Let’s face it. It takes a lot to keep me going. I mean, you can’t look this awesome all the time.

I decided to have a little bit of fun with this week’s Friday Favorites and Friday 5, the theme of which is fueling. I’ve done something similar to this in the past, but as that was when only Caitlin, Sarah, and my mommy read my blog, I thought that I would reprise the topic.

And thus, I present to you my “Five Favorite Ways to Fuel/Refuel for Fitness Activities,” broken down into legitimate ways to fuel, and legitimate but not appropriate for serious fueling (but if you’re wanting to just have some fun, go for it). Also, if you want to see another previous iteration with a more technical breakdown of the way I used to fuel up the day before I race (I have just been lucky enough to loosen some of these “rules” in the months since), check out this post.

Fueling Suzlyfe (In order of Consumption)

1) Day before Hydration:

2) Race Morning Breakfast: (and what I ate before the marathon)

Thomas Original English Muffin

Nut Butter of Choice

Clif Z Bar Honey Graham

Wooohooo

3) (Non-Caffeinated) During-Race Fuel

Jelly Belly Sport Beans (Regular)–I like the small sample sizes for this

Fruity Chew Candy and Butterscotch–Fill up at bulk candy stores!

if this doesn’t make you smile you don’t have a heart

4) (Caffeinated) During-Race Fuel:

Extreme Sport Beans

5) Refueling:

Chocolate Milk

Drink with Protein, Sugar, and Carbs

Larabar

Blue Corn Tortilla Chips

Apple

Pretzels

Carbs

Now it is time for the fun part of carb loading:

1) Thin Crust Pizza

Thin Crust Pizza

2) Crabbies (with lots of water)

Had this the night before

3) Sweet Potato Fries

Refueled with these after (not from D4, but just as delicious)

4) Oats

Protein Oatmeal

Cherry Apple Pie Gluten Free Protein Oats

5) Ice Cream (DUH)

OM NOM NOM NOM NOM

And on a cheesy, but totally true note? The best fuel is a great crowd, some motivating tunes, and good friends to run with. And the promise of the later 5 things waiting for you at the finish line. Yeah. Mostly that ;D

What are your favorite serious and fun ways to fuel your life? How do you find balance with what you eat so that you know that you are getting your body ready for whatever is coming next?