Last year, I wrote a post or two about my favorite running things, all the essentials I need to have a good run. As with most things in life, as I have become a more experienced and [sometimes] injured runner, this list has grown and changed a bit.
So, here's a new list of my favorite things AND a special discount on my absolute must-have running essential- Enell Sports Bras- just for Sparkly Runner readers! Read on to find out how you can get some discounted "support" in your life!
Old Navy Activewear: Cheap, cute, and fun, Old Navy really has some great workout/running clothes. My favorites include bright printed capris/leggings and tanks with sassy fitness sayings.
Sparkle Skirts: These skirts are pricey but are totally worth it in my opinion. Hand-made in the USA, they feature two large pockets on the built-in shorts and one large pocket on the waistband. And they can be worn forward or backward- it all depends on where you want that waistband pocket.
Flip Belts: When I'm not wearing a skirt with built in shorts, I'm wearing this belt. With a clip for your keys and plenty of room to store fuel, money, ID, credit cards- whatever really- these belts are the only ones I've found that are comfy and don't move at all when running. And they are super affordable- under $30.
KIND Healthy Grain Bars: I'm always on the lookout for a low-point, healthy bar to take with me on long runs. The KIND Healthy Grain bars do the trick! Five grains, gluten-free, and only 4 PPV- and they're really, really good! My favorite variety is the Maple Pumpkin Seed.
Altras: After doing a lot of research on what shoes are best for runners with arthritis, I settled on getting a pair of Altras. Getting used to the zero-drop was interesting but I really love the cushioning and wide toe box of these shoes.
Asics: After being injured this fall, I am constantly rotating shoes so my feet will gain strength in different areas with each different shoe. My PT recommended Asics and I love the GT-2000's I currently run in. They are supportive and comfortable.
Feetures Plantar Fasciitis Sleeves: I haven't talked about it much here but I have some wicked Plantar Fasciitis occasionally. These sleeves help with circulation, pain-relief, and swelling. And they just make my feet feel good!
GYMBOSS timer: As a firm believer in the Galloway run/walk method, this timer is vital to my success. It can be set for any type of interval you want, can vibrate or beep or both, and will last for 99 intervals- essential for the long run. And it's under $20 and won't drain your battery like a phone app.
Oiselle Journal: A gift from a sweet, sweet friend (Steph at GooberMonkey), this journal has been helping me really nail down goals, obstacles, and successes in a way that only writing by hand can do. It's nice to actually have to write out my thoughts as opposed to typing- where I can go back, delete and start again. You can't do that when you're writing by hand and it's helping me to really focus on where I want my training to go in 2015.
Foam Roller: You can get one of these anywhere and the benefits are awesome! It's like giving my legs a massage every day- even though it hurts sometimes :-) But foam rolling is an excellent way to keep all your muscles, tendons, and ligaments stretched out and warm- thus helping with increased flexibility and decreased risk of injury.
Enell: You know I love these bras- what I've been loving recently is all the new colors they've come out with! I love wearing a tank top now just so I can see Scuba Duba Blue or Raspberry Zest peeking out!
Want to get one of these new Enell colors for yourself? Head on over to Enell.com and use code "SPARKLY10" to save 10% on your purchase! This code is valid 3/11/15- 3/18/15 so don't delay in bringing some colorful support into your (or your favorite female runner's) life!
What's your favorite running essential?
Showing posts with label Oiselle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oiselle. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
My Favorite Running Things- Part III
Labels:
Altra,
Asics,
enell,
favorite things,
Flipbelt,
foam roller,
Galloway,
GYMBOSS,
KIND bars,
Oiselle,
Old Navy,
plantar fasciitis,
running,
running essentials,
running gear,
sparkle skirts,
training
Monday, January 26, 2015
AM: 1/26/15
Well hellooooooo, Monday! It feels like forever since I've done an AM post. The last few weeks were pretty hectic but now that my life is back to its normally scheduled routine, let's talk about this past week's accountability.
Training:
Monday- This core workout from Runner's World. AMAZING. Best part- no crunches!
Tuesday- 4 miles with a running group, 12:42 pace
Wednesday- Runner's World core workout
Thursday- Rest day
Friday- 6.1 miles with Matthew, 12:12 pace
Saturday- 15 minutes on the recumbent bike, strength workout (biceps, squats, quads, chest), 2 mile walk with "Walk Away the Pounds"
Sunday- Short recovery run with Matthew. Tried 30:30 intervals and felt pretty awesome. 13:43 pace
12.94 total miles.
This week's training is brought to you courtesy of my awesome new Oiselle training journal that Steph sent to me! I absolutely love the idea of keeping a handwritten journal- it's something I haven't done in such a long time.
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| Isn't it beautiful? |
Also- here's a little update on my stress fracture foot: it still freaking hurts. Not as much as before, but still, I had hoped to be better by now. Even worse, last weekend I stepped on my left foot (the good foot) kind of weird and now I have what feels like stress fracture pain somewhere between my third and fourth metatarsal at the base of my toes. It would be my luck to fracture the OTHER foot now wouldn't it? I have an appointment with my orthopedic doctor on Wednesday to see what's going on with these wonky feet I have. Hopefully all is good and I can keep training.
Nutrition:
One of my and Matthew's resolutions was to eat at home more often in 2015. So I have been cooking up a storm lately- and even meal prepping on Sundays! Who the heck am I?! But really, it's saving us money and saving me Weight Watchers points. Here's my new favorite grab and go breakfast:
Cook ahead of time: 1/2 pound of ground turkey (I use 85% lean) and egg whites (I use the small container, approximately 10 egg whites)
- Reheat 1/4 of the turkey/egg mix
- Toast a Thomas's Bagel Thin
- Spread two wedges of Laughing Cow cheese on the bagel.
- Use the turkey/egg mix as sandwich filling between the two halves of the bagel.
- Enjoy!
It's 8 PPV for the entire sandwich and keeps me full until lunch. And it's super yummy. And really easy to throw together before work.
Weight-loss:
142.4 as of 1/21/15
-3.4 from previous week
-48 since January 2013
-59.6 since HW
Woohoo!! The plateau has officially been broken! For the last eight weeks I have been losing and gaining the same two pounds. It was awesome to see a significant loss this week.
I did two things differently: 1. I ate less fruit. 2. I didn't use my 49 weekly "extra" points. I think these two changes helped significantly in finally seeing a loss on the scale. It's getting tough to lose weight the closer I get to goal- I have to change some things up and not keep relying on what helped me lose the first 48 pounds. That's still insane to think about- I've lost 48 freaking pounds! Crazy. Here's to another week closer to goal :-)
How is your 2015 shaping up so far?
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