My Race Bag

I've done quite a few races this year and have been trying to make the perfect "race day" drop bag. So far I've been lucky and have never had my bag lost at a race but I try to make sure there really isn't anything too important in it just in case.  I usually get to the start on the early side so some standing/sitting/hanging out is involved.  If you tend be on the last bus you won't need all of this stuff. 

So here it is:

Old blanket - you can wrap it around you and or your friends or sit on it and if you throw it on the side of the road - who cares!

Thanks Delta - you kept me warm in Boston

 trash bag - you can wear it or sit on this as well

Sherry and I on the bus heading to my first marathon in 2009

Kleenex - way too often the TP runs out in the porta potties and why wait for one that has it when you can just have some in your bag

throw away warm gear - gloves, ear warmers, shirt, and pants

I found these at Wal-Mart for $1.50 each!!

I know some people like to bring a magazine or something to pass the time...but I bring friends instead!  

Heading up the start of the UV half marathon - June 2013

I always put my GU's, electrolytes, and ipod in a ziplock bag the night before then I can put it in my pockets up at the start instead of trying to think about it all on race morning

Water bottle - hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Chapstick, advil, body glide, etc - just in case  

Another smart thing to do is bring a ribbon or something to tie around your bag so you can spot it easier. 

30 Day Challenge

Day 4:  I am so confident in my wardrobe that I wore 2 pink items today.  I was planning to save these awesome pink shoes as a back-up in case I ran out of pink.  But I am sure I can do this so I busted them out with my pink shorts today.

Day 5:  Race day.  You know I'm wearing pink on race day whether I'm doing a challenge or not.  Pink is my go-to race color.  It makes me run fast!

Day 6:  Since I am still dying from the marathon we went for a walk this morning so I needed to really bundle up.  It was the perfect thing to get my tired sore legs moving a little.

New Race Outfit

I love (and I mean really love) buying new running clothes.  It's the way I reward myself for hard work and training.  Plus I love having a new outfit for every big race I run.  I train hard then focus my race jitters on random stuff like picking a new outfit.  I love running races in lululemon skirts - they are super comfortable, have 3 pockets to carry all my GU's and iPod and are dang cute.  

So when I saw this new black and white striped skirt I knew it would be my race outfit.  I wore it on my 22 mile run and it was perfect.  I am of course throwing in a touch of pink too.  I used to always race in all black - but the pictures weren't nearly as fun.  So next week if you're looking for me crossing the finish line at St. George you know what I'll be wearing. 

My Boston Gear

I picked up a few things for the little ones while in Boston.  My favorite item has to be the shirts I got Luke and Sophie.  Sophie LOVES her "running mom shirt" - and keeps walking around saying "in your face".  P.S - Sophie is a crazy girl and my kids hair looks awesome after not having me around to comb it for 5 days :)

I got this awesome jacket at the expo and I LOVE it!

 Brand new Kinvara 4's
(you can't even buy these babies yet)

 And I bought this shirt (but the ladies version in yellow) to help support onefundboston.org

  

I am proud to be a part of the Boston family and will wear my gear with pride.  Nothing will ever make me forget what happened on Monday - but this gear will show my support and love for the Boston Marathon. 

My Mary Poppins Gym Bag

I take this bag to the gym with me every time I go.  It's small and I can hang it on the side of the treadmill so I have quick access to it.  It is filled with all my gym necessities and then some.

Here is what I have inside my little bag: a towel (isn't it so cute - my friend made it for me last year before the UV marathon), my jump rope, chalk (in the blue tupperware), tape, chapstick, advil, body glide, my nano, extra headphones, fuel and drink mixes.  So if you every need anything at the gym I've got you covered :)

What else should I have with me?

Today's Workout:  taught spin 45 minutes, cycled for an extra 30 minutes then did crossfit.  The WOD today was crazy.  15 pull-ups, 15 dumbell rows, 10 push press and 5 hand stand push-ups.  5 rounds for time.  I did my hand stand push-ups using bands upside down from the bar.  It was crazy!

Review - Roctane Drink

I am a big fan of the Roctane GU's - I use them on almost every long run I do and can really feel a difference with them.  So when I saw this product at Runner's Corner I bought it without a second thought.  I've now used it several times and I LOVE it!  I used it last week on my 18 mile long run.  Then again throughout the week.  I did several back-to-back workouts this week (run-crossfit-run) and I like the constant energy this gave me.  When I take a GU I can feel the difference but then it wears off.  I like that I can sip on this the entire workout.  I don't think I'll ever use it when I run outside because I hate carrying a water bottle with me.  But for biking or indoor workouts this is a must have right now for me.  The biggest downfall is that it's a little pricey - $25 for 12 servings.

Stocking Stuffers for Runners

I never get tired of running gear.  I ask for it for every birthday and Christmas.  So here are a few items every runner would love.  What else do you have on your list?

 

Scott James Jewelry ($12 per pendant). 
I LOVE LOVE LOVE my necklace and wear it all the time.

 

Fuel Belt hand held water bottle. ($8-$15)

It's dark in the winter so a headlamp is awesome ($20-$80)

A great basic running watch from Garmin ($130)
I love my 305 but I really want one of these too and it comes in fun colors!

 

A few great long sleeve running shirts. ($20-$70)

I have thinner ones and fleece lined shirts.  You need a variety for layering.

A fun way to display your race medals ($25+ on etsy)

Compression socks or sleeves ($50)

I love my CEP and Pro Compression ones.
ProCompression is doing a 40% off right now with free shipping 

Promo code: SOM12

Give the gift of "not getting hit by a car" ($20)

I love my sleeves ($8)

 

Injinji Socks ($12)

 

Spi Belt ($20)

 Smartwool Sock ($8)

these are great for winter running.

 Yurbuds ($35)

And if you want to throw down some cash get anything from Athleta or LuLu Lemon.  I absolutely love everything I have from both of those stores. 

Gear Review - Injinji Socks

Remember how I get really nasty blisters?  Well my feet are seriously nasty.  No matter what I do I get big huge blood blisters on the inside of my right big toe.  So I decided to give these fancy socks a try.  I have worn them on every long (16+)  training run I've done since July.  And guess what - no blisters.  Maybe there is something to it.  The true test will be St. George because I tend to only blister bad during races (don't ask me why it doesn't make sense).  

If you decide to try these socks make sure you leave an extra 5 minutes to get them on if you run early and your brain function is minimal.  Trying to get each toe into the proper slot is always a challenge for me.  And let's not even talk about how annoying it is to get the toes pulled back out after I wash them. 

My Shoes

 I got 2 new pairs of shoes!!  I bought the new Kinvara 3's.  I've done 2 runs in them and they feel great.  I obviously have loved my Kinvaras.  

When I was cleaning out my shoes yesterday I found all these running shoes - 7 pair of Kinvaras and 2 other pair. I have been going through a lot of shoes lately because of how many miles I'm putting in these days.  I like to buy my shoes 2 at a time so I can break them in equally.

Saturday we ran 12 miles and today was an 8 mile run.  My pace is back to where it was before the UV marathon.  Which is good since I'm less than 2 months away from the St. George marathon.

Tomorrow:  spin & lift

Wednesday: 7 miles w/5 at tempo

Thursday: 7 miles

Saturday:  18 miles

Aren't my new shoes sooooo cute!

The morning of the marathon

What will I be doing the morning of the marathon you ask?  Just hanging out on this sweet pool float.  Not on the pool or lake of course.  But now when I wake up at 3:00 am and have a few hours to kill at the start of the race I can blow this baby up, cuddle up in my blanket and wait without having to be on my feet. That is when I'm not in line for the porta potty. I'm so excited! 

By the way, I got a text with this picture letting me know about this awesome gift.  So I didn't even have to buy my own happiness. What a great friend I have! 

Yesterday I taught spin and this morning was my last tempo run before the race.  Total of 8 miles with 3 of them at a 7:35 pace.  And honestly, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.  

Tomorrow:  9 miles "easy" run

Gear Review - BTB sunglasses

A friend asked me to review these sunglasses as a runner. I really like them!! I've worn them on a few runs now so I feel like I have a good enough feel to do a review.  Due to my short hair and my really bad bed head I usually wear a hat when I run but I love having options.  

These glasses are so light and comfy I don't even notice they are there (until I stop running and my sweat causes them to fog up ... ha ha).  I can't wait to try these when I finally get out on my bike.  If you wear sunglasses when you run or ride (or really any sport) grab a pair.  They are a great price and she even sent me a promotion you can use!

Saturday we did a nice easy 12 mile long run and today we did 10 miles. Tomorrow is spin and lifting.  

Lots more info on the shades:

www.BTBsunglasses.com
www.Facebook.com/btbsunglasses

100% optical clarity using HD (High Definition) technology • Optimal Focal Point Lenses

• Complete UVA and UVB Protection

Comfort

• “Form-fitted” for user comfort

• Temples and nose pieces crafted from TPR hypoallergenic material and coated with an anti-bacterial agent

• Featherweight Design

Durability

• Rugged frames made from Grilamid TR90

• “Frame Flex” technology construction

• “Ballistic” impact rated lenses

Lifetime warranty!!

Use coupon code SUNSHINE to get $5.00 off every pair!!

A portion of each sale is donated to BTB Foundation – a 501C that helps to actively promote youth participation in all ball sports for a healthier and active lifestyle

Udo's Oil Review

It's been a month since I started on Udo's Oil and I am ready to buy another bottle.  I feel great these days.  The hard part for me is pin pointing what feels great and what it's coming from.  

I've done a lot of things different the past 6 months with my running.  I'm doing a totally different training program (Smart Coach from Runner's World) which has taken my mileage up to 35-45 a week consistently.  I wear compression socks every few runs and love them.  And I take my 2T of Udo's Oil every morning (seriously I haven't missed a day yet) with my high protein recovery shake. 

Today on our 12 miler the girls and I were talking about being achy and I realized that's where I'm feeling the most difference since I started on Udo's.  Most nights I'm achy and sore so rather than be lazy I take a hot bath to relax my lower back and do my roller.  I haven't take a bath or rolled in the last 3 weeks because I don't hurt at night.  Is it from Udo's?  I don't know.  But I do know that things seem to be working for me so I'm not going to change anything right now.  I'm sticking with the oil, socks and training program I'm not.  Why mess with a good thing?

Compression Socks?

Lately I've seen a lot of distance runners in compression socks.  I bought a pair last year for Ragnar and thought with all the miles I'm putting in right now I should pull them back out.  So this morning on our 10 miler I wore mine.  They felt fine and so far my legs aren't too tired - but I feel like 10 miles is where my base is right now so I'm not sure it would matter or not.

I'm going to keep wearing them for the next few weeks of training to see how I feel in them.

I *might* have bought 2 more pair last week because they were pink and on sale so I sure hope they help!!

Today:  10 miles

Tomorrow: spin & lift

Do you wear compression socks?  Do you notice a difference?


P.S.  this picture was taken last year on a road trip to California after a triple run day.  I'm sure I looked crazy but my legs felt fine after a long day sitting in the car.

Rollin' my legs

This is the roller I have.  I have a love/hate relationship with it.  It hurts when I roll but I feel so much better once I'm done.

I found this article about where endurance athletes need to focus their rolling.

http://tptherapy.com/release-your-strength-endurance-training.php

I'm not sure I'd call myself an endurance "athlete" - but I am doing endurance workouts so I figure this fits my needs.  Personally the area I have the most pain is my Piriformis. In addition to my roller I also use a tennis ball for the areas I can't roll and "The Stick" on my calves and arches of my feet.   

Last night my muscles hurt so bad in a few spots it was hard to fall asleep.  Sad I love sleep!  I'm trying to roll it out twice a day right now so that I don't get injured.  I am NOT going to let myself get injured this year.  I have too many races to do and too many miles to run!!

Today's workout:  spin & weights

Tomorrow:  10 miles

Gear Review - My shoes

 I am on my 4th pair of Saucony Kinvara 2's.  I switched to them early last year to go a little more neutral with my running.  It took me a few weeks to get used to them.  My calves were so sore at first but nothing now.  I love how light they are.  I can't even put on my old shoes without feeling like my knees are doing too much work.  

They have worn down just like my old shoes if not a little better since I don't hit as hard now.  I'd say they last me a good 400-500 miles before I start to notice the tread going.  

I always buy them 2 pair at a time online and alternate them during the week when I run so that I have broken in shoes without too many miles for races.  Plus then I only pay shipping once.

I bought this black/blue pair with my last purchase and I LOVE them.  I get compliments on them every time I wear them.  The only bad part is that I like them better with black no show socks and all my good running socks are white so I'll need to buy some new socks I guess.  I wore them on my flight to Orlando last week and ended up talking to one of the flight attendants about running and my shoes.  Typical me - always talking about running.  

P.S.  today is a rest day.  I love rest days!  I didn't even set an alarm this morning and when I automatically woke up at 5:15 am I just rolled over and went back to sleep with no guilt :)

Nike+ vs. Garmin 305

I was asked if I like running with my Nike+ compared to my Garmin so I thought I'd do a full write up about both of them.  I have the Garmin 305 and I have run with it for years and I love it.  This year my work did a contest and for every 1000 miles we ran/walked we donated a scholarship to kids in Malawi Africa.  So I got a Nike+ to be part of the contest and tracked all my miles.  Just for the record I was in the top 10 overall on miles and the #1 corporate employee with the most miles.  OK back to my comparison...

Accuracy.  The garmin gps seems more accurate than the Nike+  since it only uses a pedometer (unless you use your iPhone then it adds gps - but I don't run with my phone).  At first my Nike+ was off quite a bit but I have calibrated my Nike+ a few times and it is much better since I did that.  I'd say on average it's about 0.1 mile off.  When I run on the treadmill my Nike+ is exact with the treadmill so I don't know exactly where the discrepancy is.

Ease of Use.  The Nike+ requires two pieces - the foot piece and a piece that goes into my iPod.  If you run with your iPhone you don't have to have the 2nd part.  I don't run in Nike shoes so I got this little shoe attachment for the pedometer (I hear they have wrist ones too - but I'm not sure how that would work and my foot piece was free from work).  I just move it to whatever shoes I'm wearing and I'm good to go.  With my garmin I just throw the watch on and off I go.  However the watch is very bulky and sometimes it annoys me when I'm running.  It also makes it difficult to take off extra layers when it's cold outside.  My Nike+ doesn't take any time to locate satellites either.

Post Run Information.  I never hook my Garmin up to my computer so this might be an inaccurate comparison.  I upload my Nike+ data almost everyday and I can look at my total miles, set goals, look at each miles pace breakdown, put in details about my run (weather, hills, etc).  I really like the constant feedback from my Nike+ and the little shout outs it gives me when I hit specific goals (fastest mile, furthest run, you hit 1000 miles, etc).  I'm sure the garmin does more of this but it just isn't as convenient to hook up to my computer as my iPod is.  

Additional Information.  One thing that I've noticed is different running with Nike+ instead of my garmin is that I'm not nearly as OCD about watching every detail during the run.  I run and it tells me when I've hit each mile.  It counts up to half way then down which I like and other than that I am just running along with my music.  I never look at my pace to speed up or slow down. I feel like I can run at a more comfortable pace when I only have my Nike+ on.  And I haven't slowed down a bit if anything I'm a bit faster than I was last year (but I don't think that has anything to do with my Nike+).  However, that goes both ways.  When I'm training hard the Nike+ doesn't push me hard enough or tell me any details so on tempo runs or speed work it doesn't work and I wear my Garmin. 

I love that my Nike+ hooks up to my nano and most of the time I just have my music on really softly in 1 ear so I can chat with the girls but I'm so used to have it with me that if I'm struggling on a run or going up a tough hill I can turn up the tunes and push myself.

P.S.  I didn't realize how dirty my shoes are.  I am so embarrassed :)