Cankles, Calves, and Salts. OH MY!

Disclaimer:  I received Epsoak Epsom Salt from San Fransisco Salt Company to use and review as part of being a BibRave Pro.  Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave to review, find and write race reviews.

It's been a strange month.  First off, Christmas is always a stressful time for me.  Call me crazy, but I sometimes wish we could skip right over it; if it weren't for the looks on my kids faces I may just do that.

Secondly, Minnesota had an insanely cold week where I did absolutely ZERO running.  We are talking lows with windchills below -40.  That's COLD!  TOO cold for anything outdoors.  This forced me to do other activities to burn calories - like my favorite kick-boxing class!

Lastly, now enter some strange ailments that plagued me during this time.  Nothing serious, but thank goodness for Epsoak Pro Epsom Salts!  I was so happy to receive this 8.5 lb. jug of goodness in the mail I could hardly stand it.  I needed a warm relaxing bath and I needed it FAST!

Let me explain!

Yes, I have cankles!  Oh my!  Well, actually just one and I can't for the LIFE of me figure out why?  I was so swollen after work one day my husband actually asked me if I could be pregnant.  After I slapped him upside the head, I took to these crazy amazing epsom salts to soak the inflammation away.  Initially,  my ankle felt tight and definitely was retaining fluid.  But after my soak, I had more range of motion and I felt much more relaxed.  Additionally, I woke up the next morning with much less inflammation and no tightness or stiffness around my ankle.

Just look at the SIZE of that cankle! 

My inflammation around my ankle has been here and there the last few weeks.  I am managing it just fine and it doesn't limit my activity.  However, almost nightly I've been adding two heaping scoops of epsom salt to my foot bath and relaxing the stresses away!

Do to the insanity that IS Minnesota winters, the outside running has really taken a back-seat.   I try to get out as much as I can, but I'm not THAT crazy.  When windchill dips too much farther than about -5 below, I stay inside.

Yup - those MN winters.

Due to my lack of running outside, I really have started to love my kick-boxing class.  My instructor thought it would be a great idea to do a calf circuit last week.  I thought,  "Hey, I'm in shape I can handle anything." I was so wrong; DEAD WRONG!  I am here to tell you, I literally could not walk for 3 days.  Stairs were impossible.  In the morning, getting out of bed was impossible.  But, once again, my epsom salts came to the rescue.

I drew myself a huge bath and soaked for one hour!  Anyone with kids knows that an uninterrupted one hour soak is AMAZING!  Did I mention these salts also smell AMAZING?  I was lucky enough to be sent the energizing scent which is eucalyptus and spearmint.  It smells so good that I sometimes open the canister just to smell the great aroma.

These salts really have been a lifesaver for me!

Let's talk a bit about the science behind why these salts are so amazing.

Epsoak Pro is the purest magnesium sulfate available.  It dissolves easily in warm water to help flush toxins, improve muscle soreness, ease stress and so much more.   Because it is pure magnesium sulfate, it is also better absorbed - which give it's user greater benefits; and faster!

When I use these salts, my skin feels amazing.  Several times a week, I place a small amount into my hand with my face wash and massage it into my face.  After rinsing, not only does my face smell amazing, it also feels amazing.

I have used these salts in the bathtub, in my body wash, in my face wash and also in my foot bath. The canister is enormous at 8.5 lbs. and the price is very reasonable at $18.99.  You can't go to a spa for that price! Why not have a spa right in your own home.

I have been using these salts consistently for three weeks and I still haven't really made a dent in the container.  Great value for a great product!

In my opinion, these salts are a must-try.  If eucalyptus and spearmint aren't your favorite, don't fret! You can always shop for a different scent!  They also make unscented!  Grab a 5 lb. bag to try out and save 10% with code "RAVE10." 

Make sure to check out our #bibchat on Tuesday, Jan. 3rd at 8 PM CST.  We'll talk all things running and relaxation.  You could win your very own epsom salts for yourself!

Do YOU soak?

Don't forget to tune in Next Tues., Jan. 3rd - 8 PM CST! @SFSaltCompany and @BibRave will be talking all things salt! Search #bibchat! pic.twitter.com/zhQib0QF8f

— RUN gina RUN (@hanzelboyzmama) December 28, 2016

OOPS! I did it AGAIN!

Grandma's Marathon 2017!
Be there, or BE SQUARE!


Oops!  I did it Again! 

Anyone else hear Brittany Spears singing anytime they hear that statement?!?!

via GIPHY

Alright, now that THAT is out of my system, let me clarify.

You know that famous phrase every runner says after they finish a race?  "I'm NEVER doing that again!"  I'm guilty as charged.  

Grandma's Marathon was my very first marathon EVER this year.   I trained for months.  Finished the race in the 80 degree heat and scored a lifetime of memories.  The memories I will carry with me forever.   I had a fantastic time,  but I also swore it would be my last marathon.  Ha ha!

Just LOOK at the NEW 2017 medal!! I HAVE to have it!

I compare signing up for another marathon like child birth.  You swear after one child, you'll never have another?  The pain of labor, the nine months of carrying the baby.  But, in a blink of an eye you simply forget.  You don't seem to remember all the trials and tribulations leading up to your precious bundle of joy; consequently,  you do it all over again.  

Training for a marathon is no small feat. We put our bodies through months of hard work.  We lose sleep with worry.  How will I run on race day?  Is the weather going to cooporate?  Will I use a pace group?  What if I can't finish?  The psychological stress of it all is enough to make any person drink. 

BUT, the reward at the finish is so tremendous we are willing to do anything to get there.  That shiny medal, so hard-earned at the finish line.  Eagerly placed upon your neck by a friendly race volunteer! The feeling of accomplishment lasts a lifetime.

Reunited with my BIGGEST support the ENTIRE RACE!

So, in June 2017 I'm crossing that starting line once again with hopes to cross the same finish line that I did this last June.  I crave the feeling. I can taste it.  I want that medal!

Happy Running!