My Favorite Running Things- Part III

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?

Gifts for Runners: Splurges & Steals!

With only five days until Hanukkah and just 13 days until Christmas, time is slowly running out to locate that perfect gift for the special runner in your life! Maybe you want to help them celebrate their accomplishments or perhaps give them something that can help take their training to the next level. Whatever your runner needs, here's a list of splurges and steals- something for every budget.

Foam Roller
Ok, so I personally have not tried the foam roller YET, but I'm hoping that Santa leaves one under the Christmas tree for me this year! From Runner's World, "Using a foam roller can provide similar benefits as deep-tissue massage, helping to prevent injury and improve performance through the increase of flexibility and decrease of muscle tension."

Splurge: I haven't tried this but have heard that it works wonders! Rumble Rollers range in price from $25 for a massage ball or $30- 70 for an actual roller. You can find the closest retailer to you here. 

These look slightly scary but are probably great for sore muscles. Source.

Steal: For just $14.77 you can own this Gold's Gym Foam Roller, available at your local Wal-Mart.

Blue is always a good choice. Source.

Medal Rack
Every runner needs a medal rack to show off their bling! There are tons of different types and styles out there, from funny to inspirational and everything in between. Matthew and I have ordered racks from both companies below and were completely impressed with the quality of the items.

Splurge: Ranging from a single medal holder ($22) from one with room for 10 medals ($40- 130), Sport Hooks has beautiful and unique designs to celebrate any athletic accomplishment. If your runner is a run Disney fan, this is the definitely the place to look!

Some models are offered in color. Source.

Steal: Starting at $30, York Sign Shop's medal racks are simple and functional. You can even add on an extra row of hooks to almost any design for just $5. We have two of these types of medal racks- each one holds up to 26 medals! These are affordable customization options as well.

I bought this exact one for Matthew for his birthday. Source.

Tracking Device
If you've got a special runner in your life, then you know it's all about the numbers: pace, distance, heart rate, etc. Using different technologies- like a GPS watch or a running mobile app- runners can easily keep track of their all-important numbers and progress towards training goals.

Splurge: A Garmin Forerunner is one of the leading GPS watches for running. Ranging from $100- 450, they offer a variety of features based on the model type. All offer distance and pace but some offer live tracking, training plans, sharing on social media, and heart rate.

Garmin Forerunner 10. Source.

Steal: Does your runner always run with her phone? If so, purchasing the MVP package of the free app Map My Run might be the perfect gift! The free version tracks distance, pace, and splits. But for $5.99 per month/ $29.99 per year, the upgraded package also can track heart rate, provide coaching and training plans, and allow others to track using the live tracking feature.

I don't know what a power analysis is but I want one! Source. 

If all else fails, a gift card to Running Warehouse is always a hit! One of the largest online selections of running apparel and shoes coupled with FREE two day shipping and a 90 day return policy (even on worn shoes!) makes this a fool-proof gift for even the pickiest runner in your life. Matthew and I have both ordered from this company and are big fans of the easy, no hassle return process. I especially like the "Shoe Fitter" which compares different brands and helps you find the correct sized shoe in various brands.

Regardless of budget, I hope you can find that one-of-a-kind gift that will make your runner's heart happy this holiday season. Happy Holidays and happy shopping!


QOTD: What's on your wish list this year?