Tag: beverage

It’s a popular question, what do you drink?  This can be in reference to while you are walking or running, while you are at work, while you are at home, while on vacation, etc.  I have my favorites and I’ll explain what they are, when I drink them and where you can get them for yourselves. I have hyperlinked the names of the beverages so that you can purchase them if you wish.  Yes, I do get compensated when you purchase through the links.

Crystal Light Sugar Free Wild Strawberry With Caffeine Powdered Drink Mix – this is kept in our refrigerator in a gallon container.  We drink this while at home and I also put it in my bottles that I use when out walking.  It also goes with us in our cooler when we are traveling. We like this because we get it in boxes of 30 packets and put four of them in the gallon container.  It’s a nice refreshing drink, especially over ice that I take with me to work and drink after my morning smoothie. Plus, the flavor holds up when it is in the little bottles on my water belt for training and racing.

V8 +energy drinks – These are natural energy drinks in a variety of flavors.  My favorite flavors are orange pineapple, raspberry vanilla, black cherry, and honey crisp apple berry.  I like the size of the cans – just 8 ounces, which fits nicely in the small cooler or my purse. I like to have a variety of flavors in the refrigerator, so that I don’t get bored with one flavor.  These do contain caffeine, 80 mg and it gets its caffeine from green tea, not artificially added.

Phyzix Zero energy drinks – when wanting something that is a bit more neutral in flavor, this is my go-to.  To me, it tastes like Squirt. Also, contains natural caffeine, this one gets its caffeine from green coffee beans.  Phyzix Zero is a bit bigger than the V8, coming in at 12 ounces.

Propel Electrolyte Water Beverage – another beverage that I like to keep stocked in my fridge.  My favorite flavor is grape. I drink these after my workouts and around the house, especially when it’s extra hot and muggy outside.

Cherry Republic Black Cherry Cream Soda – this is my ultimate favorite that I savor when I drink it.  Available only in glass bottles and through Cherry Republic themselves, no commission for me on this one.  You can order them online, but my favorite way to get them is to visit their store in Frankenmuth River Place Shops.  When you visit their stores you get to sample all their beverages and some of their food. These are all Michigan made with Michigan cherries.  A treat for any day.

These are the beverages that I keep stocked in my refrigerator.  Leave in the comments what your favorite beverages are.

You are ready to go out walking.  You have your shoes on, but are you going to be safe while you are out there?  What do you need to do to arrive back safely from your walk?  Let’s go through some of what you can do.

Emergency information – what should you have on you?

1. Your name
2. Any allergies
3. Medical issues such as diabetic, asthmatic, epileptic, etc.
4. Emergency contact person that is not walking with you

The above list will assist anyone that is around you when you are unable to speak for yourself for whatever reason.  My favorite product for emergency information are the bands by RoadID.  They have a variety of products that emergency personnel can get medical information about you including an electronic version with extensive medical information.  The more information about you that they have when you are unable to tell them yourself, the quicker they can help you. You can visit them here.

Headphones/earbuds – don’t wear them in both of your ears and don’t have them too loud. 

If you must wear headphones or earbuds, then have just one in and keep your other ear fully available to hear what is going on around you.  When you have them turned up and/or in both ears, you run the risk of not hearing people as they come up from behind and want to go around you.   You may also not hear bikes coming up behind you on a trail or vehicles on the road and you may step into their path without knowing it until you get into an accident.  

Reflective clothing

When you are out in the early morning or late evening hours vehicles need to see you.  There are reflective vests that will go over your clothing, no matter what you are wearing.  Another option is a headlamp, where you can better see where you are going and for others to see you.  Flashing lights come in a variety of options including ones you can have on your back.  One thing is for sure, do not wear all black without something reflective on it.  People are going to want to see you and you want them to see you.

Walk with a friend

Walking with a partner or a group is not only more fun but also gives you extra eyes and ears when looking out for your safety.  They can also assist you if you get hurt and watch out for people, bikes, and vehicles.

Mace or pepper spray

This is a great option to have available for unwanted animals or people getting too close and posing a threat.  I recommend carrying this when you are out by yourself.  Although you never know if you may need it for animals when in a group.

Water/beverage

You’ll want to make sure that you have water or some sort of electrolyte beverage to drink.  This is especially important when it’s hot and humid out.  You’ll need to keep hydrated.  Dehydration is not a good thing and can be dangerous.  You can either carry it in your hands or buy a belt that will carry your beverage for you. There are a variety of belts to fit the way you like.

Snacks while walking

Yes, you read that correctly.  You’ll want snacks.  I recommend something small such as raisins, peanuts/nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, jelly beans or hard candies.  These will be easy to fit in your waist pack.

These are not all-inclusive, but a starter to get you thinking about safety when you go out walking.