Keep Going, Just Keep Going!...5 {Fitness} Favorites

Last week our family enjoyed the beauty of two incredible days where the temps climbed all the way up to seventy degrees. You better believe we dashed through the school work in order to spend as much time outside as possible, soaking in the blessing of the warmth - a welcome retreat from the confines of home!

I was also able to sneak in a couple of longs runs, which gave me a serious hankering for spring, and deepened my excitement for the two half-marathons I have on schedule for May.  Here are five awesome race training favorites...

/1./  Power Packed Protein Bites

Fuel! Fuel is a super important part of any fitness routine.  Whether you run, bike, swim, CrossFit, or hit the gym every day, fueling well and fueling smart can make all the difference in the world. One of my favorite fuels that is budget friendly, easy to make, good for you (and for your kids), and super yummy are these protein bites.  A good friend of mine gave me the recipe a couple of years ago, and I've been hooked ever since.  You can whip them up in a jiffy (no baking!)!

/2./  Nuun Hydration

When it comes to working out, more important than fueling is hydration. Typically athletes think of staying hydrated during and after a workout, but it's really important to go into a workout already in a good state of hydration.  Your muscles are 80% water, so optimal performance depends on hydration. I love the Nuun line of products for so many reasons.  The Nuun All Day, or Nuun U Natural are great for sipping on throughout the day, and Nuun Active and Nuun Energy are perfect for endurance sports.  Our boys love the tabs and have been sharing them with their fellow athletes. I think we've inspired some Gatorade die-hards to make the switch!

/3./  Athlights

Do you love to run, walk, or bike outdoors in the evening? Me too! But, I see a lot of people out on the roads at sunset without any type of reflective gear on, and this is not wise! I came across an article in Runner's World featuring a product called Athlights.  They are little magnetic blinking lights that you can attach to your clothing, hats, fuel belts or bicycle. I love their versatility, that you don't have to wrestle with awkward or uncomfortable straps, and that kids can use them, too. Stick some to the fridge and they'll always be right there where you need them!

/4./ Encouragement & Inspiration

Setting any kind of fitness goal requires a good amount of grit and determination, especially if you're going solo.  I love to keep a Pinterest board full of encouraging fitness quotes that help me stay positive and to feel encouraged when training gets tough.  Our little athletes also enjoy reading them with me - bonus!

/5./  Sworkit

When the snow and ice keep me from getting outdoors, I move my training indoors.  We don't have a gym membership or a treadmill, and I'm not a big fan of exercise videos.  But, I really like the Sworkit app a lot.  It's mobile, user friendly, and you never get the same work-out twice.  You can choose between strength training, cardio, yoga, stretching, abs and more.  There's something for everyone at every level.  Every exercise comes with a visual demo, verbal cues for changing exercises, and a custom timer in five minute increments.  Added bonus? No annoying music.  Turn on your favorite jams and you're ready to go!

When it comes to exercise and goal-setting,

What keeps you going??