Tag: Running

Running Gear Run Down

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I envy the people who can just throw on sneakers and go for a jog. I require all the planets to be in perfect alignment, along with all the right apparel. I don’t want anything moving, chaffing, riding up, or rubbing. If I’m going to kick my own ass, I need to be as comfortable as possible doing it. Here is the equation that works best for me:

Undergarments:

Let’s start with the base layer. I’m not a big fan of Lululemon, but I have found that this sports bra works best for running. It’s very pricey, but necessary for me.

Tops:

If the temperature outside is between the high 30’s through the 50’s I wear a Nike long sleeve quarter zip. Every brand makes something similar, but I like the fabric Nike uses and the fit is perfect for me- fitted but not clingy (the model above makes it look baggier than it is). I hate feeling restricted or packed in while I run.

If the temperature is low 30’s or below, I add the above tank and I might up my long sleeve to something a little heavier with fleece on the inside. Layers are key. If the temperature is below 20, I go to the gym instead of running outside because I like running outside, but not that much.

In the summer it’s suns out guns out. I like a light weight, low profile, loose tank in the warmer months. I think I feel too body conscious in the really clingy or “seamless” tank style. I often opt for a shorter or cropped style just to reduce the amount of fabric flying around. Most of the “cropped” styles hit my waistline so it’s not like I’m showing a lot of extra skin.

Bottoms:

Usually in weather below about 55 or 60 degrees I opt for capris. I actually only run in Nike Epic Lux crops. They are the perfect length, have drawstring at the waist (so they stay up), and two pockets for keys, etc.

There are two types of runners in warm weather: runners who wear running shorts, and runners who wear spandex. Guess which one I am. I love the Nike 5 inch Nike Pro compression shorts. The downside is that they don’t have a key pocket, but I like that they’re lightweight and long enough to stay in place (most of the time).

Sneakers:

I’ve been wearing the New Balance Fresh Foam Zante for a few years now. I get new shoes every 6ish months. I usually check New Balance to see what the latest version is then cross reference DSW and Amazon to see who has a good price on the color that I want.

Accessories:

  • I need to keep my bangs out of my face so the stretchy headband is a must
  • If it’s 45 degrees or below, I wear gloves because they make such a difference
  • Body Glide is definitely an essential for any runner
  • For reasons unknown, Under Armour is my preference for athletic socks
  • Rather than a belt I usually put my keys in the zipper pocket on my capris, or a cuff on my wrist in the summer (I can’t find the cuff online right now)
  • I love my Garmin watch because it helps me track my distance and splits. Looking at the current models, I’m probably due for a new one soon!

Ok, I think I’m ready to go for a run now! 

 

Wait, where’s my sunscreen?

Running Play List

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Now that temperatures outside are warming up, it’s time to get serious about hitting the pavement. I think I’ve gotten a little slower this winter. Even though I was running regularly throughout, I had a knee thing for a while so I took a week off here and there to try to get it back to normal. Now that I think I’m close to normal, I really want to kick it up a notch this spring to get back to where I was last fall. Here are some of my current songs to listen to while I run:

  1. We Found Love by Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris
  2. SummerThing! by Afrojack feat. Mike Taylor
  3. Do it Again by Pia Mia feat. Chris Brown and Tyga
  4. Do What U Want by Lady Gaga feat. R. Kelly
  5. Without You by David Guetta feat. Usher
  6. Break a Sweat by Becky G
  7. Where are U Now by Skrillex and Diplo feat. Justin Bieber
  8. Ayo by Chris Brown and Tyga
  9. Disturbia by Rihanna
  10. Bad by David Guetta and Showtek feat. Vassy
  11. Geronimo by Sheppard
  12. Alone Together (Fall Out Boy remix) by Krewella

If you need a gear refresh, I love this super light weight tank from Athleta, these epic run shorts from Nike, this double dare sports bra from Athleta (it’s mid impact so use your judgement), and this sleek cuff that helps me hold my keys when I’m wearing shorts without pockets.

And soon enough, I’ll need a shoe refresh. I have my eyes on these right now:

Sadie Dishes- Running Playlist

What’s on your running playlist these days?

Third Time’s the Charm

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Last weekend I ran the Richmond half marathon, which was my third half marathon ever. It was a lot of fun! I got to spend some time with great friends, and had a great run! Turns out I just keep getting faster! My first half marathon was the 2012 Richmond half and I finished in 2:04. Then in February of 2013 I finished the Colonial half marathon in Williamsburg, VA in 2:02. Last weekend my goal was to break the 2 hour barrier, but my expectations were low because I really only ran once, maybe twice a week this fall. I did a lot of cross training, but I didn’t think it was enough to improve my time.

My brother and I posing with the Governor pre race!
My brother and me posing with the Governor pre race!

On Saturday it only took me 1 hour and 57 minutes to run 13.1 miles! I was so excited!

I had a terrible night’s sleep the night before, and I wasn’t feeling particularly well. But I took a few tylenol and suited up with the expectation to try my best. Once I started running I actually felt great! I was running pretty fast (for me) and I just kept pushing because it felt good. Here’s how the race played out in terms of splits and some of the songs I remember that came up on my shuffle.

1: 9:20- Weaving through the crowd at the start. Lips are Movin by Meghan Trainor- I got this at the beginning and towards the last couple miles.

2: 9:01- Found my pace. Irreplaceable by Beyonce- This was a short uphill. Beyonce=motivation.

3: 8:58- Gold Digger by Kanye West feat. Jamie Foxx- This one got me through mile 3, and reminded me of senior year of college!

4: 8:55- So Emotional (David Morales mix) by Whitney Houston kept me moving.

5: 8:57- Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepson came on- It’s a classic.

6: 9:06- I think this was a little uphill. Stutter by Marianas Trench got me through.

7: 8:56- I’m surprised my splits were that consistent for 6 miles straight. If I Could Change Your Mind by HAIM.

8: 9:14- This is a rough mile (for me at least) because you’ve run 8 and you still have 5 more. You need to refresh that motivation! Rich Girls by Down With Webster definitely made me laugh on the inside at this point.

9: 8:50 This was when I really decided I could push it and make sure the tank was completely empty at 13. Amazing by Kanye West feat. Young Jeezy came on, I think I listened to this 3 times in a row in mile 9.

10: 8:37- Killing it. Shake it Off by Taylor Swift- Obvi.

11: 8:36- Killing it. Bailando by Enrique Iglesias feat. Sean Paul, Descemer Bueno & Gente de Zona, because Enrique is the pinnacle of inspiration.

12: 8:42- Killing it. Dancing On My Own by Robyn, because Robyn is awesome running music.

13: 8:23- full disclosure: the last half mile of the race is downhill. I have no idea what songs finished the race for me. I was just so happy to be finishing!

This unflattering look says I'm freezing, tired, and ready to take a shower asap.
This unflattering look says I’m freezing, tired, and ready to take a shower asap. My brother is just happy he’s still in one piece. My dad is clearly elated with our accomplishment.