for that… yet!)

Boston Marathon Training, Race weekend and other posts:

Training for the Boston Marathon with Team Hyland’s (training recap)

Getting to Boston and the Boston Marathon Expo

I ran the Boston Marathon and all you got was this lousy blog

Boston Marathon Post Race Party

Boston Marathon Race Recap

Boston Marathon Pre-Race Tips and Packing List

Last Minute Reminders for the Boston Marathon

 

How many days do you run in a row before you take a rest day from running?

I usually run about 3 or 4 days in a row before taking a rest day.

 

Tapering advice for a beginning half marathon runner? Is it necessary?

I think it’s necessary. If it’s your first half marathon I think sticking with whatever taper the training plan you’re using suggests is the best idea. Tapering for a half marathon or other long distance is often directly correlated with the length and intensity of the training plan. So going off plan for taper is like going off plan for another important aspect of training (which runners are less likely to do).

You want to show up for the race feeling energized and excited! Tapering can help you rest up and be ready to really rock 13.1 miles. But tapering looks different for different runners / plans. Do what’s best for you, your body and your goals.

If you have a question for me… ask!

Email: RunEatRepeat@gmail.com

Ask via Instagram stories: @RunEatRepeat Instagram stories

Call the RER voicemail line: 562 888 1644

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New Bold Bites Snack by Foster Farms

I’m trying the NEW Foster Farms Bold Bites snacks! These are a new food find and I just so happened to have spotted them in the deli meat section of my local grocery store a few weeks ago. I’m a sucker for anything new and snacky so I bought 2 packs.

Then it just so happened I was contacted to work with them for this post and got to try all 5 varieties. Done and done! Have you spotted these at your store yet?

Lately I’ve been craving savory snacks over my old sugary faves. What?! When you listen to your body it can surprise ya! 

I’m a big fan of intuitive eating – the concept of listening to your body and it’s hunger, fullness and nutrition needs. I think the term ‘listen to your body’ simplifies it too much because it’s more than that.

Yes it includes being mindful of your hunger levels and fullness cues. But also – what is your body craving and why is it craving that? Then, how did that snack or meal make you feel?

And one of the things I’ve noticed is some snacks are more satisfying, keep me full longer and prevent me from thinking about food and my next snack! Most of the time snacks that work best for me are filled with protein or healthy fats.

I feel more satisfied after grabbing something with a good amount of protein.
So I’m loving these Foster Farms BOLD Bites. They’re an easy a grab & go snack! I tried all 5 kinds and… yep, I dig all of ’em!

(And no – I’m not sharing with the doggos!!)

The Foster Farms Bold Bites come in 5 different varieties. I tried them all and wanted to make a list of my favorites from best to least… but I really liked them all.

I think the flavor you grab really just depends on what you’re craving.

You can get more information on the Foster Farms Bold Bites here.

Question: What’s your favorite snack this week?

Me: These chicken bites! I’m also digging avocado and crunchy sweet peppers!

 

This post is sponsored by Foster Farmers. All opinions are my own.
#ad #beboldanywhere @fosterfarms

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source https://runeatrepeat.com/new-bold-bites-snack-by-foster-farms/

Easy Chocolate Chia Pudding–3 ingredient recipe

Easy Strawberries & Chocolate Chia Pudding Recipe made with Real California milk and layered with strawberries for a delicious and nutritious treat. No cooking required! And this recipe only calls for a handful of ingredients.

I originally read Born to Run  a little after it first came out way back in 2012. But, I bought it on Audible last week to listen to while running. It had been so long since I read the book that it was like a new story! I’ll talk about the book another day but I mention it because that’s where I first heard about chia seeds.

The book is about a tribe of super runners and one of their staple foods is a drink made with chia seeds. The author credits the seeds with giving them a ton of nutrition on the go.

And if you’ve been following RER for a while, you know that another runner super food I love is… chocolate milk! California dairy is a healthy source of protein and the combination of protein and carbs in chocolate milk is great for a post-workout recovery snack. Plus, it’s delicious.

So, I figured – if I put together chocolate milk and chia seeds… it’ll combine to make a super snack that will help fuel you for running and taste like dessert.

It really is good and it’s so easy to make! Try it out and let me know if you feel like you can keep up with the super runners in the book after eating it. Make sure to look for the Real California Milk seal when at the grocery store so you know you’re getting quality, sustainable ingredients made by real people.

Easy Chocolate Chia Pudding with Strawberries Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cupsChocolate Milk

1/2 cup chia seeds

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract (optional)

Toppings:

1 cup sliced strawberries

optional: whipped cream and chocolate chips

Directions:

Combine chocolate milk, chia seeds and vanilla extract (if using).

Mix well, cover and let sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours OR overnight.

The mixture will set and thicken. When you’re ready to serve – stir and layer chia pudding and strawberries.

Top with whipped cream and chocolate chips.

Enjoy!

For more recipes and information check out the Real California Milk website.

This post is in partnership with Real California Milk. All opinions are my own.

The post Easy Chocolate Chia Pudding–3 ingredient recipe appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source https://runeatrepeat.com/easy-chocolate-chia-pudding-3-ingredient-recipe/

Running Watch Bands, Old Navy Workout Gear and more questions

I’m answering your questions from the @RunEatRepeat Instagram story box! We’re covering running topics like how to prevent your watch from slipping when you’re sweaty to puppy house training to Old Navy workout gear. If you have a question for me – leave it in the IG story box or email RunEatRepeat@gmail.com

You can watch the video below OR watch it on Instagram – it’s saved in my highlights under Feb Q&A.

Run Eat Repeat Questions and Answers:

 

I sweat so much my watch slides up and down my wrist a ton! Any fixes?

RER: I had to get a replacement band for an old running watch. It was fabric and velcro – I think something similar would work great for this purpose. I have this Garmin Forerunner 235 Running Watch.

 

Is your hair color 100% natural? I’m totally jealous.

RER: Yes. I was born with red hair and I think it’s gotten more red as I grew up. I had highlights in the past but right now this is just my hair.

 

Check out my favorite hair products here.

 

When is the RunBet going to start? I’m ready.

RER: I’m shooting for March.

 

How do you manage long hair with all the sweat? I’m ready to chop mine off!

 

Any puppy house training tips?

 

Do you run on a treadmill?

RER: I used to run on a treadmill 5 days a week for a year!

 

Do you ever buy Old Navy workout gear? Thoughts? I love the prices!

RER: I have a favorite pair of running shorts from Old Navy, but outside of that I haven’t gotten new gear there in a long time.

 

What’s your favorite brand of non-running clothes?

 

I miss your podcast episodes! When will they be back?

If you haven’t checked out the Run Eat Repeat podcast yet – I’m asking you to at least listen to the most recent episodes (the first ones are rough).

You can listen for free on most podcast apps… Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and more. Just get the app and search Run Eat Repeat.

 

When you ‘Subscribe’ to the podcast it saves it to your list so you get new episodes when they come out automatically (so you don’t have to look it up every time).

Let me know if you have any questions.

 

Did you move?

 

Any tips on nutrition during half marathon training while also trying to lose weight?

 

Dating life?

 

Have you ever been to Oregon?

RER: No. But it’s on the list!

 

Who do you want for president?

RER: I think this is the perfect time to announce my candidacy for the President of the US of A. Boom.

 

Best candy bar?

 

And that’s it! If you have a question for me… ask!

 

Leave it in the Instagram Story question box, leave a voicemail message or email RunEatRepeat@gmail.com

 

The post Running Watch Bands, Old Navy Workout Gear and more questions appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source https://runeatrepeat.com/running-watch-bands-old-navy-workout-gear-and-more-questions/

Treadmill Shower Shark Tank and Are Lunch Dates… dates?

Hello! How’s it going? Just checking in with my favorite running and eating from this weekend! What are you up to?

First… Running!

I actually/finally/happily/slowly did a long run. It’s been raining A LOT which has put a damper (literally) on my running. I don’t mind running in the rain, but I don’t like being cold.

Can I run in warm rain? I would kinda love to run in a treadmill shower actually! The treadmill belt would have to be a non-slip material so I don’t fall though.

I need to think this idea out more before I go on Shark Tank, but I think I’m onto something…

Anyway.

It didn’t rain on Saturday and I ran 15 miles. I took a lot of walk breaks to switch up my podcast and text people so it was slow – but I did it. And I needed that – just knowing I can still run 15 miles and feel fine (and probably even keep going) makes me feel more confident.

After all that running I ran completed a few errands, got ready and headed to my parents’ to celebrate my mom’s birthday. We ordered in Chinese food and had a lil family game night.

I got my niece the Headbandz game for Christmas and finally got to play it with her! I just knew she’d be super fun and cute playing it. My brother said I suck at giving clues for a 5 year old. But I didn’t want to make them too obvious! I wanted to take my time (just like with my run) and enjoy it. We had fun. Plus we had cake! What more could ya want??

 

 

Diego was invited to the party… but slept through most of it.

He’s wearing a Chewbacca harness thing that I found on Clearance at the pet store. He barely fit into it when I bought it and it’s already too small!! Note – that was a week ago. He grew out of it in ONE WEEK. This pup is growing like crazy!! It’s tooooo fast!!

Now let’s talk about my life. In case you’re new here – this is where ‘RER’ gets random and pivots from running & eating to more random redheaded Mexican life updates. I really love writing about the randomness. It feels like a cross between writing in a journal and talking to a therapist with a touch of rambling voicemail no one will ever actually listen to… ya know? But you’re obviously still reading so someone is listening!! Thanks!

If you have things you’d like to share please consider one of the following:

1. Get a therapist or a running buddy. (They’re basically the same thing.)

2. Write it in a journal, in a letter to someone or on your blog!

3. Share in the comments below. I’m down to hear your stories.

4. Go to a bar and tell the bartender or a stranger. I feel like they do that in movies – but does anyone do that in real life??

Tell me if you do that one!

So these are the out of order updates on my life right now…

A. I’m house-sitting for a friend while they’re traveling this month. He made me Blue Apron and we went over everything I need to know the other night. I actually looked up a few forms on Pinterest to make sure I had all the house-sitting basics down and I think we’re good to go.

He has an orange tree and an avocado tree and it’s really giving a ton of happiness (aka future guacamole)!! Wow!!

B. Diego has a friend for a lil bit.

C. I had a Valentine’s Day lunch date.

Does that count as a Valentine’s date? A lunch date?? I don’t know, it was a rainy Wednesday and last minute.

Let’s add it up:

– It was lunch.

+ We had alcohol.

– I ordered GARLIC bread.

– I needed a favor, which was the reason for hanging out.

+ He wore cologne.

– He always wears cologne.

Final tally: I don’t care either way! I got distracted thinking about the pizza again…

Note:

I’m good at ordering food. If you and I eat together we should share and if you’re stuck between a few items – let me chime in.

Or even if we’re not eating together… if you’re out to eat and can’t decide what to get – text me and let me decide.

D. I bought myself chocolate covered strawberries the day after Valentine’s day. I don’t count a food as dessert unless it has chocolate. But this is 80% strawberry / 20% chocolate so I think it only counts as half a dessert.

E. Since it’s soooooo cold (to me at least) I’ve been snuggled up with  my tea at all times. And this lil message from the tea bag made me smile. I want to pass it on:

May this day be the day to lead us to peace, to happiness and to joy.

Love ya! Have a good one.

Question: Do you like lunch dates? When was the last time you had a lunch date??

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The post Treadmill Shower Shark Tank and Are Lunch Dates… dates? appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source https://runeatrepeat.com/treadmill-shower-shark-tank-and-are-lunch-dates-dates/

BLT mini Tostadas Recipe

Hello! I have a delicious recipe to share that’s super easy and a crowd pleaser! It’s a BLT Tostadito – or a bacon, lettuce, tomato mini tostada. So you can make this as an appetizer or quick dinner. And it’s a lighter way to enjoy this dish because we’re baking the bacon and the tostada shells. (I’m convinced making bacon in the oven is the best way to get it super crispy and it’s amazing!)

PLUS it’s a family friendly option because a.) everyone likes bacon and b.) we’re using mini-tortillas  – so it’s easy for little kid hands to pick up and eat!

BLT Tostadas Recipe

Ingredients:

12 oz. Farmer John bacon

16-20 corn tortillas – street taco size

1.5 c guacamole

5 medium tomatoes (thinly sliced)

8 oz. shredded lettuce

10 oz. cotija cheese (crumbled)

Note: You’ll need an oven safe wire wrack if you’re going to make the bacon in the oven.

 

 

But before we build our BLTs… we need to make the bacon and tostada shells!

How to Bake Tostada Shells

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.

Spray baking sheet with non-stick oil.

Place tortillas on baking sheet – spaced so they are not touching.

Bake in oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Flip them halfway through.

Remove when they are getting crispy and set aside to cool.

Note: These temperatures and times are based on street taco sized corn tortillas. Watch them as they get close to being done.

How to Make Bacon in the Oven

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.

Line a baking sheet with foil.

Place wire rack on top of foil in baking sheet. Place bacon on rack in a single layer.

Bake for about 20 – 25 minutes. Flip it over halfway through cooking.

The longer you bake it – the crispier the bacon will come out.

When it’s cooked to your desired crispiness – place bacon on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra fat.

Once cool – chop bacon in bite size pieces.

 

Note: Be very careful when removing pan from oven.

A lot of the fat will drip from the wire rack onto the pan – so there will be hot oil sloshing around the bottom of the pan. It can burn or start a fire if it drips into the hot oven. (I know this from a Thanksgiving turkey situation I witnessed a few years back!)

Now that we have the bacon and tostada shells… we can build our BLT Tostaditos!!

To make BLT Tostaditos – layer the following in this order:

tostada shell

guacamole

tomato

lettuce

bacon

cotija cheese

optional: hot sauce

And now you have a BLT Tostada piled high with great flavors and textures.

Enjoy!

And you know how I love when Running and Eating intersect in a perfect pairing…

This weekend is the Chinatown Firecracker Run/Walk & Kidding Run in LA!

It’s an event that  promotes health, fitness and cultural awareness in the greater Los Angeles community. (Farmer John started in Southern California in 1931!) And reps from Farmer John will be serving up their delicious new breakfast sausage links at the finish line! It’s Feb 17th – so check it out if you’re in the area!

For more information and to register, visit Firecracker10k.org.

 

Farmer John products are available at local grocery stores including Smart & Final, Stater Brothers, Albertsons, Ralphs and Northgate.

For more product information and recipe inspiration, visit www.FarmerJohn.com.

Question: Have you made bacon in the oven before?

 

This post is sponsored by Farmer John. Opinions on this site and accompanying social media are based on my own experience.

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Run Challenge Poll and Valentine’s Day Donuts

Hello!! Getting ready to do another Run Challenge and wanted to ask YOU to chime in… ➡️

1. How many days a week do you run right now?

2. Do you want increase distance / speed / how many days you run?

3. Are you training for anything right now?

4. How long should it be? 4 weeks? or 6 weeks?

5. Can you average 15 min/miles or faster?

I want to make it a challenge that really helps keep You on track & chase down your goals!! 〰️ 💯 〰️

It will probably be 4 days a week of running with an increase in mileage each week. This is a great base to build up endurance to run longer & stronger. ◽ ◽ ◽

Let me know your thoughts. [DM if you feel more comfortable with that.] Thank you! Happy Valentine’s Day!! 💘 💌 ❣

Monica @RunEatRepeat

Happy Valentine’s Day!! What are you up to?

Diego wants to wish you a very Happy Valentine’s…

Are you the backyard? … 💌

Because I really dig you!

xoxo @diegoredvera

And I had a lil donut date this morning complete with heart shaped donuts! So cute! But my favorite donut is a twisty glazed. Magical. It was magical.

Roses are red ⚘ Donuts are pink 🍩 Life without running would really stink! 👟👟 💌 Tag your Valentine, Running buddy or Me – because I’m at a donut shop eating donuts and scrolling through Instagram right now.

K. Thanks. ❣ #RunEatRepeat #valentinesday2019

Check out my Valentine’s for Runners here.

Please chime in and let me know your thoughts on the next challenge! I want it to be a challenge that truly helps you stay on track, get faster and/or run farther! Thank you!!

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source https://runeatrepeat.com/run-challenge-poll-and-valentines-day-donuts/

My Hair Product Favorites

Finally bringing you my favorite hair products! This is one of my most requested videos!! So I’m sharing what I’m using right now – and it’s all very affordable. I answer the top questions: ‘What are your favorite hair products?’ ‘What dry shampoo do you use?’ ‘How often do you wash your hair??’

 

You can get all my favorites on Amazon here – Hair Products I Love

All my suggestions are super affordable and don’t require you to watch 13 YouTube video tutorials to learn how to use them. It’s easy!

Watch the video where I share more about my favorite hair care items and tips here: 

My Favorite Hair Products and Hair Styling Tools

1. Shampoo – Avalon Organics thickening shampoo. I’m trying to use more organic, earth and body friendly products and this fits the bill! Both this shampoo and the partner conditioner are available at Costco (or at least the location near me). 

2. Conditioner – Avalon Organics thickening conditioner

3. Dry shampoo – Aveda Dry Shampoo. This is a powder dry shampoo!! I think it’s great at making un-washed hair look NOT oily or greasy at all. It also tends to add volume. I think dry shampoo in powder form is genius!

Other dry shampoo faves: Aveeno Dry Shampoo and Not Your Mother’s Dry Shampoo

4. Hot rollers – Revlon Hot Rollers. Hot rollers are the best easy way to curl my hair. Love. It might also be said to be the lazy way to curl hair. Again, love.

5. Hair clips – Pro Roller Clips. Some hot rollers don’t come with claw clips. If your set of hot rollers only have those wire hooks / clips – buy some clamshell clips that fit over your hair & the hot roller. I think it helps a lot with holding the rollers in place while I do a fast make-up session. Then, I take the rollers out and I’m good to go.

6. Hair spray – Hair spray. My hair is straight naturally so I often need hair spray if I want my curls to stay. I don’t always use it because I like the in-between look of curls and straight (= waves). But if I want my curls to stay longer than 27 minutes I do a light spray.

7. Sea Salt spray – I have sea salt texturizing spray in my bag of tricks but probably only use it a few times a year. This is mostly because I forget… One of them is called a thickening tonic and another is specifically sea salt / beachy waves type spray.

8. Rubber bands. When you have a lot of hair – you need a lot of rubberbands. I always have some sorta rubberband in my purse or in my car (if it’s not already holding up my hair). If you have to keep re-doing your ponytail or top bun while you’re going about your day or workout – you might need to look into better rubberbands. Spend some money, try a few different ones – it’s worth it to be able to focus on running (or eating) and not have to re-do your ponytail 22 times every hour.

Want more hair tips?

Check out my: How to Get Beachy Waves Tutorial

(I think it’s my favorite video from last year because it’s silly, but that’s just how I am in real life.)

Question: What’s your FAVORITE Hair Care Item??

What do you want me to cover in the next video??

 

 

The post My Hair Product Favorites appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source https://runeatrepeat.com/my-hair-product-favorites/

Valentine’s for Runners–Printables& Memes for your Favorite Runner

Hello! Valentine’s Day is coming soon and I have a big ol’ pile of Valentine’s for Runners you can screenshot and share with your favorite runner or running buddy! It’s a free way to give ‘em some virtual love on social media. Consider it a post-run hug without the sweat? And if you want to get someone special a gift or get one for yourself I made a list of Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Runners you can get from Amazon in time for February 14th!

I’m not sure if Diego and I are exchanging gifts… we kinda just met! What’s the protocol on time together and exchanging Valentine’s Day gifts??

Valentine’s Day Virtual Cards for Runners

Let’s Do Some Cardio candy heart

 

I love you slow much – sloth Valentine’s Card:

 

Sole Mates candy heart

 

I love you slow much – sloth Valentine’s Card:

Don’t Run Away candy heart

 

Love the Run You’re In candy heart

 

 

I turtle-y love you Valentine for runners:

 

I donut know what I’d do without you Valentine’s Day Card

 

You give me a heart on Valentine’s Instagram card

 

Roses are Red Valentine’s Day Poem for Runners:

 

I like you so much – Rest Day Valentine’s Day Card for runners:

Want more?

Check out these Free Valentine’s for Runners print-ables from last time.

Hate Valentine’s Day? Check out these I Have Valentine’s Day Songs

And here’s my list of Valentine’s Gifts for Runners you can get on Amazon fast.

 

 

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source https://runeatrepeat.com/valentines-for-runners-printable-memes-instagram-for-your-favorite-runner/