Recent purchases and reads: Vita Coco, Honey Stinger, Why We Run and more…

Just felt like posting some of my recent purchases from Amazon, along with the most recent books I’ve read. Conveniently, through Amazon Associates, I can show you all of these great things in their snazzy carousel widget…with the possibility that I could make a buck or two! In case you were wondering, I feel no shame over this plug :-)

Also, I’ve recently updated my Races, Gear and Recommendations pages in case you’re interested in checking them out.

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17 Responses to “Recent purchases and reads: Vita Coco, Honey Stinger, Why We Run and more…”

  1. Dave C. says:

    Is that trail running guide any good? I wonder what kind of advice it gives specific to trails.

  2. Brandon says:

    I’ve read about 2/3 of the Ultimate Guide to Trail Running so far and while some of it simply covers generic running topics such as nutrition and training (intervals, hills, fartleks, etc) there are some specific sections to trail running and ultra distance running. Some of the topics include running at higher elevations; long, self-supported runs; what to wear when trail running vs road running, etc. The book is mostly just a general overview of the things you will encounter while trail running though, so if you’re looking for specifics on a certain subject, you’re probably best looking elsewhere.

  3. I love Honey Stinger products. I’m currently hooked on the Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews in Cherry Blossom. I ordered a variety pack so I’m going to try some other flavors.

    When you trail run do you ever use gaitors? For whatever reason, when I run on trails, I get tons and tons of rocks in my shoes. I think it must have something to do with the way I run because my calves are always much dirtier than everyone else’s but I’m not exactly sure what I need to change.

  4. Brandon says:

    @The Green Girl: It could be something to do with the treads on your shoes kicking up more rocks than usual? What shoes do you use on the trails? I run trails in my Inov-8 F-Lite 230′s, which have very shallow tread, so not a lot of dirt and rocks get kicked up. Plus, the trails I run on are pretty packed down and there’s not a lot of gravel or anything to really kick up, except for a little mud in certain areas.

  5. Madison says:

    Out of all of your purchases I would have to say that Vita Coco is the most intelligent. It’s low in calories and rehydrates much better than sports drinks without the additives and preservatives. I don’t order cases of them off Amazon, I usually just pop over to Whole Foods and grab it whenever I run out.

  6. Hm. I’m not sure – perhaps it is the treats. I can’t run in trail shoes because I can’t find any trail shoes wide enough for my feet. The width of my feet really limits my shoe selection.

  7. Jason says:

    The Vita Coco and the Chia seeds are great purchases! I usually don’t put sugar in the “Iskiate” that I make (ever read Born to Run?),just water and lime juice. The coconut water is pretty delicious too. If you stumble on any good recipes for the chia seeds let me know, I’m currently stumped on how to eat them besides home-made Iskiate. Cheers, – Fitz.

  8. Brandon says:

    @Jason – I’ve read Born to Run, that’s where I found out about Chia seeds in the first place, but I’ve never tried to make Iskiate. I usually just put the seeds in my cereal in the morning and in my yogurt at night. Yogurt, rolled oats, raspberries/blackberries/bananas/blueberries, and chia seeds makes for a tasty dessert :-)

  9. Jude says:

    Vita Coco is the best! Good Buy!

    • Brandon says:

      Just “subscribed” on Amazon to have a delivery of Vita Coco every two months…should provide some great post-run recovery!

      • Brandon, another suggestion might be to scope out your local Asian stores. My family drinks coconut water on occasion – but Asians call it ‘coconut juice’. You can even buy it frozen in the shell.

  10. Aretha says:

    Out of all your purchases, Vita Coco was definitely your best one! I’m a big Vita Coco fan, it makes me feel healthier ever since I added it to my diet.

  11. Courtney says:

    I’m all about endorsing the latest celebrity trends, and since Vita Coco is a fave of stars like Madonna and the True Blood, It will now be one of mine!

    • Brandon says:

      Just subscribed through Amazon to have a delivery shipped every two months! No clue what celebrities drink it, but you can add Barefoot Brandon to the list :-)

  12. Brittany Hacks says:

    Vita coco is definitely your best purchase. I’ve been buying it for 2 years and it has completely changed my lifestyle into a healthier one! Ive been able to substitute vita coco for other, more unhealthy products and it was such an easy switch.

  13. Becca F. says:

    i just started drinking vita coco and i have to say i really like it. i tried it frozen the other night and am going to try to cut out ice cream and only eat my own vita coco sorbet

  14. dawn says:

    I cannot go thru my day without having some vita coco. I drink it religiously it is so tasty!!

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