In just a few days I’m heading off to Utah to meet up with running friends old and new to run the Utah Valley Half Marathon. How am I going to make the most of this destination race weekend? By being my own hero, that’s how.
What is a hero you ask?
A person who, in the opinion of others, has special achievements, abilities or personal qualities and is regarded as a role model. In this case, we’re not concerning ourselves with what others think. This is about treating ourselves well, living joyfully and making the most of each day.
How does one become their own hero?
Seriously runners have a #holottafun!
Find your tribe. It’s so important to have not only a support system but a peer group who enjoys the same hobbies you do. Even though non-running friends and family may offer valuable support, only other runners truly “get” why we do the crazy things we do.
Challenge the “impossible”. I like to call this the “I could never” list. Whenever I embark on an adventure, whether it be a destination race, triathlon, foreign travel or something else, inevitably someone says to me “I could never do that” Instead of thinking of all the reasons why you can’t do something, thing of all the reasons why you CAN. Create an “impossible” list and one-by-one make those things POSSIBLE.
Replace negatives with positives. Be mindful and notice how many times you catch yourself entertaining negative, limiting self-talk. When you catch one, replace it with words of empowerment or a favorite mantra. You’ll be amazed at the impact of changing your mindset.
Treat your body well and have fun too. You know I’ve been training for this weekend for awhile now. I’ve gotten in my workouts, focused on nutrient-dense foods and proper hydration as well as sleep and recovery. One of the most important parts of recovery is taking in adequate protein post workout to repair damaged muscle tissue.
That’s where Quest’s brand new Hero Bar comes in. I went to my local GNC and picked up a few to try and let me tell you: It’s not just another protein bar. These bars taste amazing. No exaggeration. I’d swear it was a candy bar, it’s that good. But really good for you as well!
Let’s begin with the deliciously crunchy protein core. Who can argue with a 15-17g protein punch to help repair tired muscles and keep you satisfied? Not I. Next comes a sinfully gooey layer to tempt your tastebuds. As if that weren’t enough, the entire bar is covered in a chocolaty coating of epic proportions. I’ve been tossing Hero Bars in my gym bag and enjoying them immediately after tough workouts. They taste like a decadent treat.
What makes Quest Hero Bars So Tasty?
The secret is allulose. A type of sugar found in nature in fruits like raisins and figs. Allulose behaves very differently from regular sugar. While it tastes sweet like sugar, up to 100% of it passes through your body without being metabolized and get this: It’s virtually calorie-free.
Each Quest Hero Bar Contains:
- 170 calories
- 15-17g protein
- 11g prebiotic fiber
- 4g net carbs
Choose from Chocolate Caramel Pecan, Blueberry Cobbler and Vanilla Caramel. I can’t even decide which is my fave. They are all that good! The only drawback (sort of) is the whole family loves them and they’re constantly depleting my stash. I’ve already had to restock twice! Find Quest Hero Bars online, at GNC, The Vitamin Shoppe, Wegmans and more.
Have you tried the new Quest Hero Bar? Which flavor would you go for? Will I see you in Utah?
I’m linking up with Suz, Rachel, Debbie and Lora for Coaches’ Corner, and with Deb for the Wednesday Word.
Nice! Allulose sounds interesting! I haven’t heard of these and now I want to try them.
Ive never tried these but they sound great, especially the chocolate caramel pecan ones! I am so excited for you to be racing in Utah, I bet it will be a blast!
Those bars look so delicious! I won’t be in Utah, but I will be running the Lawyers Have Heart 10 K — yeah, not the same!
I’ll bet those bars taste fantastic. Great analogy tie-in!
Now, if I could just get a decent night’s sleep . . . does Quest have a bar for that 😉
Great minds think alike–I’ve got my be your own hero post ready for tomorrow! LOL! but that’s because we are our own heroes, right?
Those Quest bars look great! I have tried the traditional Quest bars but not the Hero bars – I’ll need to check them out.
I hope that you have an awesome time in Utah! I’ll be following along on your adventures on social media!
I love this! You have to believe in yourself and believe you can. It’s great to surprise yourself by accomplishing things you never thought you could. I am going to have serious FOMO when so many of you are out in Utah this weekend
Great list. Finding your tribe is very important, having friends who understand why you are doing all these crazy things makes a huge difference (and saves your non-running friends and family from all your running talk!).
And I agree with your challenge the “impossible”. Often we say things are impossible when they scare us and breaking things down into little steps can make them feel less scary!
I use Muscle Milk to help boost my muscles after a hard workout. I wish I either knew about this stuff when I was in high school and college, or I wish they were around back then. Finding quality protein when I was so picky at what I ate was challenging.
Negative thoughts kill so much for so many! Great tips! I’ve never tried these….I must give these a try!
Love your tips on being your own hero! Great post!
You are so inspiring and definitely a HERO!!
How about that 94 yr old that completed a half marathon this past weekend – my hero!
Those bars look delish. Have to try them.
Enjoy Utah! I’ll be FOMOing here…hopefully the sun comes out at some point.
I’ve seen these all over the place on social lately, and they look so good! I think I need to give them a try!!
It’s amazing how often people say to you, “Oh, I could never do that.” I always shake my head, because I know that if I can do it, so can most people. 😀
Those bars look yummy! I haven’t tried the Hero bars but Quest’s other bars and they are good! Ah so jealous of all of you that are going to run in Utah! Looking forward to hearing all about your trip!
I’ve been a fan of Quest for some time! My favorite regular flavor is PB&J. I also am currently using their protein powder for my afternoon shakes. I even will sneak in a spoonful or two in my coffee. Next time I go to GNC I’m gonna pick me up some of these new Hero bars. I think I’d like to try the blueberry or caramel one. Good luck in Utah! I know yall will have a ball! Take lots of pictures too!
You’ve got some great “hero” tips. If we can’t look up to ourselves, then how can we possibly expect anybody else to?
I love quest bars! I used to like choc chip cookie dough but S’mores is my new favorite now.
Good luck at Utah! I will be pretty close to you running in Colorado 🙂
Hmmmm, I need that vanilla caramel one! I have always loved the S’mores Quest bar and I use their Salted Caramel protein powder as well. I’ll have to give these a try.
See you soon!
Love it! YES you can be your own hero! Good luck on your race!
Those bars look delicious. Love that icing! Have fun in Utah.
Still trying to “find my tribe” in my small community. Only a handful of runners travel together and mostly run marathons. I think I will be able to travel more when my children get older. There is so much I want to do but can’t leave my family. I hope y’all have the best time in Utah!! Good luck and can’t wait to see all the pics!
The Quest Hero bars are amazing…
I had a good tribe for a while. Then we all stopped hanging out as much. Kinda stinks but I’ve been enjoying my time alone lately. 🙂
You are my hero! 🙂 You know I am all about eating well and having fun! Can’t believe I will see you in a few days- fun! #holottafun
Allulose, you say? I have never heard of such a thing LOL, but it does sound most enticing 😉 A part of my wishes I could be in Utah as well as Duluth (the following weekend)…but what kind of crazy would that be?
I haven’t tried those yet. I will have to look for them! Have fun in Utah!
These look pretty delicious. I would have to go for the chocolatey one.
I would love to be in Utah, but it wasn’t in the cards for me this year. Maybe next time!
Great post! These bars are delicious! Good luck in Utah!
These would be gone in my house in like 5 minutes. I’d be lucky to get any at all! Hiding doesn’t even work. They can sniff them out. #boys 😀
I love the point about “I could never.” I feel that way about getting a BQ. It seems impossible but I really want to make it happen! All I have to do is be consistent and keep improving. Thanks for the motivation!
Vanilla Caramel….lawdy!!! Are these the same Quest company….I love their other bars,i can only imagine how delicious these are!!
Have a blast this weekend!
I have not tried the Quest Hero Bar. I would like to try one in chocolate. Yes, you’ll see me in Utah. 🙂
These bars look really good! I need to try out the Quest bars, clearly they know what they’re doing!
I never think about being my own hero, so thanks for the food for thought!
I think you ladies had the mindset to have a ton of fun in Utah! 🙂
Thanks for linking up!