We will have FOUR winners today, so you will not want to miss out on entering this giveaway. Today’s post is sponsored by fairlife, makers of Core Power®; thank you for letting me share my passion for Core Power with you!
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Sometimes I look at my training and recovery like a giant puzzle. I work for hours putting these little pieces together, and the first half of the puzzle is always the hardest. One piece fits into the other, and with time and hard work, the puzzle starts to come together. Would I stop and get up and leave the board with pieces missing and the easiest part of the puzzle left undone? No way! I would put every piece together and then finish and sit there and enjoy the completed puzzle (as you can tell, Skye and I have been doing a lot of puzzles lately, ha).
The same goes for our training and recovery. Why would we work so hard for hours doing the most challenging part (the blood, sweat, and tears that come with running) of the big picture of our training and then skip over the part (the recovery) that puts it all together so nicely?
Join me and use Core Power in our training puzzle to help us recover after each workout.
Core Power offers 26g or 42g of high-quality protein to build muscle after you workout. Core Power’s protein comes from ultra-filtered milk without added powders (this is why it tastes so dang good). Protein is needed to help repair, rebuild, and maintain our body tissue and muscle, and Core Power is my favorite way to get in protein.
Core Power is so incredibly convenient to grab and go. I always stash them in my car so I can start my recovery as soon as I finish a run.
Nothing tastes better after a hot run… I look forward to this for the last few miles of every run.
Don’t let your hard work go to waste; give your body the recovery it needs!
Today I am giving 48 bottles of Core Power [any size/variety] to FOUR readers!
To enter, do these two things:
1- Visit the Core Power website HERE and take a look around!
2- Tell me one lesson you’ve learned from running or working out in a comment on this post.
Open to US and 18+ years only. Winners will randomly be selected on 6/26/23!
394 comments
Michele
Take recovery days seriously ! I learned the hard way of course. Do not push through something that doesn’t feel right. (Like a shin splint)
Julie
To run faster one must run faster! Once I began intervals, fartleks and repeats I was able to bring down my marathon time. They are hard workouts but so rewarding! On the hunt for a BQ next year <3
Amy D
Only one lesson?!!! I have to name a few-nutrition is important!!
You cannot will injuries away.
And sleep matters!
Kaci
That working out is obviously good for my physical health but even more important for my mental health!
Micah Little
You can be a good runner and still have a bad race. There are more things that have to go right for you in a race then you can control I.e. weather, for women what part of your cycle you’re on, how you feel on race day, stomach issues, etc.
Lisa
Rest and recovery are important. If not taken seriously the body will force rest. I am experiencing this currently as I recover from an injury sustained while running. Core power helps!
Liz
Consistency matters more than perfection. And just like with marriage and raising kids, my running needs quality time and quantity time.
Amanda Bustos
Now that my 3rd child is 8mo, I’ve finally learned to accept the season of life I’m in instead of comparing my running or fitness to where I was with my first two. My goal is to fit running in when I can until it gets easier!
Abby
I first tried Core Power because of your recommendation! It is the only protein aka “milkshake”that my kiddos will drink. I would love to be considered for this giveaway. I have learned the importance of lifting weights and not being a cardio queen and also the importance of rest and not working out every day!
Shana H.
This is a tough one! I’ve leaned so much (some of it the hard way!). Probably one of the top lessons is that even if you’re going through a busy time in your life and training isn’t going as planned, running/fitness will be there when you’re ready to come back! I’ve had lots of set-backs in my attempts to be a stronger athlete in general, but it’s never too late to keep starting over!
Erin
Running has taught me to appreciate the good days and accept that bad days will happen but they do not mean the world is ending. My mental health has become so much stronger with running
Maria
Just sweat once a day!
Kim
One lesson running has taught me is to not rush the return from injury. Running will always be there.
Nora
I’ve learned if I do too much, too soon, I get hurt, burnt out, or both. I do best when alternating running, cycling, and swimming with light walking.
Kathy
I’ve learned many lessons… one is that there will always be bad days, but also a lot of great days, so don’t be discouraged!
If you want to improve, you have to follow some sort of plan. You can’t run hard everyday or run east everyday, or not include rest days, there must be balance. Same with strength training, you can just do lower body/upper body/core… your muscles need time to recover.
Kelli
These comments are great! So many good tips ❤️
Refueling is key for me! Especially fluid/electrolyte replacement!!
Shana Dell
One thing I’ve learned from running is that having bad running days is part of the process. It makes you appreciate the great days even more. So many times I’ve gotten frustrated after a race and asked myself why I do this. The answer is simple. I do it because I love it. The rain, snow, mud, cold, heat and wind. It is worth it when you cross the finish line knowing you have given it your all. The bad days and good days don’t matter because you did it. You did it.
Jess
If your body tells you to take a rest day, take a rest day. It’s better to be undertrained than overworked. And no training plan comes down to one workout!!
Jenna
Running has helped teach me the value of patience and consistency. There is no magic quick fix It just takes consistent hard work to get faster or healthier
Lauren
Huge lesson (I learn over and over), STOP when you start to hurt. No one is judging you for stopping at 4.77 and not at 5.00! That barely quarter of a mile could sideline you for weeks to months. Also, go easy on yourself! Running is supposed to be fun and it can’t be a PR all the time. That’s what makes PRs so special :)
Andrea Howell
I’ve learned the importance of listening to my body! I’d rather miss out on a run if I’m feeling an injury twinge than push through and end up really injured (something I’ve had to learn from in the past!)
Jennifer
The biggest thing I have learned is to listen to my body!
Katie
One thing I’m learning recently if I don’t eat enough for dinner the night before my run the next day no matter what time it is at is completely off, I feel weak and tired! I need to also work on my mental strength for those bad days.
Alli Murr
You never know how you are going to feel unless you give it a try, so you just gotta give it a go and see what the day brings.
Caroline K
I love Core Power! I had twins last year and Core Power has been my go-to after workouts when it is hard to think about how to get protein in.
Be thankful you get to move and don’t compare workouts to other seasons of life!
Teresa
I have learned many lessons throughout my years of running and still learning.
A big .esson is pretty run fueling. I was so stubborn for so long thinking I only needed to eat before long runs. Now I fuel even on easy runs. My lesson learned is how much more enjoyable my runs are when I have energy. Go figure.
Jyssica Miller
Letting your family and friends know about your goals. Surrounding your close ones around you helps you stay motivated when you feel low and match your excitement when you make progress or achieve.
Jessie
I have learned that consistency is so important. Don’t give up because one day was not your best, or even a string of days. Just keep at it and it will pay off.
Brittany
Running has helped me learn how powerful the mind is and how much more my body can give even when I initially think there’s nothing left.
Remi
I’ve learned that running is just as important for my mental health as it is for my physical health.
The Hungry Runner Girl
REMI!!! YOU WON!! EMAIL ME ASAP with your address and flavor preferences!
Susan
I’ve found that I don’t love protein drinks at all but hoping to try core power. Most are so gritty and thick that I usually can’t get it down. I need a good protein shake because I don’t eat meat or eggs, nuts etc or really anything with a good protein base.
The long winter and weird spring has really affected my routine, but the weather is about to flipflop and I am hoping to hit the road again.
Michelle
run those easy runs easy!
Melissa Matias
It’s almost impossible to pick just one lesson. But the number one thing I’ve learned over the last year is that not every run has to be fast….. there’s a benefit to easy runs! Took me 28 years of running to learn that one !
Kelsey Hillier
I’ve learned that I can do hard things! And I’m stronger than I realize.
Jane
I’ve learned that I always feel better after a run! Even if I don’t feel like going for a run I still will, because I know that great feeling of hardwork and effort will continue through out the entire day. That feeling of accomplishment is just the best!
Stephanie
I met my partner on a run I almost skipped. Just go on the run!
Lindsey
I have learned so much about my ability to push myself and also when it’s okay to DNF. Both came during ultra marathons. Running on the trails is my ultimate stress reliever!
Carly
Be grateful everyday that you “get” to workout! It truly is a blessing to be able to move and challenge your body and mind!
Karlie
To just start running and I will feel better mentally!
Julie
I don’t HAVE to work out, I GET to work out, for which I’m grateful every day!
Rebekah
You can do anything one step at a time!
Kelly Marie Sites
I have learned the body can be pushed and do far more than we think. We need to sometimes push through pain and hard moments when we are working out, and raise the threshold a bit.
Joan
Be glad for the privilege of moving your body how and when you want. Not everyone has that. So toss the rough days to the wayside and appreciate the opportunity to move your body and clear your mind!
Marissa
Protein (core power) will help recover faster!
Damarys Reyes
The lesson I’ve learned is that working out alone isn’t sufficient; eating healthy has to be done along with it!!
Becky Przy
I have learned so many things from running, but a big one is that it is better to be under-trained than over-trained.
Nikki
A shorter/less intense workout is better than nothing at all. It keeps the habit and still gives you an endorphin boost!
Erin
One thing that has taken me years to learn is that running slow 80% of the time can actually make you run faster! There’s no value in pushing yourself hard on every run when running slow has so many benefits!
Marley
Just show up and go or press play (if it’s a workout video)
Stacey
My biggest lesson learned from running is the more I treat my body with respect by fueling, exercising, and resting it well, the better it tends to perform for me, both in races and in life.
This post made me laugh because just yesterday my husband went to Costco yesterday and picked up some chocolate Core Life. When I came home he asked me, “Have you ever heard of this stuff? Is it any good?” He must not have seen my stash in the freezer :) Now he has his own… but we could always use more!
Vanessa Walton
Each day is different some easier than others. When running your mind is the most powerful resource. Go out and run your race and the rest should fall into place.
Jackie
That I can do things I never thought I could, and to break something huge into small chunks to get to the finish.
Stacy
Running with Friends makes running much better no matter how bad your run was !
Jodi M
I’ve learned that you don’t need to be fast to run a race – and the indescribable feeling of accomplishment when you cross the finish line overwhelms EVERY time!!
Collette
A big lesson I have learned lately is that your easy runs need to be EASY!! Pace does not matter. What your Strava says doesn’t matter, you can’t recover from the hard runs if you don’t run your easy runs easy.
Liz
I’ve learned that a run always makes my day better. I wish I could tell this to my younger self:)
Christine
I learned to do what feels good and makes me happy.
Anna Walker
The most important thing I’ve learned is FUELING IS IMPORTANT. I used to not fuel before a run, and try not to during as long as I could. No I can keep going longer if I fuel properly, and running feels much better too :)
Becky
So many important lessons, but right now I am learning that training doesn’t have to be perfect all the time to still be effective. I tend to be an all all or nothing person, and that can be really detrimental toward simply making progress every day. Maybe I don’t have time/energy/drive for an hour workout every day right now, but I can still look for the shorter intervals I can take advantage of evert day, rather than throwing my hands up in defeat!
Beth
My best lesson learned from running is the power of positive thinking and finding the joy. During races I love to cheer on other runners as I’m running (love an out and back course for this!)- while trying to encourage others, it gives me a boost as well! I am convinced a smile is performance-enhancing!
Sonia
Enjoy the process and feel grateful when you can run!
Erica
Just go. When you don’t feel like running; just get out there. If you still don’t feel like running within the first mile then turn around but chances are that once you get going whatever was on your mind making you not want to will be gone. And I love CorePower protein shakes when I’m traveling. They are easy to find and I know a great option to refuel.
Sheila
I used to run almost the exact same pace and distance on the treadmill day after day. I then learned that most runs should be slow and comfortable. I also discovered that I really enjoyed cross training and lifting, and I am stronger and faster because of it! I read about Core Power on this blog, and I had to try it- both the chocolate and vanilla taste amazing!
Emily N
Rest days and refueling have been the two things I’ve learned to do for myself. After years of exercise addiction and disordered eating, I learned the hard way
Nicci
I’ve learned running makes me happy, and we should do the things that bring us joy, and so I run. Also, a run can be tough, just like we sometimes have a tough period in our non running life. But our run can change in a moment, when we see a friend, or the clouds part and the sun shines, or you run by a friendly horse – and that too is just like life. So just keep running. To quote Lauren Groff “In the end, when you are done, and stretching, and your heartbeat slows, and your sweat dries, if you’ve run through the hard part, you will remember no pain.”
Jody
Sometimes all you need is a 30 minute run to totally reset your day.
heather
running makes my entire energy for the day shift.
Kristin
I’ve learned that I run better with a friend. I tend to push myself when I have accountability. I run faster and harder. And someone else said this in another comment but “you’ll never regret a run”. No matter how many times I don’t want to lace up and get out there – I always feel better when I’ve moved my body.
suki
visited Salt Lake for the first time ever! LLUUHHUUUVEEEddd the running trails up behind the Capitol….and I’m from California ;) …..the other best thing was finding Strawberry Core Power at Harmon’s downtown. We cannot find strawberry ANYWHERE around here. Fingers and toes crossed you can send me some! All the running love xoxo!!!!
Laura
I love Core Power and other Fairlife products! One thing I have learned in running is that it is not linear. So many things in life can side rail or change our running but we can always choose to come back to it. It is always there for us. Also, recovery is important!
Elizabeth d.
I’m a better runner when I do yoga but it is so hard.
Tracy
One lesson I have learned is that working out is that there is always something I can do better. It doesn’t mean that I will be my fastest or strongest but I can continue my journey to better health (mental and physical) with every workout.
Jennifer Olszowy
I learned that I can do hard things. If you train right you can achieve your goal. I ran Ironman Boulder and ended up with huge blisters on my feet. I chose to leave them alone and just walk the marathon and I became an Ironman. I do enjoy using Core to get quality recovery/protein.
Jill B
One lesson I learned is plan ahead and stay consistent in the time I set for training. If you wing it, you’re much more likely to find excuses to skip or do a lighter workout.
Chelsea
Rest paces don’t matter! It’s so freeing to never look at my watch until my recovery run is done!
Paige
First – i LOVED the core power you recommended during recovery from my Boston training runs!
Most important lesson i’ve learned (and there are many) – no matter how hard a workout feels when you start, you will ALWAYS feel better once it’s finished.
Anne Benjamin
The number one thing I have learned is that I am strong. No matter how slow or fast I run that day, or what injury I am recovering from, I am out there TRYing. It’s makes my mind and body strong.
Christi
I am stronger than I think along with there are people who are truly social runners and do not care about speed. I run with my sister who could run a lot faster and longer but she chooses to run with me.
Sarah
I’ve learned to listen to my body. If my mind and body are too tired to go running, swimming, or otherwise work out, then I take a rest day instead of pushing through and risking injury and burnout.
Claire
After my second baby 8 weeks ago, I’m getting back into my routine but prioritizing my PT exercises and mobility so I have a good foundation and am gentle on my recovering body.
Gail
I have learned to listen to my body as I workout. The cues it provides are invaluable to avoid injury
Kathleen
Even a quick morning run can set the tone for the whole day
Tracy Cohen
Stretching is necessary – every single day!!
Laura
I’ve learned that making workouts a habit is SO helpful for both being consistent and enjoying my time in the gym or outside – if I don’t have to think twice about whether or not I’m going, I can focus on doing my best and having a good time!
Maggie
Running with others make the celebration after a race that much sweeter.
Laura
I have learned that running with friends is so much better than running alone!
Shelly Privette
Don’t let a bad run break your confidence!