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Highland Events now distributes bHIP energy drink

Ed’s not convinced but Terry loves the stuff. Email Terry and he’ll post you out a free sample or click here and buy a box of 30 for about $70 delivered (depending on the state of the doller! $50US plus $10NZ for delivery).

What the hell is bHIP you ask? You can read all the hype below but basically it’s a single serve sachet you can add to your water bottle or Horley’s and it gives you an energy boost of vitamins with a wee bit of guarana (caffeine). bHIP has no actual carbs in it but I’m a believer in the benefits of extra vitamins and antioxidants when you’re training particularly hard. I don’t use the stuff every day, I have it with water or sometimes Horley’s just before/at the beginning of a longer training session (over 1&1/2 hours). I have always used Horley’s and Em’s power bars during training, the only thing new I’m doing is drinking bHIP.

Personally I believe that I have felt a noticeable difference in my energy levels actually finishing my sessions feeling stronger in the second half than in the first half (running negative splits over 20ks for example).

But hey, it could all be in my head. I’d love for you to try some (I’ll send you a free sample) and tell me what you think.

Here’s the hype:

A bHIP Energy Drink can greatly assist in providing a pure source of energy with minimal calorie intake.

Fiber:  1 gram

Generally, a person should consume 1 gram of fiber for every 100 calories or approximately 20 – 40 grams of fiber per day. Fiber is the indigestible carbohydrate found in plant cell walls and is either soluble or insoluble. Soluble fiber acts like a gel and insoluble fiber ads bulk to or softens stool. A healthy fiber content of the diet can be achieved by eating fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. Also, when eating whole grains, increase your fluid intake as insoluble fiber absorbs fluid from your intestines.

1 gram of fiber per bHIP Energy Drink is a great addition to one’s daily fiber intake.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)  300 mg

The U.S. RDA for ascorbic acid ranges between 100–120 mg/per day for adults. Many health benefits have been attributed to ascorbic acid such as antioxidant, anti-atherogenic, anti-carcinogenic, immunomodulator and prevention of colds, etc.  Stress, smoking, alcoholism, fever, and viral infections cause a rapid decline in blood levels of ascorbic acid.  There is no scientific evidence to show that even very large doses of vitamin C are toxic or exert serious adverse health effects.

Higher levels of Vitamin C are needed when under environmental stress such as trauma, fever, or infection. Full saturation is reached with daily intakes of 200-500 mg per day (in 2-3 divided doses). This is a water-soluble vitamin, and anything in excess is excreted by the body.

Niacin (Niacinamide)  40 mg

The U.S. RDA for niacin is 20 milligrams per day.  Niacin, a water-soluble vitamin, helps the body release energy from protein, fat, and carbohydrate during metabolism.

Special Note Regarding ‘Niacin Flush’:
Niacin, by nature, is a great way of reducing your cholesterol. Many over-the-counter cholesterol medications include high does of niacin, among other ingredients. One effect that may arise from ingesting supplement niacin is what’s called ‘niacin flush’.

Niacin causes the capillaries (small blood vessels) in your body to get wider (bigger). The capillaries are usually extremely small, and blood passes through them very slowly. The inherent problem with this is that capillaries are the main way for your body to rid itself of toxins. Your arteries, in comparison, are much larger than capillaries and can carry more blood and at a faster rate, but they do not come near the majority of your body. Arteries are the “highways” of your body, and capillaries are more like the small town road that you exit off of the highway from in order to get to your house. Your house, in this example, would be a cell somewhere in a remote part of your body that is full of toxins. Without sufficient blood flow (oxygen and everything that comes along with it), this cell cannot rid itself of its toxins. Now, imagine your city widening the road that leads by your house — the traffic would increase. The same is true for your capillaries. They will carry more blood – at a faster rate. The end result is that your cells now have more blood to rid themselves of toxins throughout your body as the capillaries get wider.

How does this relate to niacin flush?  Niacin causes the capillaries to get bigger, and the end result is the “flush”. The increase in size of your capillaries causes, in some cases, a redness on your skin in the areas that it is occurring. This is the first part of niacin flush. The second reaction of niacin flush is the tingling and occasional itch that comes along with it. This itch is actually a healthy response. The reason you are experiencing this itch is because the niacin has allowed more blood to reach your cells to remove toxins from them. As toxins are carried away and your cell becomes healthier, it is finally able to “call” your body for help. Your body responds by sending what is called a histamine to the cell. Histamines cause you to itch, but they also allow your body to send more water, blood, and nutrients to the area that called them.

In summary, niacin flush is actually a very healthy reaction from your body. You shouldn’t be alarmed when you get it; actually the very opposite – it means your body is healing itself. You’ll notice that after a certain dosage of niacin, eventually you will not receive the niacin flush any longer. Once you up the dosage, you may experience it again. Your doctor can recommend a good healthy dosage for you.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride)  20 mg

The U.S. RDA varies between 1.3 mg and 2.0 mg, depending upon age and gender.  Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that exists in three major chemical forms: pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. It performs a wide variety of functions in your body and is essential for your good health. For example, vitamin B6 is needed for more than 100 enzymes involved in protein metabolism. It is also essential for red blood cell metabolism. The nervous and immune systems need vitamin B6 to function efficiently, and it is also needed for the conversion of tryptophan (an amino acid) to niacin.

Hemoglobin within red blood cells carries oxygen to tissues. Your body needs vitamin B6 to make hemoglobin. Vitamin B6 also helps increase the amount of oxygen carried by hemoglobin. A vitamin B6 deficiency can result in a form of anemia that is similar to iron deficiency anemia.

Individuals with a poor quality diet or an inadequate B6 intake for an extended period may benefit from taking a vitamin B6 supplement if they are unable to increase their dietary intake of vitamin B6. Alcoholics and older adults are more likely to have inadequate vitamin B6 intakes than other segments of the population because they may have limited variety in their diet. Alcohol also promotes the destruction and loss of vitamin B6 from the body.

Folic Acid  400 mcg

The U.S. RDA for folate is 400 micrograms per day.  Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin that occurs naturally in food. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate that is found in supplements and added to fortified foods.  Folate helps produce and maintain new cells. This is especially important during periods of rapid cell division and growth such as infancy and pregnancy. Folate is needed to make DNA and RNA, the building blocks of cells. It also helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer. Both adults and children need folate to make normal red blood cells and prevent anemia. Folate is also essential for the metabolism of homocysteine and helps maintain normal levels of this amino acid.

Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)  120 mcg

The U.S. RDA for vitamin B-12 is 6 micrograms per day.  Vitamin B12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. It is also needed to help make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B12 is also called cobalamin because it contains the metal cobalt.

Vitamin B12 is bound to the protein in food. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases vitamin B12 from proteins in foods during digestion. Once released, vitamin B12 combines with a substance called intrinsic factor (IF). This complex can then be absorbed by the intestinal tract. Characteristic signs, symptoms, and health problems associated with vitamin B12 deficiency include anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Deficiency also can lead to neurological changes such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Additional symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are difficulty in maintaining balance, depression, confusion, dementia, poor memory, and soreness of the mouth or tongue.

Vitamin B12 is required by the body to maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells and is also needed to make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. B12 is one of eight water soluble B vitamins all of which help the body convert carbohydrates into glucose (sugar), which is a primary energy source for the body. Vitamin B12 also works closely with vitamin B9 to regulate the formation of red blood cells and to help iron function better in the body.

Sodium  10 mg

The US sodium RDA 2400 mg.  bHIP Energy Drink has a very low level of sodium.

Americans consume far too much sodium, putting them at risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Sodium is used to regulate blood volume and blood pressure. Sodium aids in the transmission of nerve impulses and is used to help regulate the acid/base balance in the body.  Common signs of excess sodium include high blood pressure, fluid retention, and swelling.  About 11 percent of the sodium in the average U.S. diet comes from adding salt or other sodium-containing condiments to foods while cooking or eating. But the majority of the sodium — 77 percent — comes from eating prepared or processed foods that contain the mineral. So even though you may limit the amount of salt you add to food, the food itself may already be high in sodium.

A lower sodium intake has a beneficial effect on blood pressure.

If you are older than 50, are black, or have a health condition such as high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, or diabetes, you may be more sensitive to the blood pressure raising effects of sodium. As a result, aim for a sodium intake at the low end of the range recommended for healthy adults.

Amino Acids

The 20 amino acids are alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and valine.

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. The sequence of amino acids in a protein and, hence, the function of that protein are determined by the genetic code in the DNA.

Malic Acid

Malic acid is a naturally occurring compound that plays a role in the complex process of deriving adenosine triphosphate (ATP; the energy currency that runs the body) from food.  Malic acid is found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, but the richest source is apples, which is why malic acid is sometimes referred to as “apple acid.”

Guarana

Guarana extract is derived from the seeds of a small red fruit grown on large shrubs found in the Brazilian Rain Forest.

Guarana is one of several energy producing ingredients and contains a substance known as theobromine, which is similar in chemical composition to the molecules found in chocolate. This is a natural occurring caffeine and gives a very nice, level, non-jittery energy.  bHIP is a natural formula that works faster, lasts longer, and is healthier for you.

One of the main ingredients in guarana extract is a form of caffeine called guaranine. Unlike caffeine, guaranine is slow to release and doesn’t give the initial quick burst of energy and then the quick let-down. Since the seed is fatty and not water-soluble, it is not quick to absorb in the body, so the energy boost will escalate over a number of hours instead of all at once. This makes the active ingredients in guarana more beneficial for the body.  Guarana extract is reported to increase mental alertness, help to fight fatigue, and increase stamina and endurance. Millions of people believe it also helps to overcome fatigue, helps to fight against premature aging, and detoxifies the blood.  In the United States, guarana holds a “Generally Regarded As Safe” (GRAS) status from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A 1998 toxicology study showed that guarana is nontoxic even at a dose of 2 grams of guarana per kilogram of body weight.

Green Tea Leaf Extract

Rich in polyphenols, which contain potent anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties; helps protect against cancer; lowers cholesterol levels; reduces the clotting tendency of the blood; stimulates the immune system; helps regulate blood sugar and insulin levels; combats mental and physical fatigue; helps prevent atherosclerosis; prevents an enlarged prostate; used in weight-loss programs.

Ginseng Root Extract

Ginseng is one the best known and widely prescribed herbs in Chinese medicine as a general adaptogenic and restorative tonic for just about any problem. Approximately 29 ginsenocides, known by their scientific name “tripterpenoid saponins” and also sometimes called panaxosides, have been identified in ginseng root. These ginsenocides have been demonstrated to have a powerful function as an adaptogen, invaluable in helping the body adapt to and recover from the effects of stress, disease, and fatigue. They also contain a strong anti-oxidant component that has been shown in clinical studies to aid in combating the effects of aging. Additionally, saponins are analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, and a regulator of blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure.  Ginseng also contains several steroid compounds, including panaxtriol. The steroid components contained in ginseng are remarkably similar to anabolic steroids found naturally in the human body. While this makes ginseng root ideal for athletes and body builders looking for safe natural alternatives to anabolic steroid use, it is considered wise for pregnant women to avoid prolonged ginseng use. However, it is recommended to women for treatment of post-menopausal symptoms.  Recently it has been discovered that germanium is also a component of whole ginseng root, which has a powerful dehydrogenating effect and is considered beneficial and essential to proper bodily function, especially in organs such as the liver.

Maca Root Extract

Maca is considered by researchers to be a true ‘adaptogen’.  An adaptogen is a substance which raises the non-specific resistance in an organism.  Adaptogens enable the body to enhance its power of resistance and adapt to external conditions.  They work with the bodies natural rhythms to help rebuild week immune systems, re-mineralize poorly nourished bodies, and increase energy and endurance.

Some reported benefits of maca include: Increased energy and endurance; Improved sexual function in men and women; aids in alleviating depression, gives a sense of well being, reduces anxiety; has a beneficial action on the circulatory system; speeds wound healing and reduces anemia; has a beneficial action on the circulatory system; gives skin a more youthful appearance.

Quebracho Extract

A powerful anti-oxidant.

White Willow Bark Extract

White willow bark is used for conditions that cause pain, inflammation, or fever, such as: Acute back pain, fever, flu, joint pain, osteoarthritis, pain. People take white willow bark instead of aspirin because it does not appear to be as irritating to the stomach lining. It may be because the salicin found naturally in white willow bark is only converted to the acid form after it is absorbed by the stomach.  Researchers have also suggested that white willow bark is more effective than aspirin because of other active compounds that are found in the bark but not the drug.

Acai Berry Extract

The predominant beneficial substances in the acai berry are polyphenols, flavonoids, mostly of the anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins categories.  The dark purple skin of the acai berry has many times the anthocyanin content as red wine. The acai berry has shown powerful anti-oxidant properties and also contains two essential fatty acids known as Omega 6 (Linoleic Acid) and Omega 9 (Oleic Acid).  Research shows that Omega 6 helps lower LDL, which is the harmful cholesterol.  Omega 9 fatty acids also assist in lowering LDL while assisting in maintaining HDL (beneficial cholesterol) levels.

Variety Juice Extracts / Stevia Leaf Extract

Provides a delicious berry flavor ‘naturally’ without the immense documented negative health effects from artificial sweeteners including Aspartame, Saccharin, Splenda, and others.

bHIP Energy

A new breed of ‘healthy’ energy delivered ‘naturally’ without the harmful effects of artificial caffeine, stimulants, or by-products.

Katharine Eustace Fundraising Rogaine

Katharine Eustace Fundraising Rogaine

Time has come  -  if you wish to enter the Rogaine and help Katharine out with her quest for the 2011 World Champs, click on this link and fill in the entry form.  It does not cost anything until you get your map – just pay $20 on the day.  We need to get an idea of numbers as your $20 includes a meal afterwards!  We have a very interesting course designed – great for beginners and the more experienced alike.   Click here to Enter      If you’re not into Rogaining or you are a rogainer and have friends that would like to come along and have a meal, you can still join in on all the fun of the auction etc. – feel free - this will only cost  $20 per person. Kicks off around 4.30pm.  We would love to see you.    Katharine Eustace Fundraising Rogaine  25 September 2010 Wanaka 6 hour map hand out 9am, Start 10pm 3 hour map hand out 12pm, Start 1pm Family Fun Day Come and join us for a fun Rogaine 3hr & 6hr  options Albert Town Tavern followed by a meal all for just $20 – Auction to follow All Proceeds going to help Katharine Eustace represent NZ at the 2011 World Cup and World Curcuit Help Katharine reach her goal Enter online and pay on the day Questions? Call Ed 027 4451 091

Previous Rogaine results, reports and pics…

Mainly Tramping Wanaka Rogaine (Snowfarm) Nov 2009 results. Report and photos.

Wanaka Mitre Rogaine (Bendigo Station) May 2010  results. Report and phots

Run / Tramp (up to) 12 hr Start time 9.00am $65 per person

• 7.30 am Registration and Gear check
• 8.00 am Map handout
• 8.45am Course briefing

Run/ Tramp (up to) 6 hr Start time 1.00pm $55 per person

• 11.30 am Registration and Gear check
• 12.00pm Map handout
• 12.45pm Course briefing

New Sections:

MTB/Run/ Tramp (up to) 6 hr Start time 10.30am

$55 per person

• 9.00 am Registration and Gear check
• 9.45 am Map handout
• 10.15 am Course briefing

GRAB A MAP

This section is designed for beginners who would like to learn how it all works. $50 per team. Non competetive introduction to Rogaining. We give you a map and instruction on how to read it/navigate. Then you can head out and see how many ‘controls’ you can find. No merit prizes but some spot prizes. Start when ever you like after 10.30am, must be back by 4pm. Does not include race-pack or post event meal.

Secondary Schools MTB/Run/ Tramp (up to) 5 hr Start time 10am

$55 per team

• 9.00 am Registration and Gear check
• 9.30 am Course briefing and map handout

We are making up a special ‘pink schist’ rock trophy for the winning team to take back to their school.

Please read code of conduct (click here) Please read Rogaine Rules (click here)

There is a minimum gear requirement of water proof jacket, long sleeve merino or thermal top, long jons, woollen or polyprop hat, gloves, emergency blanket, whistle, cell phone, headlight/torch, compass, food – per person. 1 basic first aid kit per team.

There will be a free post event hot meal provided. Prizes awarded for the worthy and the lucky. Special prizes for the Champion Business of $1000 1st, $500 2nd and $250 3rd worth of advertising thanks to

Late entries accepted from 24th May and on the day, cash only, $15 late fee per Adult -

Bendigo Report and Results

Results.

Well, what to say? There was almost the ‘perfect’ storm of challenges presented to participants at Bendigo in the weekend.

The fog on the lower sections and the snow on the higher sections certainly made things more difficult. The front faces covered in Manuka scrub were always going to be difficult anyway and then add to that a course set by Terry who did things a little different to how Ed usually does them.

The main thing is I hope nobody feel’s bad that they had a ‘bad day’ and knocked their rogaining confidence too much because EVERYBODY had a bad day if you compare the average scores to previous years Rogaines.

Two folks who made the most of their day were Roger Slow and Natalie Menzies – Roger proposed by control 88! Congratulations Roger and Natalie. For you guys at least, Bendigo will forever be remembered as the ‘Rogaine of Romance’.

In the future Ed will be setting the courses again and will take you back to landscapes with  more definable features.

A huge thanks to the ‘Friends of Tarras School’ for putting on the hot food for you all at the end of your day. Many thanks also to John and Dan Perriam for allowing us such unrestricted access to their highcountry station. And thanks again too to Mitre 10 Wanaka for continuing to be such a fantastic supporter of our winter Rogaines.

Thanks very much to all of you for making the big effort just to turn up and participate  under quite extreme conditions (especially for those who travelled so far).

Keep fit and well and we look forward to seeing you all again at futre events or just out in the hills.

Terry and Ed.

PS does anyone have any photos? Send ‘em in and we’ll add them here. Thanks Malcolm for these ones already.

The BIG EASY report & photos

Well the weather was lovely at the finish line, pity about the clouds (fog) that hid the view from the riders along the Criffel range.

Over-all the day was a great success with nearly 300 riders taking the challenge they thought wouldn’t be as bad as all those other MTB races that seem to put more emphasis on the effort involved rather than the fun of mountain biking.

However, the ‘EASY’ may have been over stated and the ‘undulations’ could better have been described as a series of up-hills and down-hills… It turns out easy is a relative term and what Terry described as easy was a very worthy effort for most who took part!

It was certainly ‘epic’ country to ride over and starting from the Snow Farm instead of down in the Cardrona valley made it easier than it could have been to cover the same country.

Next year maybe we’ll have a rest station setup about half way with hors’durves to encourage a more leisurely pace??

The Big NOT so EASY certinly lived up to it’s name. There were  a few comments at the end that it could of quite honestly been called the ‘Absolutely not bloody easy at all!’

Lots of comments about the awesomeness of both rides and those on the NOT so EASY even got above the clouds for a brief glimpse of the stunning views that should of been on offer for all.

Did anybody get any photos? We’ll put up a free entry to any of our events for the best photo emailed to us.

We’ve had a variety of distances submitted from various riders, the NOT so EASY varying from 51km to 72km!! With the couple of last minute changes we made to the course I believe the NOT so EASY was about 55kms and the BIG EASY 38kms, feel free to send in your own measurements.

Many thanks to the great sponsors- especially the Albert Town Tavern, Jamis, Export 33, Thunder Bikes, and Q92MoreFM.

Helicopter view of the BIG EASY on You Tube

Check this out to get an idea of the country and trails we’re going over on the BIG EASY and Big NOT so EASY.
Thanks very much to our good freinds at Wanaka Helicopters. Don’t worry- the snow should be gone by the end of January!

Jamis is the Albert Town Tavern BIG EASY bike sponsor

All entries into the Albert Town Tavern BIG EASY MTB ride will go in the draw to win a fantastic full suspension, disc braked Jamis Dakar XC valued at nearly $2000. (Wanaka Jan 23rd 2010)

Should we give it away befor the race so whoever wins it gets to ride it straight away?? Waddaya reckon?

Fundraising Rogaine a huge success- Thanks Wanaka!

A fantastic success is all that could be said about the special fundraising Rogaine/Auction held around Wanaka on Saturday just been. Over $6600 was raised and every penny of it will go towards Katharine’s 2010 Winter Olympic bid. See the full list of results here

Get yourself a free entry

Would you like a free entry to one of our events?  You can volunteer for one of our events and get a free entry for another event  OR, you can get a friend or family member to volunteer at the event you want to compete in.

For further information contact Terry at Highland Events.

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