*****I’ve got a great discount and an awesome giveaway from Vital Proteins for you today—> don’t miss out on all the fun:)
I’ve got my favorite marathon (the St. George Marathon) coming up THIS October and you might remember last fall that I never made it to the starting line of my favorite marathon. Leading up to the race last year there were many Saturday mornings where my dad followed me in his car for 15+ miles on those early, dark long runs. My mom babysat a ton when I needed to hit some key workouts outside and there was a heck of a lot of me pushing myself FAR out of my comfort zone to hit those yassos, fast finish long runs and tempo runs. There were a lot of hours on the treadmill doing my recovery runs, a lot of alarm clocks set in the 4-5 a.m. range to get my run in before Brooke woke up and lots of dreaming about crossing the finish line with a 2:xx! Long story still kind of a long story—> I had trained pretty hard for 4 months leading up to the race and as many of you understand all too well, it is pretty devastating when you don’t get to do the race you’ve trained hard for months to do. (PS I didn’t get to do the marathon due to gastritis/ulcer/some other GI issues)
BUT the beauty of not making it to our race due to health issues, injuries or life stuff is——> there is always another race.
There is always another training cycle.
There are ALWAYS running/life/health lessons learned along the way with each month of training that carry over to help us become smarter and stronger runners.
Marathon training starts for me in just a little over a month (ahhhhhhh)!! I’ve got 5 things that I’m doing (join in with me:) to help me to be a stronger/healthier/less-injured runner so that I can make it to the starting line of the St. George Marathon on October 1st!
1. Relax about TIMES and go off of effort a bit instead of exact paces. I think I let my sub-3 goal take ownership of me last fall leading up to St. George. It took out a bit of the fun too… each workout had a pace or number to hit and my perfectionistic ways lead me to obsessing over hitting those numbers each workout. I also think going from a 3:12 to a sub 3 is a HUGE chunk of time to take off (even though I ran a 3:04 6 years ago… that was 6 years ago) and gradually taking time off with each marathon until I get under 3 is probably the best way for me to handle marathon training mentally and physically. SO, I plan on basing my workouts off of effort more than paces and really learning my body and where I should be running.
2. Sleep. Sleep. Sleep. Sleep. Last fall I most definitely did not get the sleep that I needed for the training I was doing. See above stressors and just not making it a priority like I should = not a good idea during marathon training. We are putting our bodies under so much stress during training and if we don’t give it the recovery it needs after we break it down with our workouts—> no bueno. SO, this time around for St. George training sleep will be a priority!
3. STRETCHING twice a day. For a few minutes. That’s it. Whether it be a short yoga for runners video or stretching at night while we are watching The Office (we started it from the first season and we are just cruising through it…). I need to do it and I created two alarms each day to remind me each day!
4. Keep my feet happy! Over the last year or so, my feet have really been the only things (besides tight IT Bands every now and then) that have caused me some problems (Turf Toe, you were the worst ha). With this upcoming training cycle I really want to remember my feet!! I try to roll them/stretch them out each morning before I do anything else (ps does anybody else love sleeping with socks on?). I want to focus in on always wearing supportive shoes, sandals and wedges because WHENEVER I wear shoes with little support my feet end up paying big time.
5. VITAL PROTEINS. I was crazy stoked when I first heard about this company. Once I started learning more and more about their products and the benefits of collagen in terms of recovery and overall wellness, I KNEW I had to try them out. Besides just the benefits of collagen (crazy important building blocks for our skin, hair, nails, bones and joints), I really wanted to try out their products that include probiotics on a daily basis. Probiotics have been huge in terms of helping my gut to stay healthy during training so I don’t run into the same problems that I did last year (my GI doctor recommended me to use probiotics daily). Vital Proteins helps to promote a healthy immune system, digestive and central nervous systems—> With all of the problems that I had last fall with my health, I can’t wait to go into training this time around with a much healthier digestive system especially. I do not want to relive those weeks of staying in pajamas and living off of rice, white potatoes and chicken broth (it was not fun) last year and feeling so sick that I didn’t even want to run anymore.
PS all of their products are Gluten-Free, rBGH-Free, Kosher, Paleo, Non-GMO, and Whole30 approved.
Another crazy awesome thing about Vital Proteins for runners—> they help to build and preserve tendons, cartilage, bones and joints. I’m pretty sure we all want to be running for as long as we possibly can. Finding a product that will help me keep these important parts of my body healthy and strong means less injuries and more years of running.
Yes.
Please.
We put our bones and joints under a lot of stress with our running so I LOVE that Vital Proteins will help to keep them happy and strong.
One of the MANY beauties of Vital Proteins is the fact that it is unflavored, odorless AND tasteless. That means we don’t have to deal with that chalky protein taste or weird flavors. I can add them to our smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt or whatever we want and get the benefits from the collagen without adding a weird taste to whatever we are eating!
Another added bonus—> Collagen Peptides promote youthful skin, healthier hair, stronger nails and they help to contribute to a balanced diet. “Collagen has been shown to be more effective than whey protein in regards to athletic performance and building muscle. The naturally occurring amino acids support a healthy inflammation response due to inflammation from training and exercise.”
St. George Marathon 2016—> I’m coming for you and I’ll be doing everything I can to get to that starting line healthy and strong!!!
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Get 20% off YOUR PURCHASE with Vital Proteins by using the code HUNGRYRUNNERGIRL20 at check out (valid until June 30th).
Sponsored by Vital Proteins! Thank you for supporting me, the Brookers and our amazing sponsors.
——————————
You’ve got a chance to win a 20 oz bottle of Collagen Peptides (remember—> AWESOME to help keep your bones healthy/strong, great for your joint health and it helps to promote a healthy immune/digestive/central nervous system.
There will be THREE WINNERS and the giveaway ends on 5/31 so enter now!
To enter giveaway:
Mandatory:
*Follow Vital Proteins on Instagram HERE and like my post HERE!
For Additional Entries:
*Go HERE—> browse their products and comment on this post with the product that you want to try the most!
*Comment and tag two friends on my Instagram post HERE!!!
155 comments
Kassie Strout
Toss up between Collagen whey- the cocoa version and marine collagen!
Sarah @ SarahRuns26
I’ve had c. diff twice (an inflammation of the colon for anyone who hasn’t had the pleasure.) So I am all about the probiotics to keep my gut healthy. It’s pretty amazing how quickly your gut can take you out of commission and it makes doing anything miserable! That’s how I learned to love the treadmill too – I couldn’t get too far from the bathroom so it was either don’t run or run on the treadmill.
Glad you’ve decided to take the pressure off of a sub-3 by tackling smaller chunks at a time! You’ll get there!!
Michelle
I’d love to try their cocoa and coconut water whey protein! It sounds delicious and waaaayyy better for me that the whey protein I’m currently using.
Also, I’m going to start setting alarms to remind myself to stretch too. Such a good idea! I am so bad at being consistent with stretching.
Steph @ loveandlunge
setting alarms to stretch is genius. doing this immediately. I never want to do it, but it’s so important. good luck on all your training!
Natalie
Thanks for sharing! Protein is something I have to make sure I get enough of, and I love the collagen benefits, too! I followed and liked your post. :) Sleep–I also need WAY more of that!
Kaitlyn
I’d love to try the collagen beauty greens! Looks like an amazing product. How can you go wrong w/ more greens?!?
Katie
I liked both!
Kristina Running
I just finished Meb for Mortals a few days ago and he talked about going off of effort + pace instead of strictly by pace. Obviously it has served him well! I’m looking forward to hearing how you like it too. I see how it can really help with injury prevention or just overall not feeling well. If it’s 100 degrees out with 90% humidity going off of effort + pace instead of pace alone would make a tough run feel more successful!
Katie
Collagen whey-coconut & cocoa
Jodi
I have IBS and I’d love to try the collagen peptides to see if they help :)
Jenny
It’s awesome that this is odorless and tasteless! That’s one of my biggest problems with any kind of added powder or protein drinks usually.
Kary F
I haven’t heard of these before but I am intrigued…I think I would try the collagen beauty greens, the flavor sounds yummy :)
Kaci @ Kaci K. RD2Be
Whenever you start talking about marathon training, it makes me want to sign up for one! But I’m nowhere near ready for that. Future goal :)
Hollie
These look interesting. I’ve found I run the best when I do take some sort if vitamin. I’ve actually never heard of these before, I might need to look more into them.
angie
Followed them and liked your post. I always struggle with tendon issues, plus I’m pregnant right now so more protein sounds great. I stifle to get enough protein in. I think just the regular collagen, tasteless peptides (not sure which one this is), the greens one, our the cocoa and coconut water:)
Hannah
I LOVE their products! I’ve also been working through some GI issues, plus some snowboarding injuries from a few years ago (sounds way more hardcore than it was… hah!) and I’ve been loving it! I notice a huge difference in my nails when I forget to drink it for a few days. I started with the blue Collagen Peptides but I’d love to try the Beauty Greens!
angie
*struggle not stifle
Nicole S
I liked your post and started following!
Nicole S
I’d like to try the coconut vanilla whey! I’m a sucker for anything coconut!
Erica D
I take probiotics every day a have recently added collagen to my diet, I looked into this company based off carrots n cakes post but their products are pricey for me. I’d love to try the collagen peptides.
Kylee
I would love to try the collagen whey protein in the cocoa coconut flavor! Sounds so good!!
Marissa
I’ve been buying Vital Proteins for a long time but have yet to try the marine collagen, which I would love to finally try!
Emily @ My Healthyish Life
I’ve seen Vital Proteins on a lot of blogs lately and I’m intrigued! As someone who suffers from digestive issues, it seems like a beneficial addition to my diet.
Sara
I have never heard of Vital Proteins but they look like a great company that has great products! Want to definitely try the Collagen Beauty Greens!!
Christina
I’d love to try the vanilla coconut whey!
Laura @ LunaChickRuns
I would like to try making homemade gummy bears with the gelatin! Also the cocoa-coconut whey sounds great. I too have been taking probiotics for GI issues that have plagued me since my last marathon training cycle.
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
I think training off of effort will be great for you! I did that for my last half marathon training and PRed by 5 minutes. I take probiotics every day – they’re so beneficial for balacing out the stress we runners place on our guts!
Larissa
I’m following on Instagram.
Larissa
Id love to try their collagen to help with my joints or the probiotics to help with my gut.
Amy Lauren
I would try the cocoa/coconut water collagen whey. Thanks for hosting this giveaway- I’ve never heard of this protein before.
Hillary
I want that vanilla coconut collagen!
Stephanie
I would def use the collagen greens. I love any way to get extra greens I through the day and
Bianca T
i’ve heard such magical things about collagen!! i’d love to try :)
leeann
Toss up between the collagen whey vanilla-coconut or cocoa!
Gabby @ gogabbith
Yoga with Adriene (Youtube) has a great “Yoga for you feet” video! Pretty much all of her video are great.
Alexis
Thank you for sharing! The collagen peptides look great…perfect for rebuilding after weeks of training and wear & tear on the body.
I’m excited for you to run St George this year! You are always such an inspiration and I love following your running (and life) journey. Thank you and Brooke for all that you do!
Cassie S.
Stretching alarm reminder = great idea! Something I will incorporate into my own day…thank you :)
I’ve been on the fence about trying the liver capsules….have read so much about the health benefits of liver. So I’m tied between wanting the liver capsules or the Beauty Greens. I mean coconut vanilla sounds tasty and will help my body sounds like a win-win to me.
Carol
I’ve been using their collagen peptides for a couple of months (in smoothies and coffee) and have to say that it’s definitely helping with my training/recovery. I have arthritis in my toe and it’s noticeably less uncomfortable than it was before. My hair also looks better than it has in a long time. I had not heard of the beauty greens & like the idea of incorporating probiotics daily so ordered some to try. Thanks!
Jamie
I LOVE your white tank top!! Where did you get that?!
Utahna Mortensen
I am going to order the Collagen beauty greens. I love the idea of 3 servings of greens and the daily probiotics. Thank you for the discount code!
Jody
I’d love to try either the vanilla or the cocoa whey. I’ve been switching around between protein powders looking for something I ‘ll love.
I love the idea of setting alarms for stretching. I always stretch after my workouts but need get up from the computer during the day to stretch more. Today’s goal, every time I get up to use the restroom, do a couple stretches!
Michelle
I’ve recently seen a lot of information about collagen and especially the brand Vital Proteins. I keep telling myself I just need to go for it and add it to my routine. Im most interested in trying the collagen peptides!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
I use the collagen peptides & love it.
Nicole
cant wait to follow your training progress!! is the bf running it too?
Val
Beauty Greens! But they all sound intriguing, weird, and amazing!
Kaelin
Vital Protein has been popping up all over my social media lately! Unfortunately, I don’t consume red meat, so I can’t try their collagen. However, I would love to try their Beauty Greens with/Marine Collagen.
I am excited to hear your progress with this supplement! Keep us updated on how you feel while taking it, please!
Amber
Would love to try all of them but Beauty Greens is at the top of my list!
Becca
I so need to try the beauty greens!!!!!
Ellen @ Tale of Two Runs
The cocoa andcoconut water looks like something i ‘d really love! Not just the flavour but all the nutritional bits in the info make it perfect for runners!!
Rachel
I followed and liked on Instagram ?
Rachel
And I would love to try the vanilla whey!
Heather K
I just started running a couple months ago after losing weight and I would love to try their collagen peptides. ?
Brittney
I liked your post, follow vital protein on IG and would most want to try the original collagen peptides for starters!
Taylor
I’d love to try the beauty greens one!!
natalie
I would love to try the cocoa collagen whey.
Kiara
This would be amazing!! I really have been focusing on how to make my bones and joints healthy and strong. I started taking tumeric vitamins for inflammation but having the Collagen Peptides would be such an added bonus! Especially to stir into my breakfast in the morning before or after my workout! Also their Collagen Whey sounds amazing with the Probiotics! I’ve been suffering as a runner with the dreaded IBS for awhile. So Probiotics every day are a must for me! I really really really believe that they truly have helped!
Georgina
Liked, followed & I would like to try the cocoa coconut collagen whey protein!
Bethany (Lulu)
I’d love to try collegan out, sounds like it has amazing benefits!
Those are some great tips, I need to make stretching more of a priority…
Danielle
I’d love to try the cocoa coconut collagen whey protein!
Jacqui
Definitely the collagen whey (vanilla and coconut water)!!
Emily
I think the Collagen Peptides would be interesting to add to my diet – always looking for ways to stay injury-free and healthy while training for a race!
Maria
Cocoa and coconut water!! Yum!!!
Carissa
I’d love to try any of their whey proteins! Always looking for a powder that doesn’t make my smoothie taste weird.
Elizabeth
I’m not trying to be a pessimist…but it seems like so many of your posts are sponsored now! It’s just too much with the sponsorships. Stay true to yourself Janae, and don’t overload us with advertisment posts!
Amanda
Hi – a little confused. Is the cocoa unflavored? The description mentions it is unflavored and tasteless?
Amanda
This is the part of the post that confused me… I see they have a “unflavored” version but I assume the other ones are not “tasteless”?
One of the MANY beauties of Vital Proteins is the fact that it is unflavored, odorless AND tasteless. That means we don’t have to deal with that chalky protein taste or weird flavors. I can add them to our smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt or whatever we want and get the benefits from the collagen without adding a weird taste to whatever we are eating!
Laura
I would love to try the vanilla coconut collagen whey protein!
Karlie
I would love to try the unflavored collagen peptides!
Laura
I have Vital Protiens in my pantry right now!
I have been dying to try their Beauty Greens!!!!
Lauren
I’ve wanted to try the beauty greens for a while now!
Maggie L
I’d like to try Collagen Beauty Greens. Time to jump on the collagen band wagon!
Nikki Fahey
could really use protein, vanilla would be great. or anything with probiotics, I’m having digestive issues:(
Rachel
I would love to try the Beauty Greens! The Collagen Peptides sounds pretty amazing as well. I had never heard of this company before!
Cara
I’d love to try the Beauty Greens or Collagen Whey in the Cocoa Coconut flavor :)
Amanda
I followed @vitalproteins and liked your Instagram post. Sign me up for the vanilla coconut collagen whey! Vanilla + coconut = yes please!
I’m currently training for a half marathon and have been going off of feel versus specific paces too. Makes my OCD-mind slightly crazed but I’m def enjoying training more :)
Deb Vannoy
Marine Collagen!!
Sara @ LIfe Between the Miles
Ohh, too many good choices, but maybe the Collagen whey cocoa version!
Tanya
I love using collagen as a protein supplement but I’ve never tried this brand. I would try the peptides first.
Meg Z
I have been wanting to try collagen for awhile so I would absolutely love to win this giveaway! I like the idea of flavorless, but I would also love to try the greens or the cocoa.
Valerie B
I’ve been wanting to try the collagen peptides for awhile now and haven’t pulled the trigger. I’ve been injured for the last two marathons, your post is leaning me towards trying them (and your other suggestions!) now! The collagen whey vanilla coconut also looks really intriguing!!
Nina
I’m also starting marathon training again, after not being able to run my marathon last year. I want to be healthy and get to the start this time around! I’d love to try the collagen whey – both flavors sound good! I like that they offer the collagen peptides since I like to add it to them to smoothies and I don’t like the extra thickening!
Mandi
I would love the collagen bc just like you i have GI problems and the more probiotics in my body.. the better! :)
Bobbie
I’d love to try their cocoa and coconut water whey protein! I don’t really have stomach issues except after long runs where I don’t keep myself hydrated properly BUT I love to throw together a good protein shake.
courtney
i follow/ liked your post :]
courtney
collagen beauty greens for me, if i could try anything! =]
Melissa Z
I’d love to try the Marine Collagen. Anti-aging…yes please! :)
Jennifer Kyle
I’m registered for Chicago in October! So I am very excited I will get to follow along your training while I do mine. Your blog is just one of my favorites!
Amber C
I’d like to try the vanilla coconut collagen whey:)
Erin M
I’ve been so curious about collagen! And somewhat nervous to try it. How do you use it? Can you share some recipes?!
I’d love to try the collagen peptides! I love the idea they don’t change the taste or consistency of whatever you put them in!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Hey Erin!! I honestly just put it into whatever I’m already eating—> mix some in with my yogurt or oatmeal… or I put it in my fruit smoothies after a workout (we use it the most with smoothies and it is amazing how I can’t taste it or notice a difference in the texture etc.) Hope you have a fabulous day!
laurie
this stuff sounds AMAZING! following /liked on instagram
Stephanie
I would like to try the collagen cocoa flavored whey. It looks great! I am now following on instagram.
Erica
I would like to try the Collagen Beauty Greens…anything that makes me look younger and more beautiful inside sounds awesome to me.
Angie Jerde
I am a huge fan of Vital Proteins and have heard nothing but amazing feedback about their products! I currently use the collagen peptides and would love to try their whey and beauty greens. Thanks so much for this awese giveaway!
Angie Jerde
Liked and following on Instagram : )
Frankie
I love vital proteins, such a great company!! I would love to try the collagen beauty greens!
SarahRunsLA
I will also be running the St. George Marathon (my first time running STG, but 4th marathon) and am aiming for a sub 4. I ran 4:03 at the Chicago Marathon last year. I am looking forward to following along with your training, although I am sure mine will be much less intense ;). maybe we can meet up at the race or expo! My husband definitely thinks I am a weirdo for calling bloggers like you “my friend”.
I’d love to try a new supplement to keep me happy and healthy during a long, hot summer of marathon training.
Elizabeth
I would love to try the collagen beauty greens!
Tara
Beauty greens
Kim Hollingsworth
I’ve always been overwhelmed by the many choices of protein powders, so I’ve never tried them. I’d love to try the cocoa coconut water one!
Jessie
I can’t wait to try the Collagen Beauty Greens!
Dani
Would like to try their Beauty Greens with/Marine Collagen!
Liz
All their products sound great but I’d like to try the beauty greens the most!
Leah
The vanilla coconut collagen whey seems right up my alley!
Megan Hartough
Would love to try the collagen peptides!!
Whitney
I’d try the collagen peptides!
Rachel @ Simply Rachel Nicole
I’d like to try the cocoa and coconut water whey protein :)
Dawn
I didn’t know there were other Paleo products out there on the market. I will probably be ordering the PASTURE-RAISED, GRASS-FED COLLAGEN PEPTIDES first.
Amanda
Collagen whey! Coconut and cocoa!!!
Kalena
The (unflavored) collagen peptides would be my choice. Great post!
Dayna
I would love to try the collagen beauty greens!!
Dana
I was recently confirmed with gluten & casein allergies. I am also a marathon runner & have had to completely change my diet. Also working to get enough protein & carbs for the long training runs. I will say that the learning process has not been fun. But i am starting to see results in performance since eliminating gluten & casein. I am very interested in incorporationg the collagen peptides in my diet to continue healing my digestive system.
Leah H.
I would love to add the Collagen Beauty Greens to my smoothies. Such a cool product! I also liked your picture on Instagram!
paige c
i really want to try the beauty greens!
Sara
I’m interested in their collagen beauty greens!
Kris
The flavorless options look fantastic !
Erica
I’ve been wanting to try collagen peptides since hearing about the digestive benefits. The Beauty Greens sounds great.
Kristen
I would love to try the peptides! Always up to try anything to keep me healthy and running longer and stronger!! Good luck with your marathon training!
steph
I am not a chocolate eater but I love to DRINK it…is that weird?
Christina
They all sound interesting, but the with coconut water sounds the best
Alyse
Vanilla Coconut all the way!!! Anything with coconut calls my name.
Robin
I definitely want to try the collagen peptides! I’m recovering from a broken foot and subsequently a stress fracture so anything that can help my bones is necessary.
Robin
I followed and liked!
Bethany Lapworth
Anything that will help protect my legs and keep them strong is a winner in my book! Thanks for sharing :) The vanilla coconut Collegen whey sounds yummy!
Carrie
I would love to try the collagen peptides. Wait, actually I NEED to try them! I love that they use 100% grass fed beef protein.
Tiffany Olson
I always love to find new products that are good for my body, especially ones that keep me healthier for runs! Thanks for bringing this on my radar. I really want to try everything!!! But I’d say the cartilage protein or the collagen whey in vanilla coconut would be what I’m most excited to try. I’m expecting in November. Can I use these products while pregnant? Thank you!
Cyndi
I’d like to try the Collagen Whey the most.
Taylor
Such a great idea to set a few alarms to remind you to stretch! I need to do that.
SarahL
Would love to try the collagen peptides!
Emma
Would love to try the collagen beauty greens!
Nicole D.
Pasture-Raised, Grass-Fed Collagen Whey (Vanilla Coconut)
Wendy
Followed and Liked!
Gina
I would LOVE to try the collagen whey since it has probiotics in it. I’m going to start my next half training in a few weeks and after what I experienced with my previous half I’m looking into all types of things that can help with the post race excruciating stomach pain and other GI symptoms.
Ariana
i would love to try the cartalage collegen capsiles
Kate @ Kate Lives Healthy
I love Vital Proteins collagen. I have it every morning in oatmeal. I have not tried the Marine variety yet and would like to check that out!
Maria Baldarrago
Would love to try collagen whey cocoa and coconut water! Thanks for sharing and love your blog!!
Nora @ 2 Generations Running
Entered!! That’s pretty cool that it’s flavor-less! And I’ll have to do more research on collagen vs. whey protein – I definitely felt the stress I was putting on my body during my last marathon training cycle, so I’m open to trying something new!
Melissa
Collagen Beauty Greens is something I would like to try!
Allyssa
Liked and followed on Instagram!
Allyssa
I want to try the collagen vital proteins. Although the beauty greens are intriguing also!
Alex
I’d love to try any of their products! Collagen beauty greens sounds great! Thanks :)
Heather
I would love to try the Beauty Greens!
Cori @ She's Going the Distance
I want to try the collagen whey- especially if it’s tasteless/odorless!
Brittany
I’m dying to try. Hopefully it will work for my sensitive gut. Breastfeeding has me hangry but other proteins don’t agree with the little. The coconut vanilla looks yum!!
kristi howard
I followed them and liked your post!
kristi howard
I tagged two friends on your post!
kristi howard
I would love to give their marine variety a try. Have not tried this brand yet and I keep hearing all the wonderful feedback! Thank you for this giveaway!
Kendra
I’d love to try the collagen whey in the cocoa and coconut water flavor.
Tanner
Collagen Beauty Greens!
Ashley C
Following vital proteins and liked your pic on insta as @runnergurlms
Ashley C
I would love to try the marine collagen
Emily S.
I love the unflavored collagen peptides- so versatile! I can put it in my morning coffee, in oatmeal, smoothies, and not notice anything!