Recipes I Like - FlapJacked Spiced Apple Oat Muffins

I recently discovered FlapJacked's Protein Pancake Mixes, and so far I have not only been impressed with their mixes, but also by the recipes they post on their website. I don't have time to cook up a batch of post-workout pancakes every morning, so I prefer to make a big batch of protein muffins on Sundays to last me through the week. Adding protein powder into recipes can be tricky, and often requires some trial and error, so using FlapJacked's mixes and recipes just makes my life easier.

So far, I've made two recipes off FlapJacked's website - spiced apple oat bread and carrot cake bread. I'll save my review of the carrot cake recipe until I can purchase the Carrot Spice Protein Pancake Mix on Amazon prime - for now, I've been using the Cinnamon Apple flavor with great success. 

Besides the obvious modification of making muffins instead of bread, I did make a few other modifications to FlapJacked's recipe based on my preferences and what I had in my fridge. Below is a handy step-by-step summary of how to make the muffins - I've also included the modifications I made!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, then mix the FlapJacked Cinnamon Apple Protein Pancake Mix and the rest of the dry ingredients together. I pulsed the oats in a food processor for 20 seconds or so to give the muffins a less "chunky" consistency. I also used liquid stevia with the wet ingredients instead of Truvia/sugar.

Then, mix all the wet ingredients together in a separate bowl/measuring cup. I used 2/3 cup egg whites instead of eggs, as we had run out of eggs.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.

Stir in the apples and walnuts, then stir well for about 2 minutes until the batter is well combined. As you can see in the picture, I didn't use any walnuts. I'm not a fan of nuts in my baked goods. :)

Spoon the batter into 12 lined muffin tins, then sprinkle the reserved oats on top. I skipped this step, as it just made a mess when I attempted to eat these in the car while driving.

Bake for 22-24 minutes, cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to let cool completely. Enjoy!

Again, you can find the original recipe here!

Thanks for stopping by! This is not a sponsored post – I purchased the above item(s) with my own money and I am reviewing the product(s) because I like them a lot. :) There may be Amazon Affiliate links, but I am not compensated by or affiliated with the manufacturer of the product(s).

Cycling Kits I Like - Smashfest Queen Fast N Loud Cycling Jersey and Shorts (and Tri Top Too!)

Tri top + Cycling Shorts

Purchase the jersey here!

Purchase the shorts here!

Purchase the tri top here!

Everything FAST N LOUD here

Cycling top - please notice the adorable zipper pull!

Pros:

• This kit is amazingly cute and amazingly comfortable!
• White background on the backside of the jersey and tri top helps keep you cool
• The two pockets on the back of the tri top are great for keeping your phone and keys/gels separate.
• Material is light, breathable, and wicks sweat away.
• There's a lot of attention to detail - down to the cute Smashfest Queen bird zipper pull

Two back pockets to keep your phone away from your keys :)

Cons:

• The price is high, though consistent with similar products (Betty Designs comes to mind)

My Thoughts:

It is no secret that I love bright, colorful prints on all my athletic apparel. So when I came across Smashfest Queen's Fast N Loud cycling kit on Instagram, I immediately knew I had to purchase it. After consulting the size charts, I decided it was best to contact them to determine what size cycling shorts I should get. My hip circumference would put me in a small, but I know from purchasing from Betty Designs that my thigh circumference might put me in a medium instead. I shot off an email through their Contact page and received a response in less than an hour from one of Smashfest Queen's co-founders, Hillary Biscay. You can't beat that for customer service!

Pro tip: a tri top is pretty much the same things as a sleeveless cycling jersey :)

I ended up buying the cycling shorts, cycling jersey, and tri top. I've discovered that tri tops make great sleeveless cycling jerseys during the warm summer months! I got everything in a size medium. The size small jersey was where I fell on the size chart, but I don't like super form fitting jerseys, as I like to stuff a ton of things in the back pockets (just check out my profile picture if you need proof). Everything fit exactly as I had hoped and expected.

A close up of the built-in mesh bra

On my first ride in this kit, I wore the tri top. I was immediately impressed by how comfortable it was. The mesh bra is sufficiently supportive for smaller-chested women, and the mesh material means it doesn't add a ton of bulk. It was also really easy to put on - sometimes putting on a top with a built-in bra feels like pre-workout yoga. It was pretty hot out during the ride, but I stayed cool and dry. 

No muffins here!

The cycling shorts are also incredibly comfortable. I was a little worried about the lack of a drawstring and the thin waistband, but there was no muffin top in sight. The waistband remained comfortable throughout the three rides I've been on in this kit - it didn't dig into my waist or ride up at all. The hexagonal print panel is not only stylish, but also helps keep the shorts in place while you ride, as do the leg closures. The chamois on the shorts is fantastic. It's not bulky like a diaper but it's also not so thin that you can't do anything more than 10 miles in it. The side panels ensure there is no side chafing and the pad is contoured for a close fit.

Close up of the chamois

On my next ride in the kit, I wore the cycling jersey. I was concerned that I might sweat to death, but I stayed surprisingly cool. The jersey is made of a light, breathable material. Plus, the background of the backside is white, and that definitely helps keep things cool. Speaking of the backside, there are three back pockets that are sufficiently deep and wide to hold whatever your heart may desire. The bottom seam of the jersey has a silicone gripper to ensure that the jersey doesn't ride up or require mid-ride adjustments.

All the colors!

All told, this kit has become my current favorite. I find myself automatically grabbing it before my rides - unless it's already dirty! It was definitely on the pricey side, but the comfort, quality, and style definitely help justify my purchase. Plus, since I have both the tri top and the regular jersey, I can wear the kit year-round. 

In fact, I'm pretty sad that I didn't get the matching tri shorts, as they are now sold out of my size. I guess I'll just have to wear my plain black Pearl Izumi tri shorts for brick workouts. Next time, I'll definitely order the complete set!

Thanks for stopping by! This is not a sponsored post – I purchased the above item(s) with my own money and I am reviewing the product(s) because I like them a lot. :) There may be Amazon Affiliate links, but I am not compensated by or affiliated with the manufacturer of the product(s).

Tri Shoes I Like - Pearl Izumi Tri Fly V Bike Shoes

Purchase here!

Pros:

• Same weight as the more expensive pair with Carbon soles (245 g - Size 40)
• Easy to put on and take off
• The teal green color matches most of my kits and jerseys
• Mesh and venting help keep your feet cool and dry.

Cons:

• Teal green will not match any red kits you may have. :(

The heels help you walk around in them...sort of

My Thoughts:

When I saw that Pearl Izumi made colorful cycling shoes, I knew I had to have a pair. I was originally drawn to a pink pair I saw on Pearl Izumi's website, but I wasn't so excited about the $180 price tag. So when I saw that there was a much cheaper alternative that was just as colorful and the exact same weight, I knew I had found the triathlon cycling shoes for me.

Even though I had mostly superficial motives for purchasing these shoes, I did make sure they actually had positive reviews before buying them. I went with my normal cycling shoe size (39), noting that these were intended to be worn without socks, but that the average user might not pick up on this.

The white heel tabs help you pull the shoes on quickly 

As soon as they arrived, I tried them on barefoot and they fit great! Just for the heck of it, I also tried them on with some socks that were on the thinner side, and the shoes still fit. It was just a little more difficult to get the shoes on. 

I decided to wear socks on my first ride, and that was a huge mistake. My feet couldn't breathe and about 20 miles into the ride I started getting a hot spot on my right foot. However, I was so impressed by the shoes that I actually wasn't really bothered by either issue. They are both light and stiff, so my pedal stroke was much more even than normal. 

On my next ride, I didn't wear socks, so I was able to experience all of the shoe's benefits. Living in Southern California, breathability is one of the first things I look for, and these shoes deliver. That being said, this is definitely not the shoe for you if you only plan to own one pair of cycling shoes. I'll be wearing my non-triathlon cycling shoes when it is cold out, no matter how amazing my outfit would look if I was wearing teal green shoes.

Action shot :)

If money is no object, I would recommend purchasing the Carbon-soled version for its superior stiffness. However, if you don't feel like breaking the bank but are looking for a solid pair of triathlon cycling shoes, I would highly recommend the Pearl Izumi Tri Fly V shoes. And if you do need a pair to go with your red kits, these shoes also come in white. :)

Thanks for stopping by! This is not a sponsored post – I purchased the above item(s) with my own money and I am reviewing the product(s) because I like them a lot. :) There may be Amazon Affiliate links, but I am not compensated by or affiliated with the manufacturer of the product(s).

Bike Shorts I Like (So Far...) - Performance Women's Elite Shorts

The multiple panels mean the shorts stay put while you ride

Purchase here!

Pros:

• Comfortable chamois, especially for the price (~$50)
• No uncomfortable and/or annoying movement during rides. This can be attributed to the stretchy material, multiple panels, and comfortable leg grippers.
• Wider, "yoga" style waist means no muffin top.

No muffin here :)

Cons:

• Sizing runs small to what is shown on the sizing chart. My hips are about 36 inches in circumference so I got a size small. The sizing chart said the small would fit 37-38 inch hips. The shorts fit me, but I'm pretty sure they wouldn't had my hips been any bigger.
• Limited color options: Your choices are pretty much black, slightly less shiny black, and black with a small silver accent.

My Thoughts:

So I have a confession to make: I am a sucker for anything that Bicycling magazine puts its stamp of approval on. So when I saw their article "The Best $100 Kit We've Ever Tried" pop up on my Facebook feed, I immediately clicked on the link and read the review. When I saw that the kit was made by Performance Bicycle, I checked my Team Performance points and was happy to see I had enough points to cover the purchase of the shorts. I didn't go for the matching jersey, as it was a little too plain for my style. 

By the way, Performance Bicycle's loyalty program, Team Performance, is totally worth the annual membership fee, especially if you use it to buy a bike and/or make purchases during their double and triple point promotions. We may or may not have just purchased two bikes for the price of one after getting triple points on the first one... =P

Substantial chamois vs unsubstantial chamois (Pearl Izumi Symphony Shorts)

Anyways, my first impression of the shorts was that the chamois was quite substantial. It is quite large, especially in the front area. I was worried that this might lead to chafing issues, so I made sure to to apply extra Chamois Butt'r before suiting up and heading out for a ride. It turns out that my fears were completely unfounded. The larger front area actually helps to prevent friction issues in the upper inner thigh area.

The mesh vent area helps things stay cool and dry down there

All told, for $50 or so, these shorts are great! If they were $150, I probably wouldn't think so highly of them, as at that price point, my expectations are much higher. I've gotten two rides in them so far - a 16 mile ride and a 32 mile ride - and I have no complaints. They are comfortable and fit well. Plus, I have an assortment of colorful jerseys from charity rides, and black matches every single one of them. 

So far, Bicycling's recommendations have not let me down, and it seems that these shorts aren't an exception. Since I only have two rides in these shorts so far, I'll be updating this post periodically with more long-term observations. :)

Thanks for stopping by! This is not a sponsored post – I purchased the above item(s) with my own money and I am reviewing the product(s) because I like them a lot. :) There may be Amazon Affiliate links, but I am not compensated by or affiliated with the manufacturer of the product(s).

Beauty Things I like - Non Triathlon-Related Edition

Here are a few beauty items that I'm currently obsessed with - not exactly triathlon-related, but life isn't 100% swim/bike/run. :)

The Lineup :)

Supergoop! Forever Young Hand Cream

Purchase here!

Pros:

• Keeps hands soft
• No additional age spots since I started using this lotion almost daily.
• No overwhelming sunscreen smell

Cons:

• Not exactly the cheapest product out there, though a little does go a long way. I purchased the 10 oz. container in December 2014 for my desk at work, and as of June 2015 I've used about 1/3 of the container using it once a day (not on weekends).
• The other half says its greasy, but I only think it is if you use too much.

My Thoughts:

I've always been super proactive about using anti-aging products, as I figure in the long run it's easier and cheaper to prevent signs of aging rather than fight them after they appear. So when I heard about this lotion, I was naturally interested. I always wear sunscreen when I know I'm going to be outside for a while, but I never think to for the 20 minute drive to/from work. That's where Supergoop's hand cream comes to the rescue. I know that putting on sunscreen would be much cheaper, but I'm not a big fan of smelling like sunscreen all day, and sunscreen also doesn't absorb or moisturize very well. I naturally have dry hands, so this hand cream is the perfect multitasker for me!

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm

Purchase here!

Pros:

• Treats and prevents chapped lips
• High heat does not cause the product to become useless
• No weird residue on your lips
• Not super expensive ($7.50/tube)

Cons:

• None that I've found :)

My Thoughts:

As a "heavy user" of lip balm, I've tried a ton of different products - everything from Fresh's Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment to Blistex's Medicated Lip Ointment. This is by far my favorite. The ultimate test for each lip balm I've tried is a trip to Lake Havasu. The dry air, wind from either off-roading or boating, and intense sun wreak havoc on your lips. Usually I'm just struggling to keep my lips from burning to a complete crisp, but with Jack Black's lip balm, I am actually able to keep my lips soft and hydrated. Plus, since Fresh wants $25 for their lip treatment, $7.50 a tube for this stuff is a bargain!

Clinique Acne Solutions BB Cream

Purchase here!

Pros:

• Doesn't make you break out!
• Excellent oil control
• Good coverage without the heavy, cakey feeling

Cons:

• The consistency is thinner than most BB creams I've used, which can take some getting used to.
• Since the consistency is thinner, this also means this isn't a full coverage BB cream. It's no tinted moisturizer, but I do have to use concealer on larger blemishes.

My Thoughts:

I have a love-hate relationship with BB creams. I love that they make my skin glow, but I hate that they also make me break out. Clinique's Acne Solutions BB Cream is the first I've ever tried that just gives me the benefits of a BB cream. Normally when I wear BB creams, I start getting oily around 3:00 PM, and if I don't use any powder then I'm a shiny mess by the time I get home from work. It's been pretty warm here in Southern California, and I've yet to experience any oiliness in the month or so that I've been using this BB cream. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has oily or acne-prone skin!

Thanks for stopping by! This is not a sponsored post – I purchased the above item(s) with my own money and I am reviewing the product(s) because I like them a lot. :) There may be Amazon Affiliate links, but I am not compensated by or affiliated with the manufacturer of the product(s).

Tri Shoes I Like - Newton Gravity Running Shoes

I purchased an older model (found here); the current model is the Gravity IV.

Pros:

• Holy PR! These shoes make you fast!
• No blisters during the break-in period. Normally, I get nasty blisters until my running orthotics settle into the shoes.
• My orthotics fit nicely into the shoes, so there is no pressure or pain on the top of my feet.
• Perfectly sized toe box. My feet have just the right amount of wiggle room.

Cons:

• The break in/adjustment period is no joke - Newton's website recommends starting with 10-15 minutes of running and building up from there. After a few weeks of building up to 4 miles, I tried running 6 miles in them and I had to power walk/limp after about 5 miles. 
• I've noticed that my calves get pretty tight after running in them, but according to their website, this is pretty normal as my body adjusts to running with better form.

My Thoughts:

When I first heard about Newton running shoes, I was pretty skeptical that shoes could make you run with better form. I know cheap and/or worn out running shoes can make your life miserable when you run. I also know that proper running form can make you a more efficient runner. However, I just figured all "good" neutral running shoes functioned more or less the same in terms of affecting your form.

The lugs look huge at first, but in all reality they don't elevate the front of your foot that much

When it came time to replace my very old and tired pair of Brooks Ghost 6's, I decided to give the Newtons a shot. I found them for super cheap on The Clymb, and I figured if I hated them I would wear them as walking shoes or something. I went with my typical running shoe size - one full size over my normal shoe size to accommodate my running orthotics - and they fit perfectly! 

Other than the lugs on the bottom, which aren't normally visible, they just look like any other running shoe

Newton's website has a very helpful FAQ section that suggests you start out running 10-15 minutes in their shoes and gradually build from there. So, for my first run in them, I decided to run for exactly 15 minutes. Because I am a sadist, I decided my first run would also be a brick workout in which I rode my bike 15 miles immediately before going for a run in them. 

My first impression while running in them was that the lugs felt weird. Not "painful" weird, just "I'm not used to this" weird. My next observation was that I was running very fast for a brick run. Prior to this, I was having a really hard time dialing in my running form on brick runs. On that first run, I was almost effortlessly running with proper form. 

As I continued to break in the Newtons, gradually adding mileage every week, the "weirdness" feeling gradually went away, but the speed and form remained. In fact, it seems like every time I run in them I set a new record!

Holy cow! I haven't run that fast since I was in high school!

So far, I'm only up to 5 1/2 miles in them, and I still haven't decided if I will wear them for longer (10 or more miles) runs. Since I'm not planning to do a 70.3 until next year (2016), I do have some time to experiment and figure out what works best for me. Perhaps I can try a more substantial model like the Aha Gateway Trainer, or I can always go back to my tried and true Brooks Ghost shoes. Either way, I'm confident that I will run with efficient form and all the aches and pains associated with running will remain a thing of the past. I'm so glad that I decided to give Newtons a shot!

Thanks for stopping by! This is not a sponsored post – I purchased the above item(s) with my own money and I am reviewing the product(s) because I like them a lot. :) There may be Amazon Affiliate links, but I am not compensated by or affiliated with the manufacturer of the product(s).

Tri Stuff I Want - June 2015 Edition

Here's a compilation of items I've been staring at longingly this month - enjoy!

1. Arm Coolers: I just figured that since I've lost the CrossFit "fluff" and am back to my fighting weight that I wouldn't run so darn hot. Think again! So, now that it's starting to warm up in Southern California, I'm thinking that arm coolers might help my cause. I've been looking at this pair by Sugoi and this pair by Zoot Sports.

2. Women's Velocio-SRAM Pro Cycling Kit: I usually don't like "plain" kits, but I really like this one. It doesn't hurt that the vest is bright red. :)

3. Sugoi Women's RS Pro Bib Shorts: I love how bib shorts don't cut into your waist and are generally more comfortable than regular cycling shorts. However, for women, traditional bib shorts make bathroom breaks awkward and time-consuming. More and more cycling apparel companies have realized this and have created a variety of different solutions. Velocio sells shorts with a zipper in the rear that are pretty pricey. Endura also sells shorts with zipper in the rear that are much more affordable, but I'm having a hard time picturing where the zipper is and there aren't any stores around me that stock them. Sugoi's shorts have received good reviews and I like how there aren't any zippers to cause potential chafing issues. Now I just have to patiently wait for them to go on sale.

4. Smith Overtake Helmet in Neon Pink: It's a helmet that is pink and vents well. What more could a girl ask for?

5. FlapJacked Carrot Spice Pancake & Baking Mix: I'm a huge fan of the Cinnamon Apple flavor, so I can't wait for Amazon to start carrying the Carrot Spice flavor too! I've had great success making a modified version of the Spiced Apple Oat Bread recipe on their website into tasty pre-workout muffins that give me sustained energy without making me feel like there's a brick in my stomach.

I hope you enjoyed my monthly picks! Please note that all these links are for products that I just happen to think are pretty cool. There are a few Amazon Affiliate links, but I am not compensated by the companies for featuring their product(s).

Tri Shorts I Like - Pearl Izumi Elite In-R-Cool Tri Race Shorts

A Note About Triathlon Clothes' Sizing in General

The first thing you will find with triathlon clothing is that generally everything runs extremely small. I thought Lululemon ran small until I started purchasing triathlon clothes. I am a size 4 or 6 in Lululemon and I am usually a medium (and sometimes even a large!) in triathlon clothes. However, I have found that the size charts that manufacturers provide are extremely accurate and helpful. So if you find yourself ordering online, grab your handy measuring tape, measure yourself honestly (hey, it's just a number) and without cutting off your circulation (unless you want your clothes to fit you like that), and order the size that your measurements correspond with.

Now, on to the review...

Pearl Izumi Elite In-R-Cool Tri Race Shorts

Purchase here!

Pros:

• They stay where they belong - no riding up or any other uncomfortable movement while biking or running.
• Very comfortable, and the drawstring waist means you can make the waist snug without also giving yourself a muffin top.
• They dry very quickly. I was sprayed by a sprinkler about 1.5 miles from my house and I was dry by the time I got to my house.

Front view - for your reference, my hip circumference is about 36 inches. And I love my Newtons - I'll definitely be reviewing them soon! 

 Cons:

• If you're used to the generous padding of bike shorts, these will seem minimal at first. The thickness is consistent with my other tri shorts.
• Limited color options: basically either flat black or black with a color accent.

Side view. And yes, I need a tan. :)

My Thoughts:

When I first started training for my triathlons, I figured I would just wear my cycling shorts on my runs. I would not recommend this, unless you like feeling like you're running in a diaper. So these shorts were my first purchase. I'm normally a small in Pearl Izumi's cycling shorts, so I ordered a size medium and they fit perfectly. I was afraid that the chamois would not be substantial enough, but so far it has been fine. The longest bike ride I have done in them is 17 miles. Also, some reviewers on Amazon complained that the chamois is not fully attached to the shorts, but so far this has not been an issue.

Here's a close up of the chamois

I keep forgetting that these shorts have a back pocket - it is an envelope style flap that doesn't seal. So although it is large enough to fit an iPhone, I would not recommend it. 

Here is the back pocket. It can hold a gel or two.

Overall, for the price on Amazon (~$60), these are a great value. There are definitely better fitting and performing shorts out there, but you will also have to pay more for them. And, as much as I would love for these shorts to be loud and colorful, I do realize that black matches everything. :)

Thanks for stopping by! This is not a sponsored post – I purchased the above item(s) with my own money and I am reviewing the product(s) because I like them a lot. :) There may be Amazon Affiliate links, but I am not compensated by or affiliated with the manufacturer of the product(s).

Tri Hydration I Like - nuun All Day Hydration

My stash at work

Purchase here!

Pros:

• Light, refreshing taste. All four flavors are good.
• Low calorie. I don't like to drink my calories unless it is wine.
• Small size is easy to pack.
• According to my other half, there is no artificial sweetener aftertaste (I'm not a good judge of this, as I have a hard time telling the difference between normal and artificial sweeteners). 

Cons:

• I suppose if you were extremely inpatient, it might seem like these take forever to dissolve.

Pro Tip: The tablets easily split down the middle. 1/2 Blueberry Pomegranate + 1/2 Grape Raspberry = Tasty Beverage
I've shown a tablet next to a quarter for size comparison.

My Thoughts:

nuun All Day Hydration has been helping me make better drinking decisions. In Havasu, I normally don't drink alcohol until about 3:00, when a glass of wine starts to sound really good. This is because I've been drinking water all day and I am suffering from water boredom. Now, I just pop a nuun tablet in a water bottle and the water boredom issue is gone! Plus, our ice chests quickly fill up with beer and water, and the nuun containers don't take up any precious ice chest real estate.

This same strategy has also helped at home when I find myself wanting something more than water. This is not to say that I am completely denying myself the pleasure of a glass of wine or two, but anything more than that is not supportive of my training and performance goals.

So far, I been through two variety packs of the All Day Hydration, and with it now being summer, I think I'll start adding the Active Hydration to my water bottle when I ride my bike. Stay tuned for a review of it!

Thanks for stopping by! This is not a sponsored post – I purchased the above item(s) with my own money and I am reviewing the product(s) because I like them a lot. :) There may be Amazon Affiliate links, but I am not compensated by or affiliated with the manufacturer of the product(s).

Welcome!

Welcome and thank you for stopping by my blog! 

About Me

I'm a long-time road biker who finally stepped things up last year (2014) and bought a full carbon road bike. All of a sudden I was able to ride faster, as I wasn't fighting my bike! As a result, I began to bike more, and completed my first century (100 mile) ride. The biking obsession soon led to a triathlon obsession, and I am currently training for three sprint-distance triathlons later this year (2015). I am a reformed CrossFitter who also likes to mix some weight training into the workout mix. Besides working out, I also enjoy boating, travelling, paddle boarding, fine wines, baking, and generally enjoying life.

This Blog

When I first started researching triathlons, I was overwhelmed by all the plethora of ancillary products and services that are offered. I had no idea that I was getting myself into a very expensive sport! This blog will feature some of the triathlon accessories I like, want, and dream about. :) There will also be plenty of "lifestyle" items mixed in!

Enjoy!