After trying so many different brands of detergent, I think I have found the one the best one for me.  I’ve used Persil, Tide Plus Febreze Freshness Sport, Sweat X Sport Laundry Detergent, WIN Sports Detergent, Nathan Sport Wash, Penguin Brands Sport Wash, Seventh Generation Laundry Packs, and Arm and Hammer.  

The one I’ve been using for the past several months is Rockin’ Green Active Wear Detergent.  I swear by this detergent.  My clothes smell clean and there is no faint smell that reappears during my run. 

Product Description from their website:

•  Broad spectrum enzyme blend to remove stains and odors from fat, protein and starch
•  Cleans, and takes special care of high-tech workout clothes and micro-fibers  
•  Naturally extends the life of active wear
•  The scent of Tea Tree Oil rinses clean after washing
•  Perfect for all washing machines
•  Vegan and cruelty free
•  45 oz. bag cleans 45 loads in top-load machines; cleans 90 loads in front-load machines 

As a detergent, use 1-2 scoops to remove the toughest odors and stains in active wear clothing.  Do an extra rinse for added cleaning power!

Can also be used as a soak!  Add 2-3 scoops for intense build up.  Soak for 30-60 minutes. Finish up with an extra rinse and dry like normal.

I do laundry once a week (usually on Sundays).  I don’t have a machine in my apartment building so off to the laundromat I go.  In the beginning it wasn’t too bad but now I am getting tired of it.  I also hate going when it is very cold outside.  Anyway, I have no other choice but to go.  🙂  When I was running 6 days a week using the Hansons Method during the summer, I would do laundry twice a week.

After a run I let them air dry on top of my hamper.  During the winter I will usually wear my jacket, wazzie wool baselayer, and pants twice before washing them.  My runs are short so I don’t sweat as much.  Last year I trained for a marathon during the winter and my runs were longer so I would just wear those items once.

The machine I use is a front loader.  Never before had I used one till my trip to the laundromat.  I kind of like it.  When I first began using this detergent, I would use one and a half scoop in the prewash and in the main wash.  After a few months I would then just add one scoop again in the prewash and in the main wash.  Now I only use one scoop in the main wash.  I do this because I feel like my clothes are cleaner and not as smelly and don’t require that much soap.  

I never use the machine to dry my running clothes.  I have a heavy-duty metal drying rack from Target.  I love it.  It was so easy to assemble and it is big enough for all of my clothes.  The rack is in my apartment so my clothes are usually dry by Monday.  

This week’s Tuesday Topic: Stinky running clothes, how do you deal with it?  You can write about this topic, or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to Link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

I am embarrassed to admit that I don’t give gifts during the holiday.  I only buy two books for my students.  I like to give gifts year round and it is usually something small like coffee, a book, or a gift card.

I was surprised because I received quite a few gifts this holiday season.  I am not saying I received a lot but definitely more than I expected.  For Christmas we got together with my brother and his wife.  Most of her family was there too including a brother, wife, and kids from Ecuador.  Yes, a lot of family.

Also, my birthday is in November so a few coworkers got together to get me a few gifts which I received right before winter break.  

Let me tell you what I received:

A heated blanket. The best. Came in handy these past few cold days.  I love using it when I am on the sofa watching TV or playing a game on my phone.

Purple Champion Sweater.  I love the color and how it feels.  Also, keep me warm throughout the day at home and school.

Velvet Plush Oversized Throw.  It is very soft and a pretty color.  I have a couple other ones but you can never have too many. 

Chocolate covered Oreo cookies.  I love chocolate and I love Oreo cookies.  The box I got had cookies covered in white and milk chocolate.  So good.  The brand is Maggie Lyon Chocolatiers in case you want to get some for yourself.  Check out the site as you’ll find some other delicious treats!

Starbucks gift card.  Need I say more?

Candy box.  I think overall this was the BEST one.  I got it from a former student.  He was in my 2nd grade classroom and is now in 5th grade.  I almost cried when he came into my room.  I was so happy to see him because I definitely wasn’t expecting a gift from him.

Weighted blanket.  I’ve heard so many great things about it and bought one for me from Weighted Comforts.  I slept well during winter break, but it could be that I was tired.  Or it could have been that I would go to bed late (later than usual for me) and I would sometimes sleep in in the morning.

This week’s Tuesday Topic: What were your favorite gifts you received over the holidays?  You can write about this topic, or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to Link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!