Friday Faves

It’s hard to believe that another month is almost over. Time to take a look at this months favorite things!

AllTrails – I found this website when I started looking for local trails, then I discovered the app for my phone. You can search by location, or specific needs like biking or dog friendly. I’ve found a ton of new trails I can’t wait to explore, and now I have no excuse for not having enough trail runs this summer!

Hart of Dixie – This has been my latest Netflix addiction, even though it’s a few years old. I went through season one and two in an embarrassingly quick amount of time, and liked it better than I thought. I’m still waiting on season three to be uploaded, but once it does, I’ll be unreachable for a few days.

Oiselle Stride Shorts – I used to wear spandex in HS and college, but after I graduated, I didn’t feel I was in shape enough for them. I finally bit the bullet and purchased the Stride Shorts and fell in love! They fit perfectly, hide sweat and they have a built in pocket. These are my new go to shorts for track days.

stride short with zip pocket

Sport Beans Protein Recovery Crisps – Jelly Belly has done it again. I discovered the recovery crisps last year, but had trouble finding them in stores. Now that I’m able to find them closer, I can’t help but buy a few bags at a time. These are perfect for post run hunger, especially when I have to drive home from a race. Plus they’re not heavy on the stomach, and gluten free/peanut free for those who follow a certain diet. Chocolate is by far the favorite flavor, in my opinion.

Nuun of the Month – Watermelon is the perfect summer flavor. It’s fun, refreshing and has a bunch of flavor. This was a limited flavor last year, but looks to back for the long haul. Right now all orders from Nuun ship for free through Sunday, June 29th. Be sure to stock up now!

Watermelon

 

What are your favorite things? What’s your summer drink of choice?

Friday Faves – May

It seems like it’s been longer than a month since I did my Friday Faves, but it’s that time again! This month is definitely a mix, but that’s what keeps it interesting!

The Piano Guys – Now that I’m finally able to turn off the heater in my office, I needed something to listen to that wouldn’t distract others at work. I turned on Pandora and found these guys. It’s the perfect music to listen to while concentrating on work. Plus the mash ups they do are fantastic! My favorites are The Cello Song and Beethoven’s 5 Secrets.

Erica Sara Bracelet – Over the past year I’ve had my eye on a few pieces of jewelry, but could never decide which one I wanted. I finally decided on the Every Mile bracelet and I’m absolutely in love. The saying, ” Every mile becomes a part of me” has so much meaning to me. And the best part, it fits my tiny wrist! Now to figure out my next piece….

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Oiselle’s Scantron Tank – I bought this tank as part of my race day outfit for Medina, but once I tried it out, I didn’t want to wait to race in it. It’s so light and freeing, it’s perfect for all weather. I love that its loose around the stomach so it doesn’t stick to you when the humidity is making everything else cling. I got the fresh green, but the brill blue is looking pretty good.

Cheez-It Grooves – I have an addiction, and I’m not about to fight it. I tried these crackers at a wine tasting a few months ago and I haven’t been able to put them down. As soon as I get home from work, the box is in my hands. I personally think they’re paired best with a port wine cheese dip. Yum….

Yum

GE Wine & Dine Events – We’re big fans of Buehler’s for our grocery shopping, but when a friend told us that Giant Eagle hosted a wine and dine night, we almost didn’t think twice. Once a month, they host a 6 course dinner that has a wine tasting for each part of the meal. For only $20 a person, or $35 for a couple, you get to try new foods and wines and meet some great people. This past event had a kale and yam salad, salmon, stuffed mushrooms, beef brisket, shrimp and Spanish chorizo, and turtle cheesecake.

Nuun of the Month: Strawberry Lemonade. This flavor is perfect for the summer. It’s light and refreshing, combining a few of my favorite flavors into one. Now until Tuesday, May 27th, Nuun is offering free shipping. Make sure to jump on their website and stock up now!

 

What are you currently raving about?

 

 

Nuun Giveaway Winner!

Thanks to everyone who entered to win my Nuun giveway last week. I’m glad I could share my favorite things, and hopefully you’ll try them out!

Congrats to the winner Aimee! Send me an email at masherruns@gmail.com and we’ll get you all set up!

 

Winner winner!

Winner winner!

Friday Faves and a Giveaway!

April happens to be my favorite month, mostly because it’s my birthday month, so I wanted to do something a little different this time. This month, I wanted to share a list of my favorite things, and as a little bonus, a giveaway!

Favorite Shoes: Asics GT 2000 – These shoes, they are heavenly. I first tried them on at the Columbus Marathon expo in 2012, and I’ve never looked back. I’ve gone through a couple pairs, and I’ve never been more satisfied with a shoe. I’ve always been an Asics’ girl, but these are hands down my favorite. They recently released the GT 2000-2 which are currently sitting in my closet waiting for their first run!

Asics GT-2000, Heaven for your feet

Asics GT-2000, Heaven for your feet

Favorite Half Marathon: Sandy Ridge Half Marathon – No longer around, this half marathon will always have a place in my heart. This course ran on my street and surrounding roads I grew up running on, the roads where I fell in love with running. My favorite moment of this race was running by my parent’s house, hearing them cheer and seeing words of encouragement sprayed onto the road.

Run!

Run!

Favorite 5k: Love-A-Stray 5k – I’ve run this race every year it’s been around, and will be running it for the third straight year next weekend. I grew up volunteering at the Love-A-Stray shelter and adopted two cats from them as well, so this race has always held a special place in my heart. Registration is still open if you’re interested in running, pups can join too!

Mile 2-3

On course last year

Favorite Place to Run – I will always love running in the Cleveland Metro Parks. There are so many opportunities and trails to discover, it’s hard to have a bad day running there. I don’t get there as often as I used to, so my second favorite has become Buckeye Woods and slowly creeping up to my number one spot.

Welcome to my happy place.

Welcome to my happy place.

Favorite Band on my iPod – Anberlin has been a favorite for a long time. Whether it’s a long run, or a race, they pump me up and remind me of how far I’ve come. They’re finishing up their last year together, but listening to them will always be a good reminder of the many, many miles I’ve run.

Favorite Run Fuel – Sport Beans are without a doubt my favorite thing to snack on during long runs and races. With such a sweet tooth, I’m not sure how I keep these in stock at home. I did a review last year, and naturally my favorite was and still is Lemon Lime. Best packet for long runs? That definitely has to be the assorted pack. This year they’ve introduced Extreme Pomegranate and Extreme Assorted.

Sport Bean Flavors

Sport Bean Flavors

Favorite Nuun – It’s no surprise that my favorite Nuun is Lemon Lime. Lemon Lime has always been my thing, and Nuun does it perfectly. They recently came out with Nuun Energy, which keeps the refreshing taste of the lemon lime flavor, but adds caffeine to stay hydrated and awake all day. Can you say perfection?

How do you make Lemon Lime better? Add caffeine!

How do you make Lemon Lime better? Add caffeine!

So here’s my chance to share the love of one of my favorite things. The awesome folks at Nuun are joining in on my birthday month and letting one lucky winner pick their favorite Nuun 4 pack for themselves! Here are the rules:

  • The contest will run from Friday, April 18th to Thursday April 24th, ending at 9:00 EST.
  • A winner will be randomly picked and announced on the blog on Friday, April 25th.
  • You may enter one time per option, leave a comment telling me which options you choose.

Here’s how to enter!

Good luck and stay hydrated!

Friday Faves

It’s Friday! Which can only mean one thing, it’s time for the December edition of my Friday Faves! Just like last month, I have a variety of favorite things, not just focused on running. Have a look to see what I’m currently digging, and maybe they’ll become a favorite of yours as well!

Out of Milk App–  Melissa wrote about some apps that were must haves on her phone a couple weeks ago. After checking out her post, I immediately downloaded this app. It’s the perfect way to keep track of all your groceries. My favorite thing about this app, you can share it between people, so Darren and I can both add things to the list. You can also scan the barcode of an item you need to add, perfect for when you run out of something and need to replace it. Seriously, download this app, it will make your grocery shopping easier than ever!

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Days of Gold by Jake Owen- I absolutely love this album. I grew up on country, then got out of it for a while, and then got back into it. When I got back into it, Jake Owen was one of my top artists on my iPod. He just released Days of Gold this month and it is by far my favorite album of his yet. Top picks on this album: Days of Gold, Beachin’, Tall Glass of Something

Source

Breaking Bad – Ok, so we’re late to the party on this one, but we’ve somehow become addicted. We started Breaking Bad on Netflix about two weeks ago, thinking of trying a few episodes and finishing the rest over Christmas. Not possible! It’s such an odd show, and definitely something I didn’t think I’d like, but we just can’t get enough. We’re almost done with season 3 and will definitely finish the series up by the new year.

6pm.com – I’ve used this site over the past couple of years and it’s great for getting discounted clothes/shoes/accessories, but more specifically running clothes. They tend to carry items that are a little older or have been discontinued, and you can usually get at least 40% off most items. They don’t have all the brands I like, but it’s great site to stock up on my Asics tights and jackets.

Starbucks Gingerbread Latte- Ok, another thing that I’m a little late on, but this year I discovered the Gingerbread Latte from Starbucks. In years past I’ve usually been chugging the Campfire Mocha from Caribou all winter long, but since they’re no longer in Ohio, I had to find a new winter drink. This has definitely become my new go to winter coffee and I simply can’t get enough.

So there are my favorite things for December. A little bit of everything, but all great things. Go ahead and try one or all of them, you won’t be disappointed!

What are you currently digging? 

Run Rave, Summer Runs

I’ve spent a lot of time running this summer, which means I’ve had a lot of time to figure out which clothes and fuels work best for those long, hot runs. Even though summer will be winding down soon, I wanted to share what I’ve grown to love.

Oiselle Roga Shorts

These shorts are absolutely perfect for those hot, sweaty long runs. The material doesn’t stick to you and keeps  you cool whether it’s sweat or rain. Plus, with a pocket in the front and in the back, you have plenty of room to hold everything you need. These are my new go to shorts.

Nike G87 tank

Source

I love this tank. It’s long enough that it doesn’t ride up during runs, but also light enough that it doesn’t weigh down when you start to sweat. Even better, no  matter how many times you wash it, it doesn’t shrink or feel too tight when you put it back on. Permanent tank tan from this top, most definitely.

Honey Stinger waffles

Colorado provides another product I’m in love with. Honey Stinger waffles are perfect to refuel with something light during the long run. The taste isn’t overpowering and they’re easy to chew mid run. They’re also organic, which is great for anyone who’s looking for healthier fueling foods. My favorite flavor? Lemon, of course!

ProCompression socks

I’ve been a fan of ProCompression socks for quite some time. I always use them for my longer distance races and recovery post long runs. I can’t imagine how my legs would feel if I didn’t wear these. I love that they have a variety of colors and have a sale each month. I may or  may not have at least 8 pairs. This month’s specialty sock is Royal Blue. Save 40% off at checkout with the code BLUE.

Road ID App

I’m so thankful for my Road ID, and hope I never have to depend on it. I wear it every single time I run outside. But what happens if the band breaks or it gets lost? Road ID has now created an app for your smart phone. You can have all of  your emergency information, and activate the function that allows your emergency contacts to track your run. Just another way of keeping you safe on the roads or trails.

So there you have it, just some of the latest products I’m liking. Some are perfect for summer, and some for all year long. Make sure to check them out, you never know, you may love them too!