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?

Dopey Challenge Training Update

Today starts the fifth week of my marathon/Dopey Challenge training. For those of you who don't know what this INSANE challenge consists of, here's the gist: 5k + 10k + half marathon + full marathon = 48.6 miles in 4 days (and SIX glorious medals!). Yes, I know, it's completely ridiculous. But in the best possible way :-)

To train for this, I've been using Jeff Galloway's official Dopey Challenge Training Program. I have used his training plans for each of my distance runs and they have worked beautifully. If you are looking for a solid program that won't consume your entire life, check out his training programs. I love that I was able to download the training runs into my google calendar so I always know what's coming up each weekend.

For the past four weeks, the mileage has been pretty low (10-15 miles/week). The training consists of 3-4 runs each week: two conditioning runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays (30-45 minutes), and one or two longer runs on the weekend. So far, so good. My pace has been as low as 10:28 and as high as 13:58. For all Disney races, I try to train for a 12- 13 minute pace. This allows me extra minutes each mile for pictures, bathroom breaks, etc. In addition to the running training, I've been working on the costumes for the Dumbo Double Dare. Look for a post later this week with updates :-)

This weekend, the mileage for the long run increases to 7 miles. I'm nervous and excited for this run as this will be the first time since the Frederick Half in May that I've run longer than 6 miles. I've been battling plantar fasciitis for about 2 1/2 months. If you've ever had it, then you know how incredibly painful it can be. Needless to say, this has caused a lot of stress and anxiety with regard to training- Can I run at all? Can I get all the long runs in? What if the pain is too much?  I actually did not run for almost 30 days in an attempt to rest my feet. But I've been working with a sports medicine doctor and we've been employing several methods to reduce inflammation and pain: custom orthotics (no more sandals for me- so sad), at-home physical therapy, night splints, icing after all runs, etc. The doctor has approved my training plan and is confident that we can get this under control by the time I run Dopey.

I'm looking forward to week five of training and the Charles Street 12 next weekend! What are YOU training for?