Core Power Fit-Kit Giveaway!!!

Okay, it's a couple days after Christmas and a couple days before New Year's.  I'm dropping a gift off for all of my readers (new and old) for a late Christmas gift and to help you with those New Year's resolutions.  Have you heard of Core Power?  Let me tell you a little bit about their products.

From Core Power directly:
Milk is one of the best sources of protein, helping to build lean muscle and recharge the body when consumed directly after physical activity. Core Power is the real-milk based sports recovery drink and contains natural whey and casein proteins found in milk - never removed from their original liquid state. The brand features simple ingredients and great taste, without a chalky texture. You can also check out the website for recipes!

Now available nationally, Core Power was recently named the “Official Protein Drink of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.”

Core power has 2 "different" lines that they make.  They have their main product that comes packed with 26g of protein, 14g of amino acids, and 5g of branched chain amino acids.  It comes in 3 flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, and their new flavor Banana.  These all serve up 240 calories (30 from fat), 700 mg of highly absorbable Calcium (70% of daily value), and 40% of your daily recommended Vitamin D.

They also have a Light line that has lower calories, but it still packs a punch.  It has 20g of protein and comes in 2 flavors: Chocolate and Strawberry Banana.  These have 150 calories (30 from fat), 500 mg of highly absorbable Calcium (50% of daily value), and 40% of daily value Vitamin D.

Now that you are familiar with the products, how about we get to the other cool part.  In conjunction with Fitfluential, I was able to speak with the folks at Core Power and they have asked me to be a Core Power Ambassador.  What does this mean?  Well, for me that means that they are sending me a Core Power Fit Kit to use and show off along with whatever other surprises might be had.  For you, that means that you get a chance at your very own Core Power Fit Kit.  So, what's in a Fit Kit?!  There is Core Power branded water bottle and gym bag, a gym towel, and an exercise ball.  Now, who could pass up the opportunity to not try to win this gear!?

So, as per my usual you will get one entry just for being awesome.  Then, you will get extra entries for each additional "task," like, or other awesome type things that you do.  So, be sure to at least follow +Core Power on Twitter @CorePower and on Facebook.  They do also have a Google+ presence here.  So, are you ready to drink the Core Power "kool-aid" with me?  Winners will be selected an posted on Monday January 5th, 2014.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was not compensated in any way for this posting.  Any opinions that are expressed are mine alone unless otherwise called out.  Core Power is providing me with a Fit-Kit for trial and review and a Fit-Kit for the winner.

Until next time, keep those beats coming!

Shorthand Sunday with a Winner

What the heck is "Shorthand Sunday" you might ask.  Well I'll tell you!  There are all of these other bloggers with titles like "Meatless Monday," "Wordless Wednesday," "Five Things Friday," and "Something Saturday."  Okay, so I haven't seen "Something Saturday," but you get the idea.  So, "Shorthand Sunday" will be my version where I type my post entirely through the Blogger app on my phone.  Sounds fun, right!?  FYI...I don't like that I can't choose where my photos go on this app.  Maybe I can and I just have to figure it out.

So, today will be my 1st organized run with my wife.  We will be running The Ugly Sweater Run in Omaha.  This will her 1st 5k road race, but 2nd 5k overall.  She ran the Go Dirty Girl women's only mud obstacle run in 2012.  So, this will still be a new experience for her.  Maybe she'll even aid me with her insights to write the recap.  We went yesterday to pick up our packets and we got our bibs, a mustache tattoo, and an Ugly Sweater Run stocking cap!  As we got our packets we messaged others that were running with us and one was picking up their ugly sweater and was on their way to packet pickup, and the others already had sweaters and were headed to packet pickup.

Now it was our turn to get our ugly sweaters.  We had already looked at some retailers that usually have them in spades, but to no avail. My wife knew of a store called The Flying Worm Vintage that boasts a big selection.  So, that's where we went and we walked into racks of hideousness.  (That's a word, right!?)  We searched a little while and found a couple and even got well wishes from the workers on our run.  According to the weather earlier this week it could hit 40 today. In December?!  Alas, the forecast os always changing and it's expected to top out around 25 and be right around 20 when we run.  Still not too bad.  I did a mud run in colder temps, I think this one will be all good.  That's why we have sweaters, right!

I do have one last order of business to attend to.  Announcing the winner of the Spartan Race Entry.  This goes to Pedro Loza for following @SpartanRace on Instagram.  Pedro has 48 hours to claim his prize before another winner will be chosen.  If you didn't win, don't despair as I have more giveaways on the way.  Including more race entries.  The one that I will have coming in the next month-ish is for The Color Run.  The awesome people over there will be providing me with 2 codes, 1 for me to run it and 1 for you to win it.  So, keep a lookout for upcoming posts.

Until next time, keep those beats coming!

Nebraska, Spartan Race, Inov-8 and Giveaway

You might be asking what Nebraska, Spartan Race, and Inov-8 have in common.  Well, the answer is me!  I signed up to run the Nebraska Spartan Sprint in Lincoln, NE on Saturday October 12th, 2013.  Inov-8 has a persona that they created called the "Masked Mudder."  They choose a different Masked Mudder for each event.  I was lucky enough that they chose me for this one.  So, what did that mean!?  That meant that I got to run the race with some awesome gear.  They gave me a couple of their Wrag 30s (See more HERE) to wear for my "mask," a special Masked Mudder jersey to wear, an awesome race pack, and a free pair of shoes to represent in.  Oh yeah, I also got to give some away.  They gave me several wrags to give away with codes written on the inside for free shoes!  Now how awesome is that?!  I had several winners, more than I even expected.

Training image to get used to the "mask."

My Masked Mudder gear. Inov-8 Trailroc 255, Inov-8 Race pack, Masked Mudder jersey, lots of wrags!

Now, since I live not far from Lincoln there wasn't a pre-race trip really.  It was a short 35-45 minute drive that a few friends and I made.  Now, I had joined the Spartan Street Team in order to help promote the event.  I was wanting to participate in the event that much.  If you want to race you can click the link to the top-right and save 15%.  You can also contact me directly and I'll help out.  One of my buddies even volunteered at the event.  During pre-race we got to take some pictures, I even handed out some swag.  I had connected with a few people on the Blackshirt Spartans group on Facebook that were looking out for me.  I only came across one and he let his wife draw a wrag.  And she won a pair of Inov-8s!

My 1st Inov-8 winner.

This little one drew for her mom,
not a winner but cute still.

Pre-race Selfie

Now, this event was A-MA-ZING!!!  It tested not only my endurance, but it also tested my (non-existent) upper body.  During Tough Mudder I had both tested, but you are "allowed" to skip an obstacle if you feel that you can't perform it or if you fail in your attempt.  At a Spartan Race you aren't allowed to skip or fail otherwise you feel the wrath of the burpee.  Most people in fitness have a love/hate relationship with the burpee.  And I am no exception by any means.  I did at least 120 burpees while doing the race.  I know for sure I failed the spear throw (harder than it looks), the rope climb (made it halfway before slipping), the monkey bars (couldn't believe it!), and something else that I'm not remembering.  I know, I'd remember if I had wrote my recap closer to the event.

Barb wire crawl

Traversal Wall

Under the wall through MUDDY water I got a mouth full!

Most people get a cool "over the fire" picture, I got just after landing.

Spartan pugil hit to finish.

And now I am a Spartan after 3.8 "wonderful" miles and 120+ burpees.

The feeling you get when you finish is just awesome.  You are dirty and sore, but you are almost ready to run again or find your next event.  I know that I will probably be running the Nebraska Spring again in 2014, but I want to run a Super Spartan or even a Spartan Beast.  Eventually I would like to earn my trifecta!  In order to do that you have to run all 3 types of races (Sprint, Super, and Beast) in 1 race season.  I'll get there one day, but until then I'll support my fellow Spartans that have the ability to do it.

After the race I cleaned up, put on my finisher's shirt and gave out the rest of the Inov-8 wrags.  Each picture has a winner and a winner.  One a winner because they finished the race and got a wrag, the other because they did those and won a free pair of shoes.  Can you guess which one in each picture won?

After the race I switched from my Inov-8's to my Bedrock Sandals.

I also went shopping for some Spartan gear.  I got the tank on the left for my future Spartan 1 year old.  The band on the right I got for myself with my free $5 credit that came in my registration!

Now that we've had some picture overload, how about you check out this awesome video next!?

That's right folks!  For those that haven't been able to run a Spartan run, or even if you have you will be able to watch the championships on NBC tomorrow!  And in honor of this, Spartan has given me a code so that one of you can run your choice of Spartan.  Yes, that means you can win entry!  All you have to do at a bare minimum is claim your "awesome entry" and your name will be in the hat.  If you'd like more entries, there are some other things you can do.  Like follow Dreadmill Drummer in the different ways you can, tweet daily, follow +Spartan Race on Google+, follow @SpartanRace on Twitter, like Spartan Race on Facebook, and I may even add entry methods.  So, be sure to check back in order to find out those.  I do need to apologize ahead of time to any non-continental US readers as this giveaway does exclude you.  I'm sorry, it's not my rules.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time, keep those beats coming!

A Birthday Greeting and 3 Winners

Today started with 2 words almost everyone loves to hear, "Happy birthday!"  Not for me, for my wife actually.  She is my rock, and is supporting me throughout all of my running endeavors.  So much in fact that she is signed up for her 1st 5k in less than 2 weeks!  She'll be running The Ugly Sweater Run Omaha with me.  This should be a fun event as runners are encouraged to wear their "best" (worst) ugly sweater.  We have been shopping around for what we think is the "best," but haven't found quite what we are looking for.  We may have to take a trip to thrift stores to find what we are looking for.

Things that I have coming on the blog:

• I still haven't posted my Spartan Race recap (bad me! Back in September!)
• I also need to do my G.O.A.T.z Trail Run recap
• I've got a few things I've been trying out for a while that I'm ready to share my thoughts on
• Ever heard of Dirty Energy? (They are tasty.)

No it's time for the Tiger Balm Ultra giveaway winners.  I wish I could give some away to all of the entrants, but I only have 3 jars to giveaway.  Congrats to:

1. Vicky Pennington Daniels (for being awesome!)
2. Ben Jacobs (for following Dreadmill Drummer via email)
3. Mindy Bobe (For following @CVermule on Twitter)!

Please contact me at cecil[dot]vermule[at]gmail[dot]com within 48 hours to claim your prize!

Sorry to those that didn't win.  I promise that this isn't my last giveaway.  I have had a few, but I will be having more.  Heck, my blogoversary is in 9 days.  Maybe I'll drum up a giveaway to run through the rest of the month.  So, keep on the lookout.

Until next time, keep those beats coming!

Tiger Balm Ultra Review and Giveaway

I'm going to talk about something we all love....pain.  Wait, did he just say we all love pain!?  Well we don't all love pain, we actually love pain relief.  And something that has been helping me with my pain relief has been Tiger Balm.  I have not used a topical product for pain relief before.  So, when I got the opportunity to try it out I was excited.

I have had normal aches and pains from running, but as I've increased my mileage I noticed that they don't go away as easily and they are harder to "ignore."  It's these times that I find that it helps me the most.  The spots that are bothering me the most, I take out my handy jar from my backpack (yes I carry a backpack still at my age) and I put some on the area and the pain disappears quickly. It's almost like I didn't have the pain at all.  I am able to continue on with no pain, just a nice "cool feel" instead. As long as I don't wait all day to put some more on the pain stays gone. And you really don't use much at a time either.  The pain relief is so nice. It helps also because I am able to take less ibuprofen.  And I don't know about the rest of you, but I don't really like taking a lot of pills if I don't have to.

I really like the relief that this has provided me with and will keep using it.  This has helped me through my training over the past couple of months.  This has been a life saver through events like Tough Mudder Kansas as recapped here, the Nebraska Spartan Sprint by Spartan Race (recap coming soon), and the G.O.A.T.z trail runs where I ran a distance PR of 21 miles (recap coming soon).  It will continue to help as I train for The Ugly Sweater Run Omaha. (Do I really need to train for a 5k anymore?  Contact me if you want to join my team.)  And as I look to complete my 1st marathon in 2014, Tiger Balm will be in my bag!

You can find Tiger Balm products including Tiger Balm Ultra and Tiger Balm Neck & Shoulder Rub at major retailers across the country, including CVS, GNC and Walgreens.  I've found it at both CVS and Walgreens myself.  And if you are in the U.S. (or come to the U.S. to buy some) you can download a $1.00 coupon for your next in-store purchase of any Tiger Balm product: http://tigerbalm.com/us/articles/64.  And who doesn't like to save money?  I know we do in my household.  Each week Tiger Balm gives away a $100 Tiger Balm gift pack to their Top Facebook Fan.  You can check that out at http://tigerbalm.com/us/articles/65.

Join Tiger Balm U.S. on the Web:

• Website: www.tigerbalm.com/us
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/TigerBalmUS
• Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/TigerBalmUS
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/Tiger_Balm_US
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/TigerBalmUS

Now, the part that everyone REALLY wants, the giveaway!  The awesome folks over at Tiger Balm have allotted 3 jars for me to give out. How awesome is that!  Now, since my readers are awesome you get one entry just for being such.  Hey, I'm a nice guy....what can I say!?

NOTE: Giveaway for US residents only!!  Sorry to any readers outside of the US.  I'll see about future giveaways being open to other areas.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time, keep those beats coming!

PR Nutrition Bars Review

About a month back I was contacted by PR Nutrition via BlogDash (link to pitch to me in the top right) to see if I would like to try their bars and share my thoughts on them.  I graciously accepted the opportunity.  They asked me what my flavor preference was, but I like to be surprised so I let them choose the flavor(s) for me.  They sent me Yogurt Berry and Iced Brownie.  I was pleasantly surprised as Yogurt Berry was one of the flavors that I was kind of hoping for.

So, a little bit about PR Nutrition.  I'm sure those that run know what the PR naturally stands for, but for those that don't it stands for "personal record."  PR Bar is the Official Performance Nutrition Bar Licensee of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Team. PR Bars are an all-natural, gluten-free product formulated to sustain energy. Each bar has the perfect ratio of carbohydrates, protein and fat which optimizes performance by controlling blood sugars and using body fat for fuel. Whether you are training for your first Olympic Games or training for your first 5k, let PR Bar help fuel your dreams!

They have 9 different flavors available: Apple Pie, Iced Brownie, Chocolate Mint, Yogurt Berry, Chocolate Peanut, Double Chocolate, Oatmeal Raisin Granola, Peanut Butter Granola, and Peanut Butter Berry Granola.  If you read through the list you understand why it would be hard to choose flavor preference as they all sound awesome.  They are all gluten-free, Kosher, and geared to help athletes of all levels.  I've used them in 3 different capacities: I have used them pre-run to stave off hunger during my run, I have used them during a long run for fuel, and I've used them for post-run hunger.  They work well in all 3 situations.  They have a great taste and they can even help with your sweet tooth.

The awesome folks at PR Nutrition have provided me with a code to save you all 15% off your order!  So, if you use the code DREADMILLDRUMMER by November 30th, 2013 you will save some money.  Now, who doesn't like to save money!?  I know I do.  So, be sure to get out there and order your bars.  And don't forget to follow PR Nutrition across their channels.  I have even conveniently listed them for you below.

Follow PR Nutrition on:

• the web: http://prbar.com/
• Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/prnutrition
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/prnutrition
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PRNutrition
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/prbars
• Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Prbar

The PR Nutrition bars were provided to me free of charge for review purposes.  The opinions I expressed herein are my own and I was not compensated for this posting.

Don't forget to check out "Orange Pain....A Tough Mudder Kansas Recap" to read about my awesome experience earning my orange headband.

Until next time, keep those beats coming!

Orange Pain....A Tough Mudder Kansas Recap

Before the race

Now, I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted.  I am WAY behind.  I have this post to finish and I have Spartan Race Nebraska that I have already run 2 recap, and I have a Tiger Balm review and giveaway to post, but for now let's get down to the meat of Tough Mudder Kansas.

So, picture this if you will.  You are at a friends birthday dinner and you know that afterwards you are all going to go out somewhere.  Now picture everyone else around you having a drink or 3 while you are drinking water in order to make sure you are hydrated for your run the next day.  Well this was me the day before Tough Mudder.  Now picture looking at your alarm clock after you set it for 4:15 A.M. so that you can get ready and drive for 3 hours to meet up with the rest of the group that is doing the run with you.  And then reading it say 12:13 A.M.  Yes, again this was me.  Now, after you do get to sleep imagine waking up and looking at the clock at 2:00 A.M. and thinking you overslept only to realize that you've barely slept.  I did that until my alarm finally went off about every 20-30 minutes.  Even know I was only running on a few hours of sleep I was still pretty energetic.  I think I was really excited about the run.  So, as my wife lay there sleeping I finished getting myself ready.  I had a 3 hour drive ahead of me to Topeka and I was ready.  The drive down was quiet to say the least with nobody else with me.  It was a pretty cool sunrise, and I think I got myself a little worked up as I was going down.  I got to see the stars, then I got the sun come up, and I even got some really cool pictures of the sunrise.

Once I got to Topeka I was able to find my friends pretty easily once they gave me the address.  We all met up at one location to get our gear on and headed out.  With my friend's inaccurate GPS they plugged in the address to the raceway and it lead us one way, and as we were going it told us to do a u-turn.  Then a few moments later it told her to do another u-turn.  So, my buddies wife used her GPS and it told us to go another way entirely.  So, instead of relying on the GPS we stopped at a gas station to ask for directions. Most of us wanted to get some water for hydration anyway and we asked the gas station attendant and he told us that the GPS would lead us wrong and told us how to get to the raceway.  Once we got there I realized that as usual I forgot my waiver form at home. So, I had to go see find in new one while everybody else got their bibs.  We met up with the more people that were running with us and we were watching some of the competitions.  There was one where people were doing tire flipping and pull up for the fastest time and all of our team said that they were not going to wear themselves out before doing a 10 and a half mile obstacle course race. We got some pre-race pictures done, got our bags checked, and decided to go line up

In order to get to the starting position they make you do a wall climb.  I don't know if anybody has watched the Tough Mudder videos or heard the speech that is given, but the MC that they have on those videos is actual one to get you pumped up and going.  I think that it is so awesome that they recognize all of the military members before you even start.  Past and present.

As the race starts the very first thing we got to run through was the shower.  And that's only because right after that you get out of it you get to jump over fire.  Who doesn't like jumping over fire.  One obstacle of this race that was very present, but well used was the concrete barriers.  It's a race track and they are everywhere,  And they use them, and use them, and use them, and use them again.  I lost count at how many concrete barriers we actually went over.  The cool part is is that you actually get to run on the race track.  So a race on a race track; not quite the purpose they intended for it but still pretty cool.  I will tell you for anyone that's looking at the videos that the ice water is really, REALLY COLD!!!  It really does take away your breath. Your best bet is to jump in, get under the barrier, and get out quick.

I will admit that all of the obstacles were challenging, but I am proud of myself of how well I did on some of them.  I completely expected to fall on "Funky Monkey" and I made it all the way across!  Now I'm getting ahead of myself because "Funky Monkey" was towards the end, but it's one of the ones I totally expected to fall.  I know my daughter Bella is loving the fact that her dad can do the same thing that she likes to do.  She loves to go across the monkey bars at school.  I will also let anybody know that the "Mud Mile" is a mess to go through.  It takes forever and there were shoes everywhere.  I can and can't believe how many shoes I saw off to the side from people digging out shoes that they thought where there's.  They were throwing them out so they can finish the obstacle to come back to only to find out that it wasn't their shoe(s) that they dug up.  "Walk the Plank" was a-maz-ing!  It was such a rush to jump off and land in that water.  There were several people who were sitting there saying, "I don't think I can do this! I don't think I can do this!"  I told them its just 2 feet and I jumped.  Technically I wasn't lying...you do jump in with just two feet.

To kind of skip around I knew "Everest" was still coming up.  It is one of the last obstacles  and I know that at other events that I have always done fairly well at.  I generally have been able to get up them in my first 1 or 2 tries, but I knew "Everest" was going to be a challenge.  Especially since I've already rubbed out several leg cramps to this point in the run.  So, as I started to run and made it all the way to the top I grabbed a hand.  I grabbed another hand  and started to make my way up.  As I was walking up the wall with assistance my grip failed and down I went.  Now I was determined to get up this wall so I went back to the gate for another try.  I ran and made it up the wall to my waist and was at the top, but I wasn't able to quite get over and my buddy Aaron and the volunteer hesitated as I reached out for their arms.  So, I went down again.  Now I am on my third try and they always say 3rd time is the charm.  So, my 3rd time I ran up to the top got my grip and got 1 leg up to the top.  My right leg was up and what would happen as I'm pulling up.  My right calf cramps really bad!  I lost all mobility in my right leg so it went limp.  I lost my grip and I tumbled down.  Only this time I knew I wasn't going to be able to make another attempt.  I limped off to the side of "Everest" and sat down.  I looked at my calf and the cramp was so bad that I could see what looked like a finger in my calf so I knew I needed a minute to rub it out and let it get better.  The medic came over to check me out to see if I was okay and offer me some water.  I politely thanked him for his help and waved him off and let him know that I would be okay.  I just needed a minute to let the cramps subside.  He asked me if I was sure and I said I was fine.  I just needed the time to let the cramp go away and that even if it didn't the finish line was right there.  I was less than a quarter mile from finishing my first ever Tough Mudder and I was going to finish and earn my head band.  Just like I thought within a minute or 2 the cramps subsided enough that I was able to get up and finish.

All that stood between me and the finish line was "Electroshock Therapy" and I wasn't stopping.  With my buddy Aaron and his wife Spring with me we kept going.  We didn't stop even as we were looking at the dangling electric wires.  We made it through and none of us got shocked!  Naturally we were "shocked!"  So as I limped to get a Clif bar and some water someone placed my orange headband on my head and I knew that I've completed an amazing feat.  I had finally joined the ranks of those that had finished earlier.  I finished it with some of my closest friends and I thought I couldn't have a better group of friends to complete this with.

Until next time, keep those beats coming!

Awesome Announcement and ENERGYbits Winner

First off, I want to share my awesome announcement.  I have been chosen as the Masked Mudder!!! Now most people may not know what that is, so I'll fill in the gaps.  The awesome guys over at Inov-8 have created this persona that they call the "Masked Mudder."  Now this "person" shows up at different adventure races (mainly the Spartan Races) and represents Inov-8 at the event.  They get to show that they are a #committed athlete and practice the #mudrules of a mudder!  First I drop on you the Masked Mudder persona, now I'm dropping new hashtags at you.  What is this #committed and #mudrules you speak of?  Well, the folks over at Inov-8 say that they are the "Home of the #committed".  To explain this I'm going to borrow directly from the Team Inov-8 site:

You’ve been called crazy… Inspiring…Obsessed…Heroic…

Some of your friends don’t understand you- like why you were up at 4am or why your hands are bleeding.

It doesn’t matter what sport you compete in or what you’re training for. A PR is a PR and you’re out to beat yours.

Your body is a machine, your tool, your art, your temple and you fine tune it, you optimize it, you nurture it.

Sometimes you feel alone- in your head, it’s you vs. you- improving yourself, being your own toughest coach, toughest critic.

But you’re not alone in this obsession. Together, we are even stronger. We can inspire one another, learn from one another, and push one another harder.

Here, we get you. We know why you train. Even if it can’t be explained, it’s the heart of the committed athlete.  Share your stories here.

We don’t think you’re crazy.

We know you’re just

#committed.

Now as far as the #mudrules, these are "rules" that mudders "follow" when running a mud run.  Below is a few #mudrules from Twitter including one of the ones that I submitted and one that Inov-8 posted.  Now you can submit your own #mudrules and also let the folks at Inov-8 know which Spartan you are running and you too could be the next Masked Mudder, but for now that title belongs to me until I finish the Nebraska Spartan Sprint on October 12th.  For reference you can visit the Masked Mudder post on Team Inov-8's site to read how to "apply" at http://team.inov-8.com/2013/07/17/be-the-next-masked-mudder/.  Here's the 3 main pieces:

1. Tag @maskedmudder in your Tweet.
2. Tag #mudrules
3. Include the Spartan Race you want to participate
4. Don't forget your rule!

Now one of the awesome things is that I get some new swag from Inov-8.  I will be getting a new pair of shoes, a jersey, and 2 wrags to complete the persona.  Now for all of you that will be at the Nebraska Spartan Sprint on October 12th be sure to keep a look out for the "Masked Mudder" as he will be handing out some Inov-8 wrags.  Once you do get these wrags you need to check the inside as some might be a winner of a pair of Inov-8 shoes!  Now how awesome is that even!?

Since I am the current Masked Mudder for Nebraska I will be tweeting under the handle @MaskedMudder for a little while.  I will still be tweeting and retweeting under my normal handle @CVermule as well.  So, if you aren't already following the @MaskedMudder on Twitter be sure to do so.  And don't forget to follow the amazing people over at Inov-8.  Their handle is @inov_8.  You can also check out their line of equipment on their website http://www.inov-8.com.

If you want to run the Nebraska Spartan Sprint, or any other Spartan race just click HERE and you will get an automatic 15% discount!  Even if you have a Groupon or similar that provides you with a code for checkout it would be awesome if you used the link so that they know that I referred you.  I am a part of the Spartan Street Team as well.

Wait.....I know I'm forgetting something.  OH YEAH!!! The winner of the ENERGYbits giveaway is Tanya Wright!!!  Please send me your address information to cecil [dot] vermule [at] gmail [dot] com and I'll forward your information to Jonathan over at ENERGYbits and he'll be sure to get your tin of bits out soon!

Until next time, keep those beats coming!

A bit about bits, and bits for you!

I've been meaning to post this review for some time. I've been promising Jonathan from ENERGYbits that I would have it up, and now I'm finally getting to it.  As a working father of 5 that have taekwondo and other activities it's amazing that I'm able to get runs in at all.  Let alone find the time to write on this blog and interact with all of the awesome people that I've met since I took the passion that I've found for running online.  They always say that where there is a will, there is a way.  To help me with this, enter ENERGYbits!  A lot of people are on the energy drink craze or even drink a pot (or 2) of coffee a day.  I am not too proud to admit that I drink energy drinks.  The thing is, when I take ENERGYbits I don't need an energy drink.  They sustain my energy level just fine.  Not to mention that there is no "crash" associated with them when I take them.  And thanks to some issues that I've had with swallowing since I was a kid, they inadvertently start my water drinking off to a good start as it takes me about 2 cups (16 ounces) of water to get them down.  ENERGYbits recommends that you take 20-40 (usually 30) at a time especially before a workout or other vigorous activity.  I usually take about 15, and that suffices.  When I take on my 21 mile trail run at the end of October I will probably need the 30....twice!

A little bit about bits now.  Here are a couple of charts to give a comparison of protein and antioxidant amounts in ENERGYbits versus other foods.  There is also another chart that compares energy drinks and gels to ENERGYbits.

Some information from ENERGYbits' website directly (taken from HERE):

Made from 100% organically grown spirulina algae and loaded with 40 nutrients, ENERGYbits® algae tabs have the highest concentration of protein in the world (64%) all for just one calorie per tab. Endorsed by the United Nations as the most nutritious food on earth, spirulina algae has been a favorite of Olympic gold medalists for decades and is a super food in every sense of the word, delivering instant and enduring energy to your brain and body.

There are a few variations of bits that they carry.  They have their main product ENERGYbits; for energy obviously, increased endurance, and other benefits.  They also have RECOVERYbits to help with illness, preventing hangovers, or when you want to detox.  Another is VITALITYbits; these are generally for preventing illness.  And the last one is SKINNYbits; these are to aid in weight loss, curb hunger, balance blood sugar, etc.  You can read more about each one as I linked to the page for each directly.

Check out my tin of bits!

Here is what the bits look like.  Just a partial serving though.

So, they say you can chew up the bits to take them that way.  I have tried this.  Unless you like the taste of fish food I don't really suggest it, but it's something you can do.  There are other ways to take them.  Obviously since they are in tablet form you can just swallow them, as mentioned above you can chew on them, but you can also add them to your favorite smoothie for breakfast or snack!  I've seen several instances where runners or fellow fitness freaks will simply puree them with their smoothie and drink them that way.  The choice is yours....once you get them.  I actually prefer to swallow them with water because it helps me make sure I'm downing the water I need to keep hydrated.

I do know that in less than 2 days I will be running Tough Mudder in Kansas to earn my orange headband.  My team and I have a 10:20 A.M. start time.  And as I am running this I know that I will have my bits with me to make sure I'm #PoweredByBits and that I don't lose the energy that I will need.  I'm still plotting at when I will apply to become an ENERGYbits ambassador.  Since I am not at this time I don't have one of the cool codes to provide you with a discount off of some bits.  I'm not one of the "cool kids" yet.  I do have some good news beyond that though.  The awesome Jonathan over at ENERGYbits has told me that they are allowing me to provide one of my readers with a sample pack so they can have their very own tin of ENERGYbits.  How awesome is that!?  So, just use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter.  And you guys get one free entry just for being awesome Dreadmill Drummer readers!  Now I know I can write more about these, but I know you guys just want to enter to win your own.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time, keep those beats coming!

Happy Birthday, Bad Blogger

So today is my birthday. Happy birthday to me!  Even though it is my birthday, I realized that I've been a bad blogger lately.  I haven't had a new post up in over a week, so what have I been up to.  As I said it's my birthday.  Now I wish I could say that I'm holding a giveaway like I have seen other bloggers, but that's not in the cards for this year.  Maybe I'll figure out how to hold one on my one year blogoversary.  (That's a word....right?)  Now, I have promised you reviews and a couple giveaways.  And I still promise that those are still coming.  I am polishing a couple reviews and will be writing more coming soon, but for now I'm going to let you know what I been up to the past couple of weeks.

I have still been working on my #5am5k.  I am still holding true to that commitment.  I have also recruited my brother-in-law to run the Spartan Race with me next month. So, I have been working with him to try to train him for that race.  Who would've thought of me as a running coach?!  Certainly not me, but I find myself doing it still.  And in helping him I think I have also help myself because I was able to make it 8.3 miles yesterday in all. Now this is a long for my long run except for the half marathon that I ran December.  As I get closer to Tough Mudder I expect that I should be able to get to 9 or even 10 miles.  As I get to the end of October, even after the Spartan Race, I expect that I will be to at least get to 15 if not upwards of 18 miles for the G.O.A.T.z 21 mile trail run.  I am already getting nervous for Tough Mudder, but I don't know if it's more nervous or more excited.  Especially since I'll be running it with so many friends.  I do know that I'm really excited to run Spartan next month and extremely nervous for the G.O.A.T.z trail run.  I do know that if I can handle a 21 mile trail run that next year I think I may tackle Omaha marathon, or even the Lincoln marathon,  We'll see how I do with the 21 mile to see if the half marathon is more of my magic distance for now.

So, now that I have talked about what I have been doing and what I have coming up soon let's talk about the reviews I'm doing and the giveaways.  I know we all love giveaways!  I will be doing a review on Perky Jerky, Tiger Balm, Quest Nutrition "guilt free" pasta, GungHo energy, and at the moment I know that I am forgetting something.  The giveaways that I will be holding will most certainly be for GungHo and also for the Tiger Balm.  If I am remembering correctly I will be allowed to give away some GungHo to either 2 or 3 readers and the Tiger Balm I believe is also for 3 readers.  So be sure to keep a lookout for those reviews and giveaways in the coming weeks.

Until next time, keep those beat coming!

A Biena Foods Winner has been selected!!!

Thanks to all that entered, but unfortunately there can only be one winner.  And that winner is.......Bethany over at Frugal Running Mama!  Congrats on your win!  I sent you an email.  You have 48 hours to respond, so please claim quickly!

If you weren't a winner don't despair.  Not only do I have a jerky review coming up, but I also have an energy gel review with a giveaway coming up soon!  And that giveaway won't have just one winner, but THREE WINNERS!!!!  I also want to mention that I'll be reviewing a very low carb pasta from a surprising source.  So, be sure to keep a lookout for those posts.  I'll have the 1st two posts up in the next week.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time, keep those beats coming!

Let's talk snacks, my Biena Chickpeas review/giveaway!

I know, I know....you are asking why we are talking about snacks when you just want to have one.  Go ahead and get one.  I'll wait until you come back.  Got one yet?  Okay, well I'm moving on.

So, just under a month ago I had a company start following me on Twitter.  It was kind of funny because within the next day I was reading a review about them from another blogger.  So, I sent them a message to this fact and then responded saying that they would love for me to try some and review them for them.  Oh yeah, and they also mentioned giving some away to one of my readers!  So, bonus for one of you!  More on that later though.  The company is named Biena Foods.  They make a line of chickpea snacks.  I know some people are saying, "What's a chickpea?!"  Other names you might know them by are: garbanzo bean, ceci bean, chana, hummus, and there are a few others.  Now you know what I'm talking about?  Either way I'm going to let you know what I think about the chickpea snacks that Biena Foods makes.

Photo from the Biena Foods website.

As you can see from the picture above the snacks come in four (4) different flavors: Honey Roasted, Barbeque, Sea Salt, and Cinnamon Maple.  Now I was lucky enough to have tried all of the flavors. (Thank you Biena Foods!)  The way I would describe these awesome snacks is kind of like Corn Nuts. (Who remembers or still eats those?  Any willing to admit it?)  They have a similar base flavor except they aren't as hard.  So, they don't kill your teeth.  The Barbeque flavored ones REALLY remind me of the flavor of Corn Nuts, but not at the same time.  These snacks are a great source of fiber (6 or 7 g per serving) while providing some protein (5 g per serving) and keeping the calories down (120 per serving).  You can check out all of the nutrition information from them here.

The Barbeque and Honey Roasted that I took to snack on at work.

The Sea Salt and Cinnamon Honey as I snack on them at home.

Here is a "bite size" portion....roughly.

Between the different flavors I would have to say that the Barbeque is my favorite overall.  The Honey Roasted are a good one when you have that sweet tooth kick in.  The Cinnamon Honey can kind of help with that, but is a good way to change up the flavors.  And the Sea Salt are a great substitute when you need something salty and don't want to go grab a bag of chips.

And now....the giveaway!!!  The folks over at Biena Foods have provided the opportunity for you to get your very own pack of any flavor chickpea snacks from their lineup.  So, enter below and be sure to follow Biena on Facebook, Twitter (@BienaFoods), & Instagram(@BienaFoods) to make sure you are connected to them and get the most possible entries.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Unfortunately the giveaway is only for US residents only.  Sorry, they don't yet ship internationally.

I've got 2 more reviews and a giveaway coming up very soon as well. Hints: Jerky & Energy

Until next time, keep those beats coming!