A few steals and Accessories!
May 21, 2009
So I lied when I said today I’d throw in my two cents about hydration. I decided since it’s deal Thursday I should be talking about my favorite part of running, the clothes and accessories!
First off, for me it’s the most important that I love wearing what I run in. I probably have 10 pairs of shorts but I usually flip back and forth in between 3 or 4 pairs. Some of the other pairs are just weird and I just can’t run in them. Same goes for shirts. I have a ton of old race shirts and ‘old shirts’ in general, but at the same time, I usually wear the same 3 or 4, with washing of course!
I used to think cotton was the fabric of my life, but alas, after the chafing post yesterday you’ve all come to realize that Dri-fit, once getting in to the higher mileage is the way to go. It’s more expensive and especially for me it’s hard to see myself paying $35-$60 for a shirt that I’m essentially going to sweat in and get disgusting and ruin. It saddens me from the bottom of my heart. So that is why I scour the racks at TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Nordstrom Rack for some good top quality running gear. If you’ve never checked out those stores ‘active section’ you definitely should.
Now, many of you have mentioned the fuel belt, and accessories for running. Well my fuel belt, though I feel like a goof ball when I wear it, is SO necessary when you hit higher mileage. Your body needs to hydrate and you are loosing so much water. After one run I was so dehydrated and got so sick, I couldn’t even function OR eat Taco Bell. You know it’s bad when I turn down some TB. There are many different types of fuel belts, so just google it and you’ll come up with a plethora of options
Then there’s things like sweat bands, hats, and headbands. You can find a huge selection of running hats here, and here. I, on a rare occasion can wear a headband but most of the time they slide off. If anyone has any great suggestions, I would love to hear them but I think it’s my odd shaped head. As for sweat bands, though it’s sometimes a little intimidating to look like a 50 year old out running about, sweatbands are the most legit option for yours truly. Plus, they make me feel a little bit more hardcore.
George asked me for any options for running in the warmer weather. Honestly, I would just say to rock the hat, but make sure it’s a running hat. They fit the head much different than a regular baseball hat and they are made of much different materials that help keep the sweat and sun out.
Also make sure you ALWAYS wear sunscreen when you run because you can get some gnarly tans/burns. Even if you don’t think your face will get sun on a little 3 miler, it has the possibility. I actually use the Mission brand, This Product. It works amazing and DOESN’T sting at all. Most do sting once they drip into your eyes. I also have a problem with getting kissed by the sun a lot, and then the sun leaves me with fatty blisters on my lips. Not attractive, and I have permanent brown spots on my lips from some of the damage. Disgusting, but now I always get out my spf 50 and put it on my lips. It turns them a little white, but I’d much rather avoid sun blisters.
Get clothes you love, you are the one that will be working out in them. Make sure they are comfortable and make you feel good. Since I know my stomach isn’t in any Shape Magazine Cover Shape, I don’t really like to let it ‘all hang out’ by wearing crop tops, or many of the tanks I find are incredibly short, which is annoying. I usually try to find longer shirts and shorter shorts for some reason. It’s just what I like to run in. Though sometimes I feel like when I wear my spandex shorts that I’m giving everyone a show, I have to remember that I’m running and basically no one around me is even paying attention to me.
There are many more running accessories like ipods, headphones and garmins, but those are all just must-haves, and the headphones that I LOVE and work SO well and stay in my ears are these Sony ones and of course, I have them in pink. They work great though and the music is much louder. I used to run with the apple headphones, but they constantly were slipping out of my ears and the music was so soft. Those headphones are only $10 at target and last forever, unless they fall out of your ear, get caught in a chain length fence and end up like this since they literally pulled you back on your run.
Women’s
Nike Strong And Strappy Sports Bra
Nike Printed Long Mesh Tank (love it)
Nike Mesh Long Sport Tank (tons of colors love it!)
Under Armour Metal Sleeveless Tank
Danskin Cross Training Jacquard Crew Neck
Danskin Prima Ombre Print Tank
Men’s
Pearl Izumi Slice Sleeveless Bike Jersey
Accessories
Reebok Avon Pink Ribbon Performance Hat
Reebok Extreme Performance Hat
You can also creep last weeks Deals here because there were A TON last week 
Tomorrow my countdown clock on my computer’s desktop will read a single digit number until ‘Full Marathon’. Wow. That is crazy. Whoever thought running 26.2 miles was a good idea? Well, I guess at one point I thought it was a good enough idea to even PAY to do it. Oh well, it will be super fun, and hey, they don’t call it a race they call it a MARATHON… so therefore time doesn’t matter!
On a random and unrelated to anything I’ve ever posted. Danica Patrick is racing in the Indy 500 this weekend. Holla to my namesake, go get ‘em! Well she is obviously not my namesake since we are not far apart in age, but the girl I get compared to every time I say my name, wouldn’t want it any other way!
Tomorrow I’ll throw around what hydration has helped me in my training and maybe I’ll even put in some pictures, it’s foto FRIDAY after all!
xoxo
Seriously Lost
January 22, 2009
Last night I watched Lost with my roommate. I’ve never seen an episode before and it was quite the experience! I know I was too far behind to ever really understand EVERYTHING that was going on, but it was interesting none the less. My roommate is a hardcore Lost fan so it was pretty intense!
Anyways, not much to post about today but I did do the Biggest Loser Workout Video again this morning. I feel like it gets me off to a great start of my day and that it really helps in the sculpting areas. I always thought videos were stupid and wouldn’t really work, but sometimes it’s nice to take a break and just relax and do a video in the privacy of your own home. I have the Biggest Loser Power Sculpt video and believe me, it leaves me incredibly sore, but in a good way.
For the ladies, after yesterdays skirt extravaganza, I didn’t have too many deals for you but perhaps tomorrow I’ll find some more. I tried to diversify my finds today to even include, gasp! Boy Runners! Just kidding, I love you all equally.
So for the ladies,I found these Nike Tempo Shorts. I have a pair just like this in black and pink. They are on sale at Nordstroms for $17.90, when normally $28.00
They are nice and fit well and work great for the longer runs, which will be what I’m doing this Saturday.
I even found some other sick deals to share.
For the boys. The C9 Tech Muscle Tee for $3.99.
Seriously Lost
January 22, 2009
Last night I watched Lost with my roommate. I’ve never seen an episode before and it was quite the experience! I know I was too far behind to ever really understand EVERYTHING that was going on, but it was interesting none the less. My roommate is a hardcore Lost fan so it was pretty intense!
Anyways, not much to post about today but I did do the Biggest Loser Workout Video again this morning. I feel like it gets me off to a great start of my day and that it really helps in the sculpting areas. I always thought videos were stupid and wouldn’t really work, but sometimes it’s nice to take a break and just relax and do a video in the privacy of your own home. I have the Biggest Loser Power Sculpt video and believe me, it leaves me incredibly sore, but in a good way.
For the ladies, after yesterdays skirt extravaganza, I didn’t have too many deals for you but perhaps tomorrow I’ll find some more. I tried to diversify my finds today to even include, gasp! Boy Runners! Just kidding, I love you all equally.
So for the ladies,I found these Nike Tempo Shorts. I have a pair just like this in black and pink. They are on sale at Nordstroms for $17.90, when normally $28.00
They are nice and fit well and work great for the longer runs, which will be what I’m doing this Saturday.
I even found some other sick deals to share.
For the boys. The C9 Tech Muscle Tee for $3.99.
Running Skirt Review!
January 21, 2009
So I got my first (and still only) running skirt from Target. It was normally $19.99, but I found it on the clearance rack for only $4.98. At this time I was still skeptical but wanted to give it a shot and I didn’t even really know what it would feel like to run in a skirt.
I decided to wear it for my last 1/2 marathon and it was AWESOME. I’m not one to do it for the ‘I want to be feminine, or show boys that I can run too’, but it was a just a really great feeling to run in a skirt, and I didn’t even feel like I was running in a skirt.
Obviously the pictures aren’t of myself, but I thought this picture showed how loose fitting they are, and how they really help with the chafing issue that some girls might have in shorts. They are not tight around the thighs and have some give in the material. Since they are a spandex mix, they are stretchy and don’t give you any restriction when you run at all. I was nervous that they would chafe the front of my legs from taking each step, but that wasn’t an issue at all. Since they are so loose fitting they feel great when you run. Usually they have a band at the top to keep the skirt on tight as well, or some have a drawstring or a tie. They come in many different lengths too so if you want to show off your legs, opt for a shorter one, and if you are not into the super short ones, go ahead and go for a little bit longer one.
So how does the skirt not flop up and expose your underwear? I didn’t really understand how this part of the skirt worked, but was glad that there were built in shorts!
This is actually the exact skirt I have, and all the running skirts have built in little shorts or briefs, depending on the model. I really thought these were great inside the skirt. They weren’t too short or restricting at all, which I thought might be an issue. The shorts are just a little bit shorter than the skirt, so if the skirt does flop up when your running everyone doesn’t get a show. I really thought they were comfy and moisture wicking, which is the key in warmer climates. Another great feature about the running skirt is that they don’t ride up like normal shorts at all. You’re not constantly putting down the band and the skirts fit so well.
If you look at this picture, you can see how stretchy and not restricting the skirt is. I was really surprised with how great it felt to run in. I’m not for any woman’s liberation movement or being super sexy when I run, but I did find it to be a great addition to my running clothes. If you see one on sale, don’t be afraid to try it! It’s shape is flattering on everyone and though you might feel a little silly, it’s fun to race in and super comfortable. I’m all about comfort when I’m running so that was a huge plus for me. Also many of them have a little pocket just like many shorts do. Once you get used to the fact that yes, you are actually running in a skirt, and no, no one will see your underwear, it’s pretty amazing!
If you are in the mood to find a running skirt to give a try, check out these links.
GearX Prana Women’s Mini Skirt – $45.95 – plain black running skirt.
TriSports Women’s Running Skirts – 8 different skirts in different colors on sale ranging in price from $19.97-63.97.
Sports Authority Nike Women’s Running Skirt - Gray or White longer skirt, $39.97
Target C9 Pink and Black Running Skirt - on sale for $17.99
Target C9 Blue Running Skirt – on sale for $9.99
You can find a majority here but they don’t really have sales – Running Skirts
PS Sara sent me this link to Holabird Sports and they have a ton of great deals! Check out their stuff here!!! Also remember to check your local running attire supplier to see if they have any on clearance!
Last night for my workout I decided to just run 6 miles to top of my total for the day at 10.5 miles. I did some striders and stretched really well after too to help my legs get some life back into them. Today I’m going to run stairs after I get off work. I can’t believe how gorgeous the pictures were from my run yesterday morning, and I’m sad that the weather man is reporting rain for the next FIVE days. When am I going to get my runs in? Off to the dreadmill it looks like for me! So the moral of the story is give running skirts a chance! You might be pleasantly surprised, and if not, then send them my way!
Also, about the biggest loser! The show is getting pretty intense and I was very sad to see Damien go, but also super glad that him and Nicole are doing it by themselves and look great! There were a lot of parts of the episode last night when I was thinking to myself, NO WAY! Joelle, Seriously, get your act together girlfriend. I can’t believe the work she barely squeeks by with. What a let down for Bob! It was another crazy week with the weigh-in and I hope they all continue to do well! I can’t wait for next weeks episode when everyone is reunited. I cannot believe Blaine and Dane did what they did, but now team play is ON!
xoxo
Running Skirt Review!
January 21, 2009
So I got my first (and still only) running skirt from Target. It was normally $19.99, but I found it on the clearance rack for only $4.98. At this time I was still skeptical but wanted to give it a shot and I didn’t even really know what it would feel like to run in a skirt.
I decided to wear it for my last 1/2 marathon and it was AWESOME. I’m not one to do it for the ‘I want to be feminine, or show boys that I can run too’, but it was a just a really great feeling to run in a skirt, and I didn’t even feel like I was running in a skirt.
Obviously the pictures aren’t of myself, but I thought this picture showed how loose fitting they are, and how they really help with the chafing issue that some girls might have in shorts. They are not tight around the thighs and have some give in the material. Since they are a spandex mix, they are stretchy and don’t give you any restriction when you run at all. I was nervous that they would chafe the front of my legs from taking each step, but that wasn’t an issue at all. Since they are so loose fitting they feel great when you run. Usually they have a band at the top to keep the skirt on tight as well, or some have a drawstring or a tie. They come in many different lengths too so if you want to show off your legs, opt for a shorter one, and if you are not into the super short ones, go ahead and go for a little bit longer one.
So how does the skirt not flop up and expose your underwear? I didn’t really understand how this part of the skirt worked, but was glad that there were built in shorts!
This is actually the exact skirt I have, and all the running skirts have built in little shorts or briefs, depending on the model. I really thought these were great inside the skirt. They weren’t too short or restricting at all, which I thought might be an issue. The shorts are just a little bit shorter than the skirt, so if the skirt does flop up when your running everyone doesn’t get a show. I really thought they were comfy and moisture wicking, which is the key in warmer climates. Another great feature about the running skirt is that they don’t ride up like normal shorts at all. You’re not constantly putting down the band and the skirts fit so well.
If you look at this picture, you can see how stretchy and not restricting the skirt is. I was really surprised with how great it felt to run in. I’m not for any woman’s liberation movement or being super sexy when I run, but I did find it to be a great addition to my running clothes. If you see one on sale, don’t be afraid to try it! It’s shape is flattering on everyone and though you might feel a little silly, it’s fun to race in and super comfortable. I’m all about comfort when I’m running so that was a huge plus for me. Also many of them have a little pocket just like many shorts do. Once you get used to the fact that yes, you are actually running in a skirt, and no, no one will see your underwear, it’s pretty amazing!
If you are in the mood to find a running skirt to give a try, check out these links.
GearX Prana Women’s Mini Skirt – $45.95 – plain black running skirt.
TriSports Women’s Running Skirts – 8 different skirts in different colors on sale ranging in price from $19.97-63.97.
Sports Authority Nike Women’s Running Skirt - Gray or White longer skirt, $39.97
Target C9 Pink and Black Running Skirt - on sale for $17.99
Target C9 Blue Running Skirt – on sale for $9.99
You can find a majority here but they don’t really have sales – Running Skirts
PS Sara sent me this link to Holabird Sports and they have a ton of great deals! Check out their stuff here!!! Also remember to check your local running attire supplier to see if they have any on clearance!
Last night for my workout I decided to just run 6 miles to top of my total for the day at 10.5 miles. I did some striders and stretched really well after too to help my legs get some life back into them. Today I’m going to run stairs after I get off work. I can’t believe how gorgeous the pictures were from my run yesterday morning, and I’m sad that the weather man is reporting rain for the next FIVE days. When am I going to get my runs in? Off to the dreadmill it looks like for me! So the moral of the story is give running skirts a chance! You might be pleasantly surprised, and if not, then send them my way!
Also, about the biggest loser! The show is getting pretty intense and I was very sad to see Damien go, but also super glad that him and Nicole are doing it by themselves and look great! There were a lot of parts of the episode last night when I was thinking to myself, NO WAY! Joelle, Seriously, get your act together girlfriend. I can’t believe the work she barely squeeks by with. What a let down for Bob! It was another crazy week with the weigh-in and I hope they all continue to do well! I can’t wait for next weeks episode when everyone is reunited. I cannot believe Blaine and Dane did what they did, but now team play is ON!
xoxo
Just whistle whilst you work!
December 20, 2008
So sadly, it has crossed my mind that I might be attacked on a run. I already gave you the option of stun guns and pepper spray on this post, but I found this and couldn’t resist adding this to my list of 26.2 things to give to a runner.
It’s a Spalding Electronic Whistle. Single tone electronic whistle that has a loud, consistent sound every time, even if user is short of breath or injured. Personal Safety & Signaling Device and includes 2 sets of AAA Batteries. It’s also hand operated instead of mouth blown is sanitary, even for multi users. Get yours for $15.95 here.
Be safe out there!
xoxo
Just whistle whilst you work!
December 20, 2008
So sadly, it has crossed my mind that I might be attacked on a run. I already gave you the option of stun guns and pepper spray on this post, but I found this and couldn’t resist adding this to my list of 26.2 things to give to a runner.
It’s a Spalding Electronic Whistle. Single tone electronic whistle that has a loud, consistent sound every time, even if user is short of breath or injured. Personal Safety & Signaling Device and includes 2 sets of AAA Batteries. It’s also hand operated instead of mouth blown is sanitary, even for multi users. Get yours for $15.95 here.
Be safe out there!
xoxo
A gift for the yucky
December 17, 2008
Last night’s Biggest Loser Finale was AMAZING! How great did Amy and Phil look?! Heba and Ed looked amazing too, but I could not get over Amy and Phil. They were little rails. For those of you who didn’t watch yet, I won’t ruin it, but Michelle looked great and she was my favorite all season! Her pink dress was too cute, and her attitude about everything was amazing. Vicki looked like Vicki, mean and scheming. I was never a big fan of her and her devious ways. Ed looked great and it seems like him and Heba will keep up on the exercise and hard work too. I was kind of shocked that such a huge number of votes that wanted Ed to go up against the girls. Oh well, congrats to the winner and everyone on the show for looking so amazing at the finale.
Tonight I’m back at it at Amp’d Abs which I’m really excited about. If you are thinking about taking a class, I would totally recommend them at a local gym or a 24 hour fitness if you are willing to look like an idiot in front of other people. At first taking the class was kind of awkward, but once you get past the fact that everyone else is looking just as dumb as you are, it’s fun and I feel like it has definitely strengthened and toned and has taught me new moves to do outside of the gym as well. After the class I’ll be on the good old 20 treadmill-20 bike-15 elliptical-5 stair stepper program. I feel really good after I work out that hard at the gym.
Today’s gift of the day is all about blisters. Those little nagging things you get when you run to far and think, oh it’s just a little pain, or it will go away, then you take off your shoe and a huge bump of, okay, okay that’s enough! Here’s what will help you get through the long runs or even if you are just starting out with running. I used to live by 2nd skin and mole skin back in the high school racing days.
For all types of blisters, we have the Spenco Blister Kit sold on American RX that can be found here for $6.20! It features Spenco 2nd Skin (which I’m super partial too) and foam pads to soothe, cool and protect against rubbing, hot spots, and blisters. It includes 6 moist pads @ 1″ square each in a resealable bag, along with 1 adhesive sheet (3″x5″), 6 adhesive strips (3″x1.5″) and 11 foam pressure pads.
Mountain gear also has a before and after Blister Kit for $18.95 that can be found on their site here. This kit claims to prevent blisters from forming or eliminating the discomfort of them. This kit includes a Blister Medic first aid kit from Adventure Medical Kits and two Body glide sticks. The first aid kit includes 2 strip adhesive bandages, 2 knuckle adhesive bandages, 3 antiseptic towelettes, 2 Moleskins, Spenco 2nd Skin, Molefoam, Non-woven adhesive knit, scissors and 2 double antibiotic ointments. There are also 2 0.45 ounce Body glide sticks to help prevent chafing and blisters.
Backcountry.com has some options as well that includes the Adventure Medical Blister Kit for $7.99. The option includes GlacierGel, Moleskin, antiseptic towelettes, and alcohol wipes to give you complete first aid for a hiker’s feet. Including 15 dressing and 15 wipes.
Lastly, I found the blister kit mecca on Zombie Runner. They have a foot care section that would battle Dr. Scholls laboratory.
First off they have the Pocket Foot Care Kit. It’s designed for blister repair on the run. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket. Includes blister patches and other essential items, plus instructions for use. Find it here for $7.95.
It includes: Benzoin ampules (2) Alcohol preps (6) Antibiotic ointment (2) Spenco Blister Pads (2) Blist-O-Ban Blister Pad (1) Sterile lancets (2) 3″ x 5″ baggies (2) BlisterShield Powder, packet (1) Engo Performance Patch (2) Trail Tissues (1) Instructions.
Secondly you can find the Small Foot Care Kit here for $ 19.95. It includes all this : Benzoin ampules (4) Alcohol preps (8) Antibiotic ointment (4) 2″ Elastikon tape (1) 1″ Micropore tape (1) Spenco 2nd Skin (2) Folding scissors (1) Powder 2″ x 3″ baggies (2) 3″ x 5″ baggies (4) Instructions. Seriously talk about a ton of stuff!
You can also check out these great products they have on their site.
Big Foot Care Kit for $31.95
Blister Shield Powder Single Use Packet for $1.15
Blister Shield 8 oz for $8.95
Sport Shield Liquid Roll On for $8.95
Their site was a wonderful location for many foot care items so make sure you check them out if you are in the market for foot repair!
xoxo
A gift for the yucky
December 17, 2008
Last night’s Biggest Loser Finale was AMAZING! How great did Amy and Phil look?! Heba and Ed looked amazing too, but I could not get over Amy and Phil. They were little rails. For those of you who didn’t watch yet, I won’t ruin it, but Michelle looked great and she was my favorite all season! Her pink dress was too cute, and her attitude about everything was amazing. Vicki looked like Vicki, mean and scheming. I was never a big fan of her and her devious ways. Ed looked great and it seems like him and Heba will keep up on the exercise and hard work too. I was kind of shocked that such a huge number of votes that wanted Ed to go up against the girls. Oh well, congrats to the winner and everyone on the show for looking so amazing at the finale.
Tonight I’m back at it at Amp’d Abs which I’m really excited about. If you are thinking about taking a class, I would totally recommend them at a local gym or a 24 hour fitness if you are willing to look like an idiot in front of other people. At first taking the class was kind of awkward, but once you get past the fact that everyone else is looking just as dumb as you are, it’s fun and I feel like it has definitely strengthened and toned and has taught me new moves to do outside of the gym as well. After the class I’ll be on the good old 20 treadmill-20 bike-15 elliptical-5 stair stepper program. I feel really good after I work out that hard at the gym.
Today’s gift of the day is all about blisters. Those little nagging things you get when you run to far and think, oh it’s just a little pain, or it will go away, then you take off your shoe and a huge bump of, okay, okay that’s enough! Here’s what will help you get through the long runs or even if you are just starting out with running. I used to live by 2nd skin and mole skin back in the high school racing days.
For all types of blisters, we have the Spenco Blister Kit sold on American RX that can be found here for $6.20! It features Spenco 2nd Skin (which I’m super partial too) and foam pads to soothe, cool and protect against rubbing, hot spots, and blisters. It includes 6 moist pads @ 1″ square each in a resealable bag, along with 1 adhesive sheet (3″x5″), 6 adhesive strips (3″x1.5″) and 11 foam pressure pads.
Mountain gear also has a before and after Blister Kit for $18.95 that can be found on their site here. This kit claims to prevent blisters from forming or eliminating the discomfort of them. This kit includes a Blister Medic first aid kit from Adventure Medical Kits and two Body glide sticks. The first aid kit includes 2 strip adhesive bandages, 2 knuckle adhesive bandages, 3 antiseptic towelettes, 2 Moleskins, Spenco 2nd Skin, Molefoam, Non-woven adhesive knit, scissors and 2 double antibiotic ointments. There are also 2 0.45 ounce Body glide sticks to help prevent chafing and blisters.
Backcountry.com has some options as well that includes the Adventure Medical Blister Kit for $7.99. The option includes GlacierGel, Moleskin, antiseptic towelettes, and alcohol wipes to give you complete first aid for a hiker’s feet. Including 15 dressing and 15 wipes.
Lastly, I found the blister kit mecca on Zombie Runner. They have a foot care section that would battle Dr. Scholls laboratory.
First off they have the Pocket Foot Care Kit. It’s designed for blister repair on the run. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket. Includes blister patches and other essential items, plus instructions for use. Find it here for $7.95.
It includes: Benzoin ampules (2) Alcohol preps (6) Antibiotic ointment (2) Spenco Blister Pads (2) Blist-O-Ban Blister Pad (1) Sterile lancets (2) 3″ x 5″ baggies (2) BlisterShield Powder, packet (1) Engo Performance Patch (2) Trail Tissues (1) Instructions.
Secondly you can find the Small Foot Care Kit here for $ 19.95. It includes all this : Benzoin ampules (4) Alcohol preps (8) Antibiotic ointment (4) 2″ Elastikon tape (1) 1″ Micropore tape (1) Spenco 2nd Skin (2) Folding scissors (1) Powder 2″ x 3″ baggies (2) 3″ x 5″ baggies (4) Instructions. Seriously talk about a ton of stuff!
You can also check out these great products they have on their site.
Big Foot Care Kit for $31.95
Blister Shield Powder Single Use Packet for $1.15
Blister Shield 8 oz for $8.95
Sport Shield Liquid Roll On for $8.95
Their site was a wonderful location for many foot care items so make sure you check them out if you are in the market for foot repair!
xoxo
Gettin’ Amp’d…
December 16, 2008
This weekend was a BLAST! So glad my two cousins and I were able to get away and just relax. There was only one night of mayhem but tons of good food and tons of old people at our resort. We went and played trivia night one night, and won two bottles of champagne and I was the grand prize winner of a bag of popcorn. Exceptional prizes I know. Over the weekend I also finished two books including Chasing Harry Winston and Ultra-Marathon Man by Dean Karnazes. Both are really good and it was nice to read two totally different books. I’ll be posting a review of both once the holidays are over.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get in as much running as I wanted to, but I did a bum busting workout yesterday and then again this morning that included a 3 mile, 6.5 incline run that I thought I would never finish. I also did some weight-lifting today and yesterday that made me sore today. Tomorrow I’m finally getting the chance to go back to Amp’d Abs and I’m stoked! I can’t wait to get back into the swing of things and start training more hardcore for my half in February.
Here’s one picture of my cousin and I, posing by a big pig in front of the BBQ place “Babe’s” in Rancho Mirage. We didn’t even eat there, but the picture on the pig was hard to pass up. I’ll be posting a few more pictures when I get them from my cousins camera.
So in the wide world of running I’ve come to realize that running more than five miles without a little energy booster is a drag, and that is why the gift of the day is dedicated strictly to these lovely little energy boosters. I’ve got a wide variety of reviews and where to get Gu’s, shot blox, everything you can think of!
MMMM it’s 10:00 am and now I’m hungry for sugar!
Gu has the “GU is simple. Simple is fast.” slogan and they are quick, but I’m not one to rave about their consistency. Sometimes, on a nasty flavor, I’ve been one to gag. Anyways, GU Energy Gel provides just what you need for premium exercise fuel and none of the extras that slow you down. GU takes you where you want to go, fast. GU’s carbohydrate blend delivers high-quality, easily-digested and long-lasting energy for athletes in every sport and at all levels. If I’m running more than 45 minutes I down one of these bad boys.
Outdoor Pros has the 6 pack GU Tri-Berry for $6.08
Jenson USA has many flavors for $.99 for a single shot
Lucky Vitamin has the 24 packs of single shots for $21.98
Clif Bar & Company has introduced my personal favorite, the CLIF SHOT Blox. They are the latest nutrition option for endurance athletes. Bloks come in chewable, 33 calorie cubes, making it easy to customize and track caloric and electrolyte intake during long outings and races. You can easily buy them right off their website too. They have tons of good flavors and I love the black cherry and strawberry, but Pina Colada is yucky. They have a 12 pack of blox and there are 6 blox in each pack. They are sold for $23.88 Check them out HERE!
I am the hugest fan of Jelly Bean Sport Beans too. They are tasty, small, easy to handle and did I mention, like CANDY? They are $4.99 for 5 here, and you can look at all the flavors, prices and packets here. At REI, they are a steal for only a $1.00 a pouch. Go here to see the REI selection.
Power Bar also has it’s own offerings called the Power Bar Gels. I don’t like these ones as much, but I have grown to love the Power Bar Gel Blasts. They are like the shot blox, in their small shape. The cola one is decent-tasting bite-sized energy chew. I have yet to try the lemon flavored one. They are $1.99 a bag and can be found HERE!
Here’s some more links just in case you were interested in other kinds:
Powerbar Gel from REI -$1.25 single shot
Hammer Gel from REI – $1.25 single shot
So gel up and get out there. These seriously have helped me get through my long runs, and even I didn’t understand the purpose of them to begin with once I started using them, I realized they are so helpful! Enjoy the power of energy!
xoxo
