Get My Mojo Working : Run Or Dye

In the interests of disclosure, in return for sharing a discount code and writing this post to promote the event I will be given a free place in a Run or Dye event this year. Thank you.

I've been looking over my race calendar for the remainder of the year and I've realised that I've got four fairly significant events in as many weekends in September. I never intended for that but Things Happened. Don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to each and every one but I know that I'll need to be something fun and relaxed afterwards to get my mojo working again.

Which is exactly why I've got my eye on the Run or Dye series. Back in 2013 (no way! really?) I took part in The Colour Run and LOVED it but this year I'm going to sign up for Run or Dye instead. In essence the events are very similar; you run/walk/dance around the 5k course, get covered in eco-friendly, plant-based powdered dye every kilometer and get to party on down at the Finish Festival.

I know from experience that these events are not races, not really even runs, they are experiences and very inclusive ones at that. It's all about having fun so it's a great event to do with friends or family regardless of fitness level. There are numerous events across the UK throughout the year so there's bound to be one near you. Visit http://www.runordye.co.uk/ to see where the parties are! Entry is £27.50 (kids 6 and under are FREE!), but you can get £3 off your entry fee by using the code KISDISCOUNT.

You could argue that this is pricey for a 5k but consider the organisation involved and that Run or Dye is also an event with a heart. The organisers have been inviting the public to nominate worthwhile causes that are in need of some colour; whether that’s repainting the local playground, creating a bright and exciting mural for a community space or simply arranging for a bunch of blooms to be delivered to someone in need. Unfortunately, nominations are now closed but Run or Dye will be selecting a number of those in need close to the UK Run or Dye event locations so keep a look out for extra colour in your locality.

If you're still not sure just how much fun these events can be, check out the video below! Maybe I'll see you there...

Proud to be an Ambassador for the Natural Whey Company

Today I want to introduce to you relative newcomers to the protein scene, the Natural Whey Company. The thing that makes them different, and the reason I like them, is that they only use natural ingredients in their products which contain no artificial flavours or colours with fructose being the only sugar. The philosophy is that people who care about getting great results from your workouts will care about what they're putting into their bodies too. They stock a small range of products (by comparison to some of the other big players out there) to target fitness and recovery or weight loss and wellbeing as well as just straight up protein. They have a lovely range of flavours that fall into two camps - fruity (mixed berries, banana split, blueberry muffin) or chocolaty (choc orange, choconut, mint chocolate).

I ordered myself a sample to try and got a sachet of Strawberry and Bramley Apple smoothie to try. I made it up with skimmed milk and found it to be delicious; a fruity and fresh tasting smoothie with a medium consistency i.e. not too thin and not as thick as the Pro-10 I wrote about not so long ago. A 30g serving made up with water is just 123kcals and provides 21.7g of protein. Their Natural Whey comes in at 134kcals and 24.5g protein per 35g when made with water.

I enjoyed it so much I applied to be an ambassador and I'm delighted to say I was accepted! This means I'll be enjoying and promoting their products from now on and can also offer you, my lovely readers, a 5% discount on anything you order from the shop by using the code VRNWC.

If you'd like to try before you buy you can order a free sample here.

Nuun on the Run

Way back in the summer I got my hands on a sample of nuun, a tablet that you add to your water to assist your hydration. It's aimed at sporty types as it's a good source of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium), those things you lose when you sweat that aren't inches, calories or your mascara. What's slightly different about nuun compared to other sports drinks like, say lucozade, is that it doesn't contain any sugar (although it does contain some sweetner), is only 6-8 kcals and isn't a source of carbohydrate. It is not an energy drink, it's only concerned with hydrating you, and because of this it's a lot lighter. You simply drop a tablet into 500ml of water, watch it fizz away as it dissolves and you're good to go. But don't worry, although it fizzes, it's not fizzy so you're not going to get all gassy.

I rather enjoyed my free sample and so I got in touch with the company to get my hands on some more. I got a tube each of tri-berry, strawberry lemonade, orange and kona cola flavours but they have 11 flavours in total including lemon + lime, grape, lemon tea, tropical and banana. My favourite is the strawberry lemonade. By adding a little flavour to your water, nuun reckon that you'll consume a lot more fluid, helping to keep you fully hydrated. I'm inclined to agree. It just takes the edge off of plain water without it being over powering. It's like a very weak squash but much nicer.

I've been taking this to the gym for my workouts, having it to hand after runs and even drinking it when I'm sat on the sofa. It's a versatile little product. What I like about it is that it's very light. It doesn't make my teeth go all furry from sugar and as it's low calorie I know I'm not undoing a load of work by chugging a carbohydrate sports drink; I can get my carbs and proteins from recovery shakes if I want or just good ole plain food. As I'm no longer in heavy training having something lighter that will help to rehydrate me is a good thing.

Now I liked nuun enough to become an ambassador. This means that I can extend a very special discount to you lovely readers of mine. If you'd like to try nuun for yourself you can get a fabulous 25% off in their shop by quoting the code "ambassadorRoberts247!" at the checkout. Hope you find a flavour you like!

Disclaimer: I was sent four tubes of nuun for free to try but was under no obligation to write a review, positive or otherwise. As ever, my opinions are all my own, like it or not.