A Few of My Favorite Things: Part 1

I’ve been running for 7 months now.  As I’ve gotten further into my training for my first half marathon, I’ve begun to do more research and also try out new things.  Here are a few of my favorite things to go with my running:

Running Shoes

I LOVE my New Balance running shoes!  

I’ve tried all sorts of brands of shoes from Nike to Ascis to you name it.  The problem was that I was trying them out myself.  I have learned that it is SO important that you go to a good running store in your area and have them size you.  They checked my gait and then sized me with several different brands.  I also didn’t realize that although I am a size 8 normally, I should buy a size 8 ½.  Something else that I have learned is to make sure that you buy RUNNING shoes.  Even though you may cross train or do other things, you need to run in RUNNING shoes.  It was a little pricey, but for the first time I bought my shoes at the local running store.  I bought the same pair from Amazon on Prime Day the next time I needed them.  Speaking of that…how often should you get new shoes?  You should get new running shoes every 300-500 miles.  If your feet are hurting while you run, then it is time for a new pair.  There are several running apps that will help you track your shoe mileage.  This brings me to another one of my favorite things…

Running Apps

I am a weirdo and use several different apps while I am running.  I have mentioned in some previous posts that I have been using Jeff Galloway’s training apps.  I went ahead and purchased the bundle even though I have no desire at this time to do a full marathon.  I really like his apps.  My training schedule is already set up for me. Jeff promotes the run/walk interval to prevent injury and for many other reasons.  I have noticed that by running for 3 minutes and then walking for 1 minute, my race times have gotten faster.  He tells me when to run and when to walk.  I can also synch my exercise playlist to it and it will speed up or slow down my music based on whether I need to be running or walking.  I can also have it set to listen to podcasts if I want to.  I will now listen to podcasts on my 30 minute run and walk days and then listen to my music on the longer runs.  Do you need some ideas for good podcasts to listen to?  Check out my friends over at Joyful Miles.  They recently did a great post on different podcasts.

I also use MayMyRun and just recently started Runkeeper to track my mileage (I like to see the pretty map of my distance, pace intervals and elevation).  These also synch with MyFitnessPal. 

Earbuds

When I first started running, I used regular headphones while I was running.  I started to get annoyed with the cords.  Some of my friends suggested these eCandy wirelessheadphones.  I love them and they were the best $18.00 that I spent. 

FlipBelt

Around the time that I started running, one of my friends suggested the FlipBelt.  It is great while you are running.  You don’t feel it around your waist and it will hold your phone, tissues, keys, etc.  When I started running longer distances, I switched to a hydration belt so that I would have water with me.  It was okay.  I don’t like how it hits my race bibs on races.  I recently purchased this new FlipBelt & water bottles to fit in the FlipBelt.  I found it a little easier and I can wear it around my waist but under my shirt.  It took a little practice sliding the water bottle in and out of the slots, but by the end of my long run yesterday I was a pro. 

Sparkle Skirts

These are the BEST things EVER!!  What is a Sparkle Skirt you ask?  Click the link and check them out!  They seriously don’t ride up on you while you are running.  They come with 3 pockets.  I use them for my key fab, phone and running snack.  They are great to wear for when I go to Disney too (those pockets ROCK!).  Oh and it helps that I look cute in them too!  Ha!  Ha!

I LOVE the hidden pockets!

Don’t forget to get a good Sports Bra and also change them out too.  Sports Bras,  like running shoes will wear out too!  In fact, running shoes and sports bras should never be hand-me-downs.  That will just cause injury for you. 

Fuel

If you are only running a 10k (6.2 miles), you really don’t need fuel when you are running (I haven’t) if you are fueling properly before and after.  You will need to fuel during your run if you are running longer than 6 miles.  I am new to this, but the picture above is what I tried yesterday.  I ate one Stinger Waffle pre-run and then the GU at about miles 5 & 7.  I did a little at a time to test how it would be on my stomach.  I’ve read that if you take GU, it is important to drink water with it.  That will help your system digest it faster.  The GU was okay.  I think that I am going to try the Stinger Chewables next time.  I’ve also tried the Gatorade Chewables.  I bring both of my water bottles with me.  One has water and the other has vitamin water or Gatorade, etc.  I alternate when I drink them throughout the run.  It is important to test your body with Gatorade or Powerade or any fuel during your training.  Don’t wait until race day to try something new.  You don’t want any surprises with how your body reacts to it. 

For my long run yesterday, I also left a cooler in my car with some vitamin water.  I chugged that when I was done with my run.  Make sure that you are also properly fueling after your run/race with the proper protein/fat/carbohydrate ratio.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of "A Few of My Favorite Things".