Sponsor Shout-Out

Introducing ~ "Chia New Zealand"

If you have ventured into the world of ultra running and treated yourself to a read of the book “Born To Run” by Christopher McDougall then you have heard of chia … the amazing little seed that packs a mighty punch.

This is what Monica Van Zandt, author and foodie has to say:

“In terms of nutritional content, a tablespoon of chia is like a

smoothie made from salmon, spinach, and human growth

hormone. As tiny as those seeds are, they're superpacked

with Omega-3s, protein, calcium, iron, zinc, fiber and antioxidants.”

Whether Christopher McDougall made these little powerhouses famous when he introduced us to the Tarahumara runners or not is debateable but they have certainly seen a rise in popularity over the last decade.

One New Zealand company saw the benefits in these seeds and created a most delightful drink from them. Based in Nelson, Chloe had a vision and set out to provide something that is not only nutritious but also delicious …. all those amazing benefits with an awesome taste to boot.

Directly from Chia +Awaka Website:

“CHIA provides children and adults with a vegetarian form of omega 3

along with essential nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, iron,

potassium and naturally occurring electrolytes. CHIA is rich in both

soluble and insoluble fibre, fibre is usually extracted from other juices

but is important for blood sugar regulation and digestion which makes

CHIA more like a food than a drink.

Chia seeds hold more than 10 times their weight in water; hydrating

the seed helps increase your body’s ability to absorb the nutrients.

It is also what creates the fun gel around the chia seed in our CHIA drinks.”

I discovered Chia New Zealand's chia not long after they came on the scene. I'd been making my own chia drinks for running and one day was strolling through a supermarket and spotted a bottle sitting on the shelf. With much excitement I purchased a bottle and downed its delicousness immediately. I then set about getting it stocked in the retail outlet I worked in at the time … such was my pleasure in this product. It wasn't all fun though … when my eldest daughter first tried it she asked if she should chew it or swallow it … we had a few giggles around that!

When I completed my first half marathon a few months later all I consumed was a bottle of Chia on the start line. I completed the half marathon with a few sips of water at the aid stations and that was it … powered by Chia ... and I finished feeling awesome!

While drinking seeds is not everybodies cup of tea (we will make sure we have some tea bags and hot water for those who prefer their drinks hot), we believe that the combination of essential fatty acids, protein and antioxidants along with all those delightful minerals is a great way to fuel, hydrate and replenish the body during and after an endurance run and we are delighted to have Chia as a sponsor for Krayzie K's … providing drinks for all athletes to sample at the finish line.

Endurance athletes Richard & Elena Ussher are just some of the athletes that are powered by Chia and they're not going to settle for something that doesn't provide them with the hydration and nutrition they need for their mighty endurance adventures.

When looking for organisations and businesses to sponsor Krayzie K's we wanted to partner with those who made a difference in New Zealand ... we wanted local businesses and or those that helped to support, enhance or enrich the environment and thereby enrich your experience as trail runners. Chia is a South Island business and they package their products in glass bottles that are recyclable ... we love this about the product and are thrilled to receive support from a locally owned business. We hope that their support of Krayzie K's results in extra support for this amazing little company.

You can check out the history of Chia and their amazing products on their website www.chia.co.nz or follow them on Facebook at ChiaNewZealand - they'd love to have you along.