Today’s post is sponsored by LÄRABAR. I’ve been eating LÄRABARs for years, and I’m excited to join LÄRABAR for National Take a Hike Day. Everything I write about LÄRABAR and their products are my own, unbiased opinions.

Marathon recovery is like a double-edged sword. It’s wonderful and horrible all at the same time. The things that make it great – like taking a temporary break from physical activity and indulging in carb-filled temptations – are what also make it depressing and challenging. For the past 2 weeks since the Chicago Marathon, I’ve only run twice, and I’ve eaten what I want, when I want (trust me, that hasn’t been such a good thing). As much as I’ve enjoyed celebrating my big marathon victory, it’s time to get back on track.

This past weekend, I was ready to get outside and start eating clean again. My friends at LÄRABAR gave me the kick in the butt I needed inspired me by sending me a LÄRAbag filled with wholesome snacks like LÄRABARs and RENOLA (gluten-free granola) and hiking socks.

With pockets full of LÄRABARs and happy hearts, Mr. rUnladylike and I headed up to North Carolina to spend time hiking in the mountains and to drive along the famous Blue Ridge Parkway to see the fiery hues of the changing leaves.

There’s something remarkable about being outside, surrounded by nature, for no purpose other than to enjoy how blessed we are to have the ability to explore. Nearly every one of my workouts has a purpose – to get faster, to get stronger, to build endurance, to recover. Simplicity is not a word I typically consider when I think about my training, but it’s something I certainly aspire to. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons I love LÄRABAR so much. The company’s founder Lara Merriken (who actually came up with the idea for LÄRABAR while on a hike) created the company because she was looking for something simple in life. She believes we’re filled with so many distractions, and oftentimes we just need to be surrounded by things that are easy to understand – simple ingredients, simple beauty.

That’s what this past weekend in North Carolina was all about. Recapturing my love of the outdoors. Refilling my spiritual running tank. And finding more simplicity in my life.

And speaking of simplicity, LÄRABAR is at the very top of my list of go-to snacks that have real, simple ingredients (that you understand and can pronounce!) – nuts, unsweetened fruits and spices. They are gluten-free, non-GMO and Kosher, with the majority of the products being soy-free, dairy-free and vegan as well. Every single weekly trip I make to the grocery store includes a purchase of about 6 to 7 LÄRABARs. Mr. rUnladylike eats them religiously, and I typically enjoy one as an afternoon snack between lunch and dinner. We both like the Banana Bread flavor the best. I also love Cherry Pie and Carrot Cake (my newest favorite).

Given my love for LÄRABARs, you can imagine my excitement when I found out they also have a new grain-free granola called  RENOLA. This was my first time trying it, and it didn’t disappoint. It comes in single-serve packets to eat on-the-go in 3 flavors – Cinnamon Nut, Cocoa Coconut and Berry. I like this most on top of a cup of Siggi’s vanilla yogurt.

Win a LÄRABAR Prize Pack

With all this talk of LÄRABARs and RENOLA, you’re probably getting hungry, right?

Here’s your chance to win an awesome prize pack from LÄRABAR, including 16 assorted bars and RENOLA.

All you have to do is leave a comment below sharing which flavor of LÄRABAR or RENOLA is your favorite, or, if you haven’t tried many (or any) of the flavors, which one do you most want to try and why. Visit larabar.com to see all the flavors to make your pick before commenting. Leave your comment by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, October 28, 2014, to be entered to win.

I’d also love to hear your stories about how you will #eatclean and #getoutside this month!

Contest rules: No purchase necessary to win. Must be 18 or older to enter and a resident of the United States. The sweepstakes is open from Thursday, October 23, 2014, at 12 a.m. Eastern time until Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time. The retail value of the prize pack is less than $50. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. The winner will be selected and notified on Wednesday, October 29, 2014, via email. Winner will have one week to respond to claim their prize. The LÄRABAR prize pack will be mailed to the winner directly from LÄRABAR. The winner and all sweepstakes entrants hold rUnladylike, LLC harmless in the event that the prize or sweepstakes in some way negatively impacts the winner, and the winner agrees to use the prizes at his or her own risk. Void where prohibited by law.

Coupon to Save on Your Next LÄRABAR Purchase

As a special offer for you, LÄRABAR is giving runladylike.com readers $0.50 off the purchase of any LÄRABAR. Get your coupon here.

Celebrate National Take a Hike Day on November 17

November 17 is National Take a Hike Day. Join me and LÄRABAR by getting outside and enjoying the fall weather. You can share your stories and join the conversation by using the hashtags #getoutside and #eatclean. I’m planning to hit up one of the mountains near Atlanta for a morning hike with Mr. rUnladylike.

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Which LÄRABAR or RENOLA flavor is your favorite, or, if you haven’t tried many (or any) of the flavors, which one do you most want to try and why? Visit larabar.com to see all the flavors to make your pick.

How will you #getoutside and #eatclean to stay healthy this fall?