Reebok ZQUICK Review

The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Reebok.

You may have seen this commercial playing during the Olympic Games recently!
Welllllll, those also happen to be my new kicks!

Also worn by Gold Medal Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman, football star Knowshon Moreno, and MMA powerhouse Johny Hendricks. I’m in pretty good company!

The technology behind the Reebok ZQUICK running shoe is phenomenal. Yes, these shoes are attractive and look great on, but they are made for athletes. You’re probably wondering why this shoe is so special, so let’s get down to business with the technology behind ZQUICK, and the shoe’s features.

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What is ZQuick?
ZQUICK takes inspiration from Z-rated sports car tires, which are rated for speeds in excess of 149 mph. Essentially, ZQUICK provides the same speed and handling for your feet.

The Z-rated grip:
The key to good handling tires is maximum ground contact; in tires it’s called a contact patch. It’s the amount of area in contact with the ground.  More area is better for handling and the more surface area means more distributed force and better grip.

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The Z-series fit:
For handling, Reebok wanted to take into account the dynamics of the foot itself. Your foot changes in dimension when you put weight on. When your foot is completely weighted, it’ s about 5mm wider than when it’s in the air. That’s your own naturally handling feature. Your foot spreads out on impact to distribute force over a broader base. To accommodate for that natural handling feature, Reebok built slashes into the bottom unit that go all the way to the lasting board so that your Z-series shoe spreads with you. The Z-Rated outsole geometry delivers control, traction and speed, while the no-sew upper and internal bootie ensure you’re locked in tight for the ride. I loved this video about the technology behind the shoe.

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Reebok ZQuick Features:
• No-Sew upper with light and flexible NanoWeb PU cast for breathable protection and support
• Low-cut for mobility with lightweight Bootie fit system for comfort
• Inspired by hi-performance tires, Z-Rated technology features a unique outsole geometry for control, traction and speed
• Light, low profile EVA midsole designed with a radical new geometry for outstanding handling.
• Medial and lateral underfoot grooves allow midsoles to flex and expand, increasing ground contact for a smooth, quiet ride
• A sleek new last allows the foot to move naturally, while keeping foot stable on the platform
• CRTek high abrasion rubber in key wear areas for lighter durability

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My review:

I have bought Nike FreeRuns  since they first came on the market, but to be honest I never run in them anymore. I first started buying them because of the super flexible sole and comfy no tongue upper, but as the years have gone by and new shoes are debuted, they have become narrower and narrower (ouch) and actually pretty stiff instead of “free.” I pretty much bought those $100 shoes for their fun color combos and looks, and definitely not function. When it came to running shoes, I started wearing Asics and Saucony for more stability and support, but never found anything truly “lightweight.”

I haven’t thought of Reebok for running shoes since they’ve recently been very CrossFit focused (a little intimidating for the non CrossFitters!), but these shoes have completely changed my mind! This is one of the lightest weight shoes I have laid my hands on in a long time. Being so lightweight, I was nervous that they wouldn’t have enough support, but was pleasantly surprised as to how sturdy they felt once I put them on and ran around. My runs are usually from 2-5 miles and the shoes felt really great on my short/moderate distance runs. The top of the heel sat a little high on my ankle which made me a bit nervous that I would get blisters, but I wore my back running socks and the heel actually broke in about 5 runs so it ended up being just dandy! My feet are small but on the wider side, so I was really excited to get the perfect fit in both the length AND width. The upper sole is extremely flexible and comfortable, but the outer NanoWeb weave kept my foot secure and in place. Now for the best part… the traction! It’s actually pretty unbelievable! If you thought that Nike FreeRuns had traction, you are in for a real treat! You can cut sharp corners and turn like it’s no one’s business because of Z-rated tread. I wanted to do a set of suicides because I felt like I could actually complete them in an unnaturally quick time while wearing these shoes. I would the ZQUICKs for anyone who is a mild or moderate milage runner. I don’t think this is the shoe for long distance runs or someone training for a marathon, but it’s excellent for someone who runs between 1-5 miles. I felt zero soreness or pain in my feet or legs the following days which is a huge win. I would the Reebok ZQUICKs for bootcamps and other group fitness classes that require all different types of movement as they are fantastic for cutting and turning! I’m very impressed with the overall design, and quality of this shoe! Way to go Reebok! Now I want the neon pink & yellow pair!

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Where to buy Reebok ZQUICK:
Online: Reebok.com
In Stores: Finish Line

Show Reebok some love:
Website: http://www.reebok.com
Instagram: @reebok
Facebook: facebook.com/ReebokUS
Twitter: @reebok
Pinterest: pinterest.com/reebok

Learn more about the Reebok ZQUICK!

What is your favorite lightweight running shoe?

Health & Happiness
xo Catherine

Happy V-Day + Chobani Simply 100 Giveaway

Hoppy Valentine’s Day bunnies!

Since I love you all so much, I have a delish Chobani Simply 100 Giveaway and lovely breakfast recipe for you! This recipe was supposed to be posted much earlier in the day, but I shot the entire photoshoot with no memory card in my camera and realized after it was too late… So here’s to round 2 of photos! TGIF!

Each Chobani Simply 100 5.3 oz cup contains only 100 calories, 0g fat, and is loaded with 12g of protein, and 5g of fiber!
 Oh, andddd the new Simply 100 cups have way less sugar than other flavored Chobani cups!

Here is the Simply 100 sugar breakdown by flavor:
Peach 6g sugar
Cherry 6g sugar
Pineapple 6g sugar
Strawberry 7g sugar
Vanilla 7g sugar
Blueberry 8g sugar

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Chobani Breakfast Cup
Serves 1

1 Chobani Simply 100 Greek Yogurt Cup
1/2 cup strawberries
1/2 banana
1/4 cup quinoa granola

Bake quinoa granola to instructions. Chop strawberries and bananas. Top everything onto Chobani Greek yogurt.

The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: strawberries & banana
Whole Grain: quinoa (from granola)
Protein: Chobani Greek yogurt
Plant Based Fat: flaxseed and shredded coconut (from granola recipe)

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One lucky RFFMBT reader will win a case of 12 assorted 3.5 oz Chobani Simply 100 Cups!
Contest ends on Sunday, February 16 at 11:59pm PST.
Winner will be announced on Monday, February 17!
*Open to US residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Big Bear Ski Trip

Last weekend I went to big bear with a huge group of 11 friends! Southern California got a “huge storm” so we were hoping for a nice dump of powder, but to our surprise, the “biggest storm of the season” brought about 1 inch that melted when we arrived! The weekend was so much fun, great memories and countless laughs! I brought my GoPro along and videoed a bunch of runs on the mountain, there are so epic falls and hilarious commentary that I can’t get over. Oh, and my skis were stolen. GOOD TIMES!

Big Bear 28These gift with purchase Victoria’s Secret duffles are the best weekend bags!

Processed with VSCOcamMy go to travel snacks:
Peanut Butter & Jelly Larabar  //  Tarragon Dijon Kale Krunch by Alive & Radiant  //  Apple & Pear That’s It. Bar  //  Chobani Simply 100 Pineapple Greek Yogurt  //  Trader Joe’s Roasted Coconut Chips  //  bkr glass bottle  //  Banana  //  Apple

I love all of these items because they’re shelf stable (minus the yogurt that I ate right when I got in the car), but not overly processed or junk. There’s something for every type of texture, sweetness, or savoriness that I may crave. I’ve been addicted to these Roasted Coconut Chips from Trader Joe’s lately. They are really similar to the Dang Foods Toasted Coconut Chips that I discovered a couple of weeks ago. Not only are these snacks portable, easy to eat while driving/traveling, but they’re also great for you. Each snack is made from whole natural ingredients which are full of nutritional value.

Big Bear 31Half of us on our way to Big Bear for the weekend. Guess who drove? Yours truly!

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Big Bear 27View from our cabin.

Big Bear 6Off to go skiing the next morning!

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Big Bear 24Kat, Beth, & Jessica getting ready to walk to the mountain.

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Big Bear 10Julio and his sweet Dr. Pepper board.

Big Bear 11Chiristia and her natural swagger.

photo 6About to take the GoPro down the slopes!

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Big Bear 5Josh and I on the lift. We were the only 2 skiers out of 11 people. I’d like to say that we are WAY cooler than the rest of the gang. jkjk. But really, skiers are so much better!!! hahaha. “Skies for life” -Johnny Tsunami

Big Bear 13Christia & Corey gearing up.

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Big Bear 25This little one was too cute!

Big Bear 14Corey, Beth, Josh, & Steph taking a ski break.

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Big Bear 16Steph & Charity getting their grub on.

Big Bear 17Jess getting pumped up for snowboarding.

Big Bear 3Christia and I being snow bunnies. This was right before my skis were stolen. As you can see, they are right behind me in this photo. The short little white ones to the left of my head!!! Ughhhh. Everyone stayed at our table while Steph & I left the group for 10 minutes, came back, and my skis were gone and replaced with someone else’s! Rrrrr! I was actually pretty calm but bummed more than anything because all I wanted to do was ski! I went to the Bear Mountain Rental Shop and they actually loaned me a free pair of skis for the rest of the day! Thanks Bear!!! You saved my day!

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Big Bear 21Christia, Corey & I on the chairlift.

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Big Bear 26Packing the car up at the end of the weekend to head home. We had so much shiz you would’ve thought we were going on a 2 week trip haha.

What are your favorite travel snacks?

Snickerdoodle Green Smoothie

Hi snow bunnies!

I just got got home last night from the best ski trip! A big group of us rented a cabin in Big Bear and drove up on Friday for the weekend. Although the conditions on the mountain weren’t perfect, we had SO much fun! I’m doing a post tomorrow about my trip for anyone who is interested! I’ll be posting my fav travel snacks and lots of fun photos from my GoPro : )

Yesterday I drove home from Big Bear to celebrate the 1st birthday of Full Psycle!
I love being a part of the amazing family that Shelly, Paul, and Kris have created. I’ve met so many incredible new friends and actually ENJOY working out for the first time in my life.

Full Psycle first birthday
You know a cycling studio is good when you have to set your alarm for 5pm every sunday when the schedule goes live so that you can actually get into your desired classes for the week! One year later and classes are still full with a wait list. Like seriously? Unbelievable!!! Actually, it’s totally believable because Shelly, Paul, and Kris are the most amazing human beings you will ever meet. They remember EVERYONE’S names in class. And I mean EVERYONE! They’re encouraging, funny, loving, and so passionate about their studio and students. It’s their encouragement that has gotten me where I am today. I cannot believe how strong I have become since my very first class at FP.


Yesterday was such an emotional day for me. Yesterday on the one year anniversary of FP, I celebrated my new personal record of 518 kilojoules (compared to my first class of 158kj) which I would like to dedicate to my friend Ryan Eaton who I lost one year ago today. As I pushed through class, I couldn’t hold back the tears as this rush of extreme happiness and sadness took over me. In the last minute of class, I put my towel over my head and bawled my eyes out. I was so proud and happy of what I had just accomplished, but at the same time I was remembering this day exactly one year ago. I am so grateful to be surrounded by the most incredible family, friends, Full Psyclists, and readers! Each day you guys inspire me to become stronger mentally and physically. The past year has been a roller coaster of ups and downs, and I cannot imagine the past year without all of you.

Today’s recipe is surprise surprise, a green smoothie! If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I’m addicted to green smoothies and juices recently. There is no hiding it, I loveeee them!!! I love my smoothie extra thick, so I have been throwing avocado in the mix! This smoothie is extra creamy, and when blended with vanilla and cinnamon, it actually tastes like a snickerdoodle cookie! Strange, but true. Just check my Insta for comments from readers that have tested it out!

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Snickerdoodle Green Smoothie
Serves 1

1 handful spinach
1 frozen banana
1/2 small avocado
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp cinnamon

Blend blend blend until creamy and smooth!

Note: If you don’t have a high powered blender, you can use 1/2 cup of almond milk!

Dole Dippers Giveaway

Snacking  just got sweeter with new DOLE Banana Dippers!
The goodness of bananas comes together with the rich, indulgent taste of better-for-you dark chocolate.

DOLE Banana Dippers are fresh frozen banana slices covered in 67% dark chocolate.
Each portion-controlled individual pack contains 4 slices, at 100 calories per pack (DOLE Banana Dippers with Almonds contains 120 calories per pack).

Simply pull from your freezer and enjoy anytime, anywhere.
These are the ultimate healthy dessert when your sweet tooth hits!
*Recommended thawing time is 5 min. for best taste.

Look for DOLE Banana Dippers in the frozen fruit aisle!
You can also check the DOLE product locator on their website to find exactly what stores near you carry Dippers!
1. Simply go to the DOLE Product Locator
2. Under product select “Banana Dippers” (also available in strawberry!)
3. Choose the regular Dipper or with almonds
4. Type in your zip code.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

One lucky RFFMBT reader will win 3 boxes of DOLE Banana Dippers!
Contest ends on Thursday, February 6 at 11:59pm PST.
Winner will be announced on Friday, February 7!
*Open to US residents only.

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