Articles
Nerds Clusters Are Having a Moment 🍬 (But Let’s Talk Fuel That Slays)
Let’s set the scene: Nerds Clusters are trending, candy is out here living its best life, and suddenly everyone’s talking about fueling their runs with vibes straight from the gas station aisle. Honestly? We love the energy. But while candy brings the fun, it’s not exactly designed to help you crush your miles—or help you go the distance. Enter: the ultimate glow-up. You can still get the same candy vibes (yes, even Nerds Clusters!) but with smart, athlete-approved swaps that fuel your body and keep your sweet tooth happy. Here’s your guide to leveling up your candy fuel... If You Love Nerds Clusters → Try Noogs This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for. I f Nerds Clusters have your heart, Noogs are the sporty, carb-loaded bestie you didn’t know you needed. If You Love Rice Krispies Treats → Try Maurten Solid 160 Rice Krispies Treats have that nostalgic, marshmallowy magic, but Maurten Solid has the same satisfying texture, but with the kind of carbs that go the distance. Like, literally. If You Love Sweet Tarts → Try SaltStick FastChews Sweet Tarts fans, listen up: SaltStick FastChews are tangy, functional, and made for sweaty miles? We’re obsessed. If You Love Dots → Try Bonk Breaker OMG Bonk Breaker OMG are chewy and fruity but with clean ingredients and actual endurance fuel so you can power through those tough climbs. If You Love Sour Patch Kids → Try Bonk Breaker Blue Razz Berry First they’re sour, then they’re sweet—and then they might be gone before your warm-up ends. If You Love Peach Rings → Try Skratch Labs Raspberry Chews Peach Rings are gas station royalty, but Skratch Labs Raspberry Chews deliver that juicy, fruity punch plus electrolytes and carbs your legs will thank you for. Fuel that's fun and gets it done Alright, you’ve got the swaps, you’ve got the vibes—now it’s time to hit those miles like the superstar you are. Whether you’re team Nerds Clusters, Peach Rings, or Sour Patch, these fueling upgrades let you crush your runs without sacrificing flavor (or fun). And who says you can’t have the best of both worlds? Crush your miles and maybe keep a Nerds Cluster or two for the post-run victory snack. You earned it. 🍬🏃♀️✨ PS - Want to try them all? (Duh.) Here's your magic link.
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3 Fueling Habits to Adopt in 2025
Fuel like your goals depend on it. (Because they do.) If 2024 was the year of “winging it,” let’s make 2025 the year you nail your fueling game. Whether you're running, walking, or sweating your way to greatness, these three fueling habits will have you performing better, recovering faster, and, most importantly, feeling like your best self. 1. Front and Back-Load Like a Pro Let’s set the record straight: fueling around your workout is just as important as what you do during it. Here’s the play: Front-load: Eat a mix of carbs and a little protein 2–3 hours before your workout to set yourself up for success. You’re giving your body fuel to burn so you can perform without fading out. Back-load: The magic doesn’t stop when you hit pause on your watch. After you’ve wrapped up your session, refuel with carbs to replenish glycogen and protein to repair those hardworking muscles. Then keep a steady stream of good fuel in your system all day long. Your recovery starts the second you’re done, so don’t wait—your next workout depends on it. Double-dip your fueling window, and you’ll train stronger, recover faster, and feel like you actually have energy to live your life. 2. Make Hydration a Daily Habit, Not a Panic Button Hydration is not a “fix it when it’s broken” situation. If you’re only reaching for electrolytes when you cramp up or hit the wall, you’re already behind. Hydration is a daily practice, and when you get it right, your body performs like the well-oiled machine it was born to be. What does this look like in real life? Sip water and electrolytes consistently throughout the day—not just when you’re thirsty. Your body loses fluids 24/7, so hydration has to keep pace. If you’re training hard or sweating buckets, mix in a little sodium magic (hello, electrolytes) to replace what you’re losing. A sweat test can tell you exactly what your body needs, but even a simple electrolyte drink can help you stay ahead of the curve. The TL;DR? Hydrate like it’s your job, because, honestly, it kind of is. Your body will reward you with fewer cramps, clearer energy, and a whole lot more “I feel amazing” moments. 3. Train Your Gut, Not Just Your Legs If you’re skipping mid-workout fuel because you’re afraid of GI distress, it’s time to reframe the way you think about your stomach. Just like your legs need training to handle more miles, your gut needs practice to handle fueling on the go. The good news? You can train it.Start small. During longer efforts, take part of a gel, a chew, or a quick carb boost and let your gut get used to digesting while you move. Over time, your body will adapt, and those mid-run fuel breaks will feel like second nature—not a recipe for disaster. Why is this so important? Because the longer or harder you train, the more your body needs that fuel to keep you moving. Skipping it might feel fine at first, but eventually, you’ll bonk, fade, or hit the “I can go no further!” wall. Gut discomfort is so 2024. This year, practice fueling during your workouts so race day—or any big session—feels like a well-oiled snack break. Fuel Like You Mean It Here’s the thing: fueling doens't have to be complicated, but it does take intention. Nail these three habits and you’ll be the athlete who shows up prepared, recovers like a champ, and keeps crushing it week after week. Because in 2025, we’re not “winging it.” We’re winning it—one well-fueled session at a time.
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Our Winter Edition is Here!
Laura and Courteney here to announce our newest edition to the world. Born: December 1, 2024 Weight: 2lbs 4 oz Isn't she beautiful?!?! We're bursting with pride and could go on and on, but instead we're giving you the hot takes.... The hot takes: The Buff. It’s officially our favorite. Trying to figure out how many times we can wear it in public before it’s weird. Laura’s sipping broth obsession. It’s low-key, but it’s real. Kize Bars. 🤯 You’ll get it the second you take a bite. LMNT as hot chocolate. Game = changed. Performance chocolate. Just wait. 🍫 Eco Lips Scrub. If you ever needed proof we care about every inch of you, this is it. Pain Cakes. Trust us, you’ll use it more than you think. We have. (True story, don’t ask.) And that’s not even scratching the surface. Like: The Noka, GFB, and Lenny & Larry’s = snack squad goals. The Precision Gel = your new no-bonk hero. The Vega recovery = a giant thank you to your legs post-run. Honestly? We crushed it with this box. (Okay, fine—it was mostly Courteney.) You can find it HERE Fuel on, Laura & Courteney P.S. Want even more behind-the-scenes scoop on how we create the boxes? Follow us on Instagram or TikTok for the unfiltered Fuel Goods story.
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Why This Small Business Saturday Matters More Than Ever ❤️
Hey Friends, It's Small Business Saturday, and this year hits different than it has in the past. When we started Fuel Goods we knew it was going to be epic battle to break through the noise and get our voices heard amidst the big brands and budgets in the space. What we didn’t know was that everything we were building would come to a screeching halt in the wake of Hurricane Helene. But being a part of the Asheville small business community in the aftermath of this disaster has been gut-wrenching and beautiful all at once. The resilience, support, and grit we’ve witnessed remind us why small businesses matter so much. And today, in the spirit of Small Business Saturday, we have a few things to say: THANK YOU… To every single person who has supported our business — or any other Asheville business — as we fight to make it through the other side of this. Whether you’ve shopped with us, ordered a Together We Rise shirt, shared a post, or just given us a hug and told us to keep our head up, YOU’RE THE REASON WE’RE STILL HERE! 2. KEEP GOING… I don’t know who needs to hear this, but if you’re currently staring down the face of hard times, you are not alone. We’re in this together. Grit and community can move mountains and TOGETHER WE WILL RISE. SHOP SMALL TODAY It's the one day of the year I can shamelessly plug Fuel Goods and ask you to show us your support, tell your friends about us, and shop small. Go show us some love and slam through your holiday shopping list all at the same time. We have a fancy new website, and I think you might just be surprised at all the gems you can find there. And if Fuel Goods isn’t your thing, we get it – but do us a favor, shop somewhere small today—especially at an Asheville business. Let’s keep our dollars where they matter most, supporting the community —not adding another gold-plated rocket ship to Bezos’ fleet 🚀 Today is about lifting up the dreamers, doers, and downright badasses working their butts off to make something amazing. Thanks for letting us be one of them ❤️ Laura and Courteney PS - Following our story on social media doesn't cost you a dime, but it's a huge way to show your support.
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Top 6 Gift Ideas for Marathon Runners
Have you got a runner in your life? Maybe their birthday is right around the corner. Or you've drawn them in your office Secret Santa. Or perhaps you want to celebrate that special someone just because. Whatever the reason, you're on the hunt for the best gift for runners — the perfect present idea they'll use run after run. This guide has you covered. Here are the top six gift ideas for marathon runners. 1. Fuel Goods’ Runner Box A marathoner eats like it’s part of the job. That's because it is! The RunnerBox by Fuel Goods makes it easy to send smart fuel that tastes amazing and is packed full of energy. Each box includes real-food snacks and energy boosters tested and hand-selected by runners. You'll find a few hydration and recovery options, too. There's over $50 of premium, curated fuel and gear in each box, as well as a cheeky discount and Instant Fuel Cash to spend right here at Fuel Goods! Gift the runner in your life a one-off or a subscription. 2. Running Sunglasses If you've ever run a couple of miles, you know firsthand how frustrating it can be constantly shoving your sunglasses back up your nose. A pair of running sunglasses solves this problem. A good pair stays put, cuts glare, and doesn’t fog up mid-run. Lightweight performance shades with grippy frames give runners what they need: sun protection without the bounce. For a higher-end option, explore Oakley's collection of running sunglasses. On the cheaper side, goodr offers tons of award-winning glasses in a bunch of fun colors and styles. There's something for everyone! 3. Recovery Gear Recovery is as much a part of the running journey as training. You can't get better if you don't give your body plenty of time and support between runs. Give the gift of recovery with a massager or two. The Fuel Goods Massage Ball is firm and a really great option for ironing out those stubborn knots in calves or thighs. The Maji Massager takes it up a level. It’s shaped for deep muscle work and travel-friendly enough to live in a gym bag. 4. Running Hat Hot weather, cold wind, or mid-race sweat — a reliable hat can handle it all. Sprints OG Hats combine fun prints with no-nonsense function. Each one uses lightweight, breathable fabric and features adjustable sizing. Whether your runner wants to wear pickles, doughnuts, turtles, or bright colors on their head, these hats keep sweat out of their eyes and their personality on full display. 5. Hydration Bottles Race training burns through fluids. A bottle that’s easy to carry, squeeze, or sip on the go makes rehydrating less of a chore. Fuel Goods stocks a few standouts, including the HydraPak SkyFlask™ Speed and the compact Hydrapak Soft Flask. Both fit in belts or vests, too. For daily use or protein mixes, the Fuel Goods Protein Shaker does the job. 6. Running Socks Shoes are important. Most runners know that. But never underestimate the power of a good pair of socks. Marathoners need socks that won't bunch or twist on the go and don't wear out after two washes. Check out Balega Running Socks. They're engineered for high-impact performance with designs backed by 20 years of research. Shop Gift Ideas for Marathon Runners Now The RunnerBox by Fuel Goods makes thoughtful gift giving as easy as can be. Explore the cool gift ideas for marathon runners listed in this article, and discover the ideal snack, recovery tool, clothing item, or piece of equipment for the runner in your life. Ready? Get set. Shop!
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Confessions of a (Reluctant) Runner: My Couch to 5K Comeback
It’s Laura, co-founder here at Fuel Goods, and I’ve got a little confession: I haven’t REALLY run in over a decade. My knee decided running wasn’t its thing, and honestly, I didn’t argue. But this month, I’m ready to give it another shot. It’s time to swap the bike shorts for some running shoes (pray for me) 🙏🏻 So, I’m inviting you to join me on a Couch to 5K journey, leading up to a Turkey Trot at the end of the month. Courteney (my new coach lol) has built me a training plan... It’s 3 runs a week, and just to keep things spicy, she added a little extra zip into weeks 2 and 3. I’ll be out there huffing, puffing, and I want you to join me! Whether you’re a total beginner or just need a nudge to smash out a three week training block, let’s do this together. You can follow along the journey on our Instagram and (our new) TikTok to see all my frustrated outbursts and - let’s be honest - probably feel a little bit better about your own progress. Let’s make this November one for the books (or at least for the blooper reel). Download my training plan here PS - while we’re seasoned athletes, we’re definitely not running coaches. If you’re looking for expert guidance, check out our friends at Team Run Run. PPS - I made myself a Turkey Trot Survival Kit and I’m sharing the goods. It’s nearly $50 worth of essentials, but since I’d love some company on this little adventure, it’s yours for $35 with code TURKEYTROT. (just, uh, don’t tell Courteney 😉)
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Beyond Hurricane Helene: Fuel Goods' Journey to Reconnect and Rebuild
You Are Making a Difference! It's been almost exactly a month since Hurricane Helene hit our HQ in Asheville, NC. And thanks to your unbelievable generosity, we've sold over 750 Together We Rise shirts, amassing nearly $20K to give to local businesses severely impacted by the storm. Meet the Businesses You're Helping We want you to meet some of these amazing organizations firsthand. I'm linking out to their Instagrams because their stories are too good not to be told. Check out these businesses. Follow their journeys. Donate directly to them. Buy a TWR shirt. Heck, you still have 2 days to buy the nutrition you're already using and have 10% proceeds go directly to these businesses. Rockgeist Bikepack USA These are our literal next door neighbors. They walk 4 steps down. We walk 4 steps up. That was the difference between losing it all and having something to salvage. Unstoppable Strength Endurance & Adventure Coaching Tera Pruett is an amazing human, coach, and pillar of the Asheville endurance community. This is her gym 👇🏼 Asheville Adventure Company Asheville Adventure Company is the hub of all things outdoors. They had three buildings. All three are completely destroyed. On Your Bike Coffee and Bike Shop I can't write this one without getting emotional. I go went to this coffee shop almost every Saturday during my long rides. They took on 27 feet of water. TWO-SEVEN. Their rebuild is almost unfathomable and yet they're waking up every morning and pressing on. It's devastating yet inspiring to watch the recovery efforts. If all you can do is give these companies a follow, that's wonderful. Do that. I've linked directly to them to make it easy. Every little bit helps as we rebuild. Ending on a High Note We co-sponsored a community running event this weekend. Why? Becuase no one even knows where to run. Roads are gone. Trails are destroyed. Helene took a lot from us. But you know what she didn't take? Our spirit. Together We Will Rise. PS - We only have 8 states left to get the TWR shirts coast to coast! If you know someone who lives in one of these states, SEND THEM THIS LINK!!
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These 2 Fall Skratch Cocktails Are Addictive
Last time Skratch Labs dropped a limited-edition flavor, we whipped up some epic cocktails, and the response? Let’s just say you loved them so much, we practically had people toasting us from coast to coast. And now Skratch is back with their Limited Edition Apple Cider, and it’s pure magic in a bottle so, naturally, we knew we had to craft a couple of cocktail recipes that do this flavor justice. BEWARE: if you make these, be ready to share. The Fashionably Fall It's the warmth of an old fashioned with a kick of refreshing apple.It's so simple yet shockingly good. We even made a little video for you that shows how to make it. Ingredients: 1/2 scoop Skratch Apple Cider Hydration 4 oz water 1 tsp maple syrup 2 oz bourbon 4 dashes orange bitters Shake with ice & garnish with orange peel And if you're feeling more adventurous, this one is an absolute showstopper. It's literally my favorite drink right now. Plus, the video includes a blooper reel so..... Skratch Spiced Apple Margarita The balance of sweet, tart, and spicy makes it irresistibly refreshing and undeniably delicious. Ingredients: • 1/2 scoop Skratch Apple Cider Hydration 🍏💧 • 1/2 a lime, squeezed 🍈 • 1 tsp maple syrup 🍁 • 0.5 oz triple sec 🍊 • 1-2 oz tequila or mezcal 🌵 • Ice 🧊 • 2 dashes spicy bitters 🌶️ • Garnish with an orange peel 🍊✨ There you have it - 2 recipes to make you the mixologist hero of fall. And remember, whatever you sip on, please drink responsibly! Want a non-alcoholic version? Easy! Just swap out the spirit in either recipe for the same amount of water.
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Kevin's Story: How I got my groove back at almost 40
After taking a break from triathlon training to focus on family life, jumping back into the swing of things has been, well, a bit of a wake-up call for my almost 40-year-old body. My muscles and joints seemed to have formed a union while I was away, and their list of demands included more couch time and fewer miles.
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