At the end of each month, I share my favorite finds for running, triathlon and general fitness that are helping me train and race happy, motivated and healthy. How we train, what we eat and when we rest and recover all have a huge impact on our performance. But so does the gear we use every day to be successful. Here are my favorite finds from May.

1. Vega Sports Recovery Accelerator
http://vegasport.com/product/recovery-accelerator/
One of my goals for this year is to be better about refueling within 30 minutes after my workouts to help speed overall recovery. Recently, some of my favorite running bloggers have talked a lot about how much they like Vega Sports Recovery Accelerator and how it has helped them better recover from long/hard workouts. One in particular has seen positive results, and I decided to give this a try. I bought some at Whole Foods last week and have used it 3 times so far after hard workouts (a 10-mile run, a 2-hour bike/20-minute brick and a speed session). I bought the individual pouches (which are more expensive than getting the tub) but are easy to throw in your bag and keep in your car while you’re working out. Most of the long workouts I do are away from my house so this is important for me.

So far, I’ve tried the apple berry flavor and really like it. Each pouch is 90 calories and contains plant-based ingredients. Vega claims that it helps replenish energy and electrolytes; reduce inflammation, muscle and joint pain; support immune system function and protein synthesis; and reduce recovery time between training. Obviously the jury is still out on how this will help me perform for a race, but so far I really like it and it is helping me be more diligent about immediate nutrition recovery following workouts.

2. Castelli Free Tri Top and Shorts
Singlet: http://castelli-cycling.com/en/products/detail/820/
Shorts: http://castelli-cycling.com/en/products/detail/822/
This month, I got a new triathlon kit for my 2014 racing season. I’m racing for my local specialty triathlon store – Podium Multisport – and our team kit is a brand (Castelli) I’ve never previously worn. The verdict? I love it. I’ve taken both the top and bottom for several rides between 1 and 2 hours and one brick run (short run immediately following a bike ride). For the shorts, I love the chamois area – it provides the perfect coverage and doesn’t rub in any weird spots. It also is the most comfortable pair of cycling/tri shorts I’ve ever worn. I have almost no crotch pain while riding in them, which is a huge plus for me, and I also like the gripper elastic to prevent them from riding up. Both the top and bottom have little clasps that hook the two pieces together so that the top doesn’t ride up while biking and running. Genius!

A few other nice features that Castelli boasts about these pieces on their Web site are: instadry speed fabric that doesn’t absorb water, invisible pockets that aren’t affected by water and wind but are large enough to hold necessary items on the bike/run and no-sew construction under the arm-pits to eliminate chaffing. The bad news is that despite the name of this collection “Free,” these are not cheap. Both pieces retail for more than $100, with the top around $120 and the shorts at $150. Be on the lookout for good sales at your specialty tri stores and online outlets if you want to try them.

3. Mama Da Balm and Sugar Scrub
http://loveyourmama.com/
Mama is a local Atlanta-based company that makes body products I LOVE. Although I’ve known about them for several years and have used a few of their products (the peppermint sugar scrub is one of my absolute favorites for my scaly overworked legs), just this month I tried their Da Balm lip balm for the first time (in tangerine flavor). Can I just squeal with delight over this? It’s awesome. My lips are constantly chapped from being outside working out, the wind, chlorine and you name it. Da Balm to the rescue! Mr. rUnladylike bought a tube too and is loving it for all you guys out there. What I also like about all their products (besides the fact they’re made in my backyard) is that the owner formulates, manufactures, pours and packages every batch by hand. She produces her own labels, designs her own website, writes her own copy and more. She spent 3 years doing research and development before launching her company. The other thing I like about her balm, sugar scrub and other products is that the name of the company – Mama – lends great to gifts for moms … aka mother runners.

4. Jason Derulo’s “Trumpets”
Earlier this month, I got to see Jason Derulo perform his song “Trumpets” live at an event I was attending. I’d never heard the song before, but I instantly downloaded it onto my Spotify running playlist and it is one of my favorite tunes to run to at the moment. Below is the video if you want to hear it. I take no responsibility for the sexual scenes if you choose to watch it. *wink*

Note: None of these companies asked me to write about their products and I receive no benefit whatsoever from doing so. The products featured are items I have tried during the last 30 days and chose to share with you because I have personally liked them. I did receive my triathlon kit for free for being a part of Team Podium, but all other items I purchased.

Looking for more of my favorite gear from the year?
January Favorites
February Favorites
March Favorites
April Favorites

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Did you try any new running, triathlon or fitness gear in May? If so, what did you like this month? If not, is there anything on your wish list for summer?