Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

As our runs have continued to get longer and longer, the need for hydration throughout the run has become greater. Coach Kelly recommended a hydration belt which holds four 8oz bottles of liquid and has a little pocket for (kale) chapstick or our energy gels. I researched the belts online and found out they were kind of costly for the right one. I am all for having the right tools for the right job though, so I was willing to overlook the cost to (not die) have the right tools for a successful half marathon. So, the other night we went to the running store to try on the belts to see what sizes we needed. The belts were $46 each at the running store and only slightly less expensive for a lesser version online. Ouch. We left the store intent on ordering the slightly less cool version online and went across the street to TJMaxx to look for something totally unrelated. We were standing there looking at laptop bags when I lamented, “I sure wish they had our Fuel Belts here.” and completely unaffected Sandy said, “Do  you mean those over there?” Hanging just below where I had been looking were two of the exact Fuel Belts Coach Kelly had recommended in our sizes and in the exact color I would have picked out if I had been given the opportunity. They were $14.99 each!! It was so bizarre and exciting I felt like we were on a Law of Attraction game show.

So we had our new Fuel Belts for our first ever 7 mile run on Saturday. We ran on a series of trails  called Rails- to-Trails. They are hard packed dirt and gravel trails perfect for running, hiking and biking. According to their site, the  Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has created 19,000 miles of rail-trail throughout the country, with more than 9,000 miles of potential rail-trails waiting to be built. The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy  is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., whose mission it is to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors to build healthier places for healthier people. The ones we ran on were pristine and had several nature preserves on either side. We ran by lakes, swamps, turtles and exotic looking birds. Click here to find your closest Rail-to-Trails.

Enter to Win

I am very excited to announce that I have added a  new feature on the blog to enable you to help spread some compassionate consumption. When you are looking at a post, the new bar will pop up on the bottom of your screen. Please use the new tool bar to share Exploits with everyone you know. I would love to thank you with exciting prizes.  Vegan wannabes, friends, and occasional readers, please help me share this blog. Ways you can help:

1. “Like” Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe on Facebook

2. Follow us on Twitter at VeganW

3. Share a few  posts (every single post) on Facebook with your Friends

4. Tweet or retweet posts and recipes for all to enjoy

5. Ask people you like to “like” us. This feels like Middle School but I am begging now. Please like me.

Every time you do any one of these between now and next Saturday 8/21, let me know (email me, post on the blog, Facebook on Exploits or Tweet on VeganW) nd you will be entered to win one of two fabulous prizes from our friends at CT Soaps and Candles. They are both worth coveting and the perfect gift for (yourself) any man or woman you would like to pamper.

The first prize is a 100 % soy aromatherapy candle with a hemp wick and an amazing scent. This one is part of Julie’s sinus relief  line which is one of my favorites because of its relaxing properties.

The other prize is a spearmint vegan lip balm paired with my absolute favorite Lemongrass Dill soap. It is  an aromatic pep talk in the morning from someone you really admire. It is like the best soy latte and breakfast in bed. It will help you begin your day beautifully.

Prizes are good and sharing is wonderful. Thank you for sharing Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe.

Have you enjoyed your Rails-to Trails? Would love to hear about it.

Have a delicious day.

Fuel belt image courtesy of greatracenutrition.com

Tags: compassionate eating, Ct Soaps and Candles, dairy free, Engine 2 Diet, enter to win, fuel belt, going veg, plant based diet, plant strong, Rails to Trails, the Kale Trail, the Kale Trail Update, trying vegan, trying vegetarian, vegan challenge, vegan experience, vegan prizes, vegan wannabe