Favorite Things–May 2011

Running/Training:

Let’s talk dollars and cents (or sense). When you train you spend the big bucks on fueling. Gus, chomps, blox, gels, sport’s drink, etc. I cut costs where I can.

Instead of chomps or gels, I’ve been using Welch’s fruit snacks. They are a fraction of the price ($.13 per serving vs. $.75 per gel/chomp serving) and the nutritional info is comparable.

Fruit Snacks:

Chomps:

Keep in mind, the serving size of Chomps is 30g, the fruit snacks are 25 g. Also you get two servings  in the Chomp bag, but the price for the snacks is still 1/4 of the Chomps. You do not get your electrolytes with the fruit snacks, so if you want ‘em, you’ll need those from sport’s drink or electrolyte tabs. Carbs, sugar and calories are comparable.

It’s easy to grab one of these between a bike and run or to carry a couple with you on a long run. I get the jumbo 80 pack for super cheap at Costco for about $11.

Brain Food/Reading:

I’ve been so busy lately I’ve had a tough time getting into books. I’m a huge reader. One of my favorite things is getting so absorbed in a book I can’t think straight. I picked up this one, since it seemed like lighter summer reading, not expecting much. I’m only half way in, but am loving the story of friendship and “coming of age.” (Amazon $8.79).

I’ve always got a non-fiction book on my night stand, just to keep me balanced. This month I’ve been loving this one. It reminds me to stay centered in my running and to remember why I like to do it. (Amazon $9.56).

Aging/Health

Over the years I’ve neglected my skin, now I’m playing catch up. I’ve gotten very disciplined about washing and moisturizing my face at night. I  can’t afford all these fancy creams and such, so I choose one good quality item to mix in with my Oil of Olay routine. My friend Erika turned me onto this while we were in Vegas dehydrating and damaging our bodies.

This one is “a moisturizing antioxidant serum that protects your skin from damaging environmental pollutants. Helps fight free radical damage that causes visible aging while hydrating and smoothing skin.” Maybe I’m high in crack, but I swear I noticed a difference right away. Smoother. Radiant. (Amazon $36.00)

Family Health/Nutrition

I’m lucky on this one. Many of you will not have access to this gem. I was visited this week by a wholesome gentleman in an unpretentious and simple blue truck. He is from our local dairy: Royal Crest (okay, this was not the exact man who showed up).

He talked me into getting weekly milk delivery. I spend $6/gallon on hormone free (bovine growth hormone) milk at the grocery store. Royal Crest’s is hormone free and is $3.49/gallon. When you receive it in the cooler on your doorstep, it is only 2 days old. Fresh off the cow’s teat. Best part? Tastes amazing. Comes in chocolate too. They also deliver cookie dough, so it could get ugly.

Clothing

Cute Running Shirts offered to send me a couple of their shirts. I am loving the ones they sent. They both say “Tri Hard” – one is a tech shirt and one is a regular t-shirt in the softest of cotton. (both shirts $34 each).

The tech shirt (looking a tad possessed here):

T-shirt:

What are you loving this month?

SUAR

Please note: I recommend these products without any incentive. I was not sent items to review or paid for my reviews.