I’m a little hit and miss on it, but when I can, I LOVE to participate in the Friday Five Link Up with Eat Pray Run DC! It’s a great way to “meet” new bloggers and the content is fun and engaging.

Today is awesome day for me because the kids are off school, I’m off work, my husband isn’t traveling and we have NOTHING planned. I am literally giddy with excitement! We also attended a FANTASTIC fashion show and benefit last night and I felt like I was at my prom. Because I never went to prom. So sad. But that’s a post for another day. Today’s topic for the link up is Five Favorite Fuels and it’s pretty easy for me so let’s go!

Aren’t we cute? We’ve been dating for almost 27 years;).

1. A Good Cause – yes, nothing revs my engine in my running and my life like participating in something I believe in. We were at a benefit last night for My Refuge House and if you’ve never heard of them or if you’re looking for a place to spend $16 a month to change the life of a girl that’s been rescued out of the sex trade, look them up and do it. The way this team of women is saving these girls blows my mind. They’re going from living on the street to getting their education and dreaming of being writers and teachers. Amazing.
   
2. Nuun (wow, what a horrible segway. Oh well). I first tried Nuun about 3 months ago and now order it in bulk from Amazon. I’m not selling it, I’m not sponsored by them (although if you’re listening I could wrap my brain around that, Nuun People;). I like most of the flavors EXCEPT for the lemon lime. Gag. I drink it before, during, and after long runs and also at least once during any day I’m running at all. Love this stuff. And as a girl who once had my blood pressure dip dangerously low due to de-hydration (even though I was drinking plenty of water) I know the importance of good electrolyte replacement. 
   
3. Vanilla Cliff Shots (sans caffeine). I can’t do caffeine in anything during a run because it causes an unfortunate side affect to my GI tract, but these little packets are pure gold to me. Love the taste and they keep me from bonking every time.
4. Cereal. My new hat trick the night before a race is a big bowl of Cornflakes or Rice Chex with milk (lactose free thank you very much). It’s the right blend of carbs and has some iron in it too (says anemia girl – sheesh I’m like a delicate running nutritional flower! Pathetic).
   
5. For recovery, Vega Protein Powder. As a vegetarian, I really struggle getting enough protein in me when I’m training for a big race and I love this stuff. I mix it in my blender with a banana and some ice and it’s oh so tasty after a long hot effort!
   
   I hope today finds you having an Awesome Day too!! I’ve got 12 miles up for tomorrow if the weather holds and I’m actually looking forward to it. We’re already five weeks into this marathon training plan, and I’m starting to think I can actually do it! Hurray!
   I hope you’re feeling blessed, strong, and like the amazing human being that God loves that you are today.
   Happy running.