I love juicing (!!) – but there’s so much involved (preping all of the fruits + veggies, time – something I don’t have a lot of, and clean-up – I seriously have to soak + scrub the machine 5 times before it’s clean) that I rarely do it. I wish I had the time but with a very busy boy, I just don’t.

And because I don’t juice myself but spend money on raw-pressed juices that someone else juices for me, I consider myself a bit of a raw-pressed juice connoisseur.

I had the opportunity to try local company, Alive Juices over the holidays. I couldn’t be more impressed with the overall package Alive Juices has to offer. From custom juice plans, to excellent customer service, to free delivery + bottle pickup, there’s no reason not to try Alive Juices.

{about}
Made to Order. Gluten-Free. Vegan.
Alive Juices come in 8 unique flavors. Each flavor provides unique health benefits (heart, bones, vision, protection against cancers etc). Each flavor contains different produce, but they all have Big 4 – Apples, Ginger, Garlic and Lemon. These are well researched disease fighters, that go above and beyond in keeping us healthy.

Each juice has roughly 200 calories – so it’s healthy while keeping you full and on-track for your 2015 goals.

I had a chance to try 4 different flavors: 
#1 Postive Karma: Big 4 + Cucumber, Celery, Spinach, Cilantro
#4 Detox Mantra: Big 4 + Carrots, Beet, Kale, Cilantro
#5 Guru’s Greens: Big 4 + Romaine Lettuce, Bokchoy, Collards, Fennel
# 8 Morning Sunshine: Big 4 + Squash, Cilantro, Pineapple

While all flavors were great (I love Ginger & Lemon), Postive Karma + Morning Sunshine were my favorite (I still crave pineapple as much as I did when I was pregnant with Mr. President). I definitely had more energy (something I need even more of) and felt great! Of course I couldn’t do a full cleanse (juice-only) since I’m pregnant, but I used these juices to jump-start my day and carry me through healthy eating and options. When I needed a pick-me-up, I snacked on the nut mix provided with each cleanse. I’m a huge fan of Alive Juices!

{final thoughts}
If you’re thinking about starting a juicing plan or just want to try a few flavors, Alive Juices is your go-to. There’s a plan and flavor for everyone. And if your excuse is that you’re “too busy” (which is often my excuse), this is the perfect option – custom plans, great flavors, and FREE delivery.

These are safe to drink during pregnancy (I’d be in big trouble if raw-pressed juice wasn’t part of the plan) – and often encouraged because of all of the healthy benefits.

Get started today: http://alivejuices.com/juice-plans/
*FREE $15 in juices with your 1st order

For more running and juicing, follow me:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willrunformargaritas
Twitter: @run4margaritas
Instagram: http://web.stagram.com/n/run4margaritas
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/run4margaritas/

Disclaimer: I was provided Alive Juices for review, however I was not compensated in any way. Opinions are my own. 

It’s January – and that means hundreds, thousands, of runners are training for a Spring marathon.  Whether it’s your first marathon, or your twenty-first, the thought of racing is exhilarating  {i’m excited just thinking about it}.  And, even though I’m not running a Spring marathon this year, I’m familiar with the hard-work, dedication, commitment, and sacrific it takes to train for one (if you think I’m lying, you can read all about my Boston heartbreak here).

After years of running and racing, I’ve become a smarter runner (think: reflective at night, moisture-wicking shirts, and the importance of really good socks).  There’s been a lot of trail & error to determine what works best for me and the run – but I think I’ve finally cracked the code, and found my favorites.

The best part about all of my favorite things?  One LUCKY winner will win ALL of my Marathon Must-Haves (shown below)

infiniti 1/2 zip: not only is this piece stylish, fitted, and technical, it’s cozy! I’m rarely cold during a run, but as soon as I finish (and I really start to sweat), I get the chills – I’ll be wearing my (favorite) 1/2 zip post-race.

KT Tape: ever since the (unfateful) day I stumbled upon Plantar Fasciitus, I’ve been a huge fan of KT Tape. One of my favorite things about it (besides magical powers & healing) – a huge assortment of the fun colors {think pink}

nuun (+ water bottle): i live on nuun (strawberry lemonade, please). It’s the perfect marathon/training run go-to. Since it’s mixed with water (and you can half the tabs), it’s easy on my stomach but gives me the energy boost I need.

Brooks hat: i don’t like the sun in my eyes, or sweat for that matter. I rarely race without a hat – it’s the perfect sun & sweat protector.

honey stinger: I found the ONE thing that works for me and my stomach.  I knew I needed nutrition on my long runs and during a race, but my stomach couldn’t handle anything else… until I tried honey stingers.  made with real honey (a natural form of energy), these organic energy chews are the best thing that could’ve happened to me.

mio: make it yours! add a few drops to your water – post-run- for a quick & easy drink.

pro bar: the whole food meal replacement, these bars are organic, 100% Vegan, and ideal for endurance or recovery.

body glide: i don’t know about you, but I’ve been the victim of sports bra chafe and it is not fun! body glide is multi-purpose and does the trick (apply wherever your heart – or chaffing – desires).

nathan running pak: it’s an easy and lightweight waist pack – with clips for a race number!  This is the perfect addition to any race day endeavour.

feetures! socks: (see reference above – the importance of really good socks) I can’t live without feetures! socks – they just do something right!  No more blisters or discomfort for me.

clif bars mini’s (not pictured): mini clif bars are the perfect post-race snack. They are full of organic ingredients, engery and come in delicious flavors. Yes, I’d like a Coconut Chocolate Chip bar – yum!

{to enter}
tell me: what’s your marathon must-have? (and please indicate your prefered size in the infiniti 1/2 zip hoodie)
*You must follow my blog to win

{additional entries}
(not required – please leave a separate comment for each entry)

• “Like” {will run for margaritas} on Facebook – leave a comment
• Follow @run4margaritas on Twitter – leave a comment
• Post this giveaway on your Facebook page – link to {will run for margaritas} – leave a comment
• Tweet this giveaway on Twitter – I want to win the marathon must-haves giveaway from @run4margaritas http://bit.ly/Yzpc2d – leave a comment

{the deets}
1. giveaway runs through February 11, at which point I will close the post and randomly choose a winner. Winner announced on February 11 by 6pm.
2. contest is open to US residents only
3. winner has one week to claim their prize before a back-up winner is chosen

additional questions? contact me at: willrunformargaritas@gmail.com

Staring this week, I’m in full-on marathon countdown (I can count the number of days on 1 hand)!  I’ve started watching the weather, planning what to wear, and stocking up on all of my marathon must-haves.  {i’m excited}

Over the years, and as I’ve become a “smarter” runner (no more empty stomach runs or 90’s cotton for me), I’ve learned what works and doesn’t work.  And through a lot (I mean, a lot) of trail & error, I’ve found my favorites… 

The best part about all of my favorite things?  One LUCKY winner will win ALL of my Marathon Must-Haves (shown below)

utopia thermal hoodie: not only is this piece stylish, fitted, and technical, it’s cozy!  I’m rarely cold during a run, but as soon as I finish (and I really start to sweat), I get the chills – I’ll be wearing my (favorite) hoodie post-race.

KT Tape: ever since the (unfateful) day I stumbled upon Plantar Fasciitus, I’ve been a huge fan of KT Tape.  One of my favorite things about it (besides magical powers & healing) – a huge assortment of the fun colors {think pink}

nuun: i live on nuun (strawberry lemonade, please).  It’s the perfect marathon/training run go-to.  Since it’s mixed with water (and you can half the tabs), it’s easy on my stomach but gives me the energy boost I need.

hat: i don’t like the sun in my eyes, or sweat for that matter.  I rarely race without a hat – it’s the perfect sun & sweat protector.

hand-held water bottle: it’s nearly impossible for me to run 22 mile training runs without water.  Enter: the hand-held water bottle.  Small, sleek, and barely noticeable – I don’t leave home without it.

mio: make it yours! add a few drops to your water – post-run-  for a quick & easy drink.

body glide: i don’t know about you, but I’ve been the victim of sports bra chafe and it is not fun!  body glide is multi-purpose and does the trick (apply wherever your heart – or chaffing – desires).

nathan reflective running pak: it’s an easy and lightweight waist pak. The Nathan Reflective Belt is an all-in-one belt that keeps runners and their valuables safe.

gu chomps: i’ve never been able to hold-down gu gels – but gu chomps have been a lifesaver (and changed my thoughts about long runs/nutrition).  They are tasty, easy to chew and give me the energy I need on my long runs.

clif bars (not pictured): mini clif bars are the perfect post-race snack.  They are full of organic ingredients, engery and come in delicious flavors.  Yes, I’d like a Coconut Chocolate  Chip bar – yum!

{to enter}
Tell me your favorite marathon must-have  (and please indicate your prefered size in the uptopia thermal hoodie)
*You must follow my blog to win

{additional entries}
(not required – please leave a separate comment for each entry)

• “Like” {will run for margaritas} on Facebook – leave a comment
• Follow @run4margaritas on Twitter – leave a comment
• Post this giveaway on your Facebook page – link to {will run for margaritas} – leave a comment
• Tweet this giveaway on Twitter – I want to win the marathon must-haves giveaway from @run4margaritas http://bit.ly/IsPWY0 – leave a comment

{the deets}
1. giveaway runs through April 26, at which point I will close the post and randomly choose a winner.  Winner announced on April 26 at noon.  
2. contest is open to US residents only
3. winner has one week to claim their prize before a back-up winner is chosen
 
additional questions? contact me at: willrunformargaritas@gmail.com