Friday, August 10, 2012

10 Things I Can't Run Without

Sorry it's been so long since I posted last! I will start posting more again soon! Without further ado, here is my list of 10 things I can't run without!

10. Bubble Laces
I was introduced to these laces when I bought my shoes at Texas Running Company. I needed super long laces to fit my Nikes (longer than most stores stock, even!) because the ones that came with my Nikes were too short for me even to make a bow, let alone a double knot. (I will admit that I keep them laced pretty loosely). I ordered longer, bubble laces here that are supposed to stay tied and I've never had to worry about them coming untied and they're nice and long so I can double knot them, too. They're a great, cheap upgrade to your shoes!

9. Moisture- Wicking Clothing
Right now, I have been buying my running clothes (shirts, pants) at Target. Their C9 brand is affordable, especially when on sale, but is still cute and functional. I really want running clothes from Lululemon, but have held out due to the price. Why should I buy them now if they will be too big one day? I'll wait until I reach my goal weight!

8. Moisture- Wicking Athletic Socks
I can't stress enough the importance of good, moisture- wicking socks. I actually bought these at Target, too, and they have been great. I like the Gold Toe brand at Target. They work for me so far. Maybe when I start running longer distances I'll need an upgrade, but these are working great for me right now.

7. Body Glide for Her
I put it on my feet before races and longer runs and it seems to help prevent blisters. Also great for other areas of the body, too. They sell it in a cute little 3-pack of mini sticks at my local Academy. So great to throw in a gym bag and just go! Sold at most sporting goods and running stores and on drugstore.com.

 6. iPhone Armband by TuneBelt
http://www.tunebelt.com/ab84 
I love this armband because it holds my phone without taking it out of the OtterBox. If you have an OtterBox, you know how hard it is to remove (and who would want to when it protects your phone so nicely? I am never worried about my phone dropping or breaking between the OtterBox and the armband. Plus, it is so much easier to have my hands free while I run! (Believe me! My first few weeks of running I held my phone in my hands and it was not fun. I was constantly worried about dropping it!)

5. Easy 5K with Jeff Galloway/ Easy 10k with Jeff Galloway/ Half Marathon With Jeff Galloway iPhone Apps
I think of Jeff Galloway as my own personal running coach. When he talks to me and gives me advice or encouragement, like when he says "great job!" I think "Thanks, Jeff!" When he says "Run, go for _ minutes (or miles)" I say "Okay, Jeff!" I know, I know, that's strange, but it really helps! His run/ walk method is amazing and is probably one of the key reasons for my success. You can buy the 5K and 10K apps for $3.99 and the half marathon app for $14.99 in the Apple App Store. 

 4. Sweaty Bands
Sweaty Bands are so awesome! I have one and want about 50 more because the colors and patterns are so cute. It's basically a fabric headband with an elastic bottom to help keep it on your head. It also has a velvet backing to keep it from slipping. With my shorter haircut, the Sweaty Band is a must. It keeps all of the little hairs out of my face and off of the back of my neck. I get so many compliments when I wear it. Mine is the Viva Diva 1" in black. Sweaty Bands are totally cute enough to wear as a regular headband if you're having a bad hair day, too! 

3. Handana
A former co-worker of mine has a friend who invented these. I found out about them on Facebook and ordered one right away! What a neat little invention. It's like a little glove for your hand that you use to wipe sweat away. I don't go on a run outside without it! Plus they come in so many cute colors! I, of course, bought a hot pink and black one! Find out more info here.

2. KT Tape
If you've been watching the Olympics and wondering what was all over the athletes' bodies, especially in beach volleyball and diving, it was KT tape or a similar product. I bought some KT tape at the recommendation of my Facebook group (which I will talk more about some other time!) and this stuff is awesome! It's miracle tape! It really helps give me some support but still lots more flexibility than a knee brace. Plus it comes in so many fun colors! (Can you guess what color I got?! I'll give you one hint: PINK!) The regular lasts about a day on my knees, and I have yet to try the Pro but that is next on my list. Hopefully it will stay on longer. The KT Tape website has tons of great videos on how to apply it and a store locator so you know where to buy it.

1. Ta Ta Tamer II from Lululemon
When I started running again in January, someone mentioned that getting a good, supportive sports bra was important even if it cost a lot. I took this as an excuse to go to Lululemon (I love that store but it can get very pricey!) and invested in one of these. I figured if I liked it, I could get more. I was able to get one in a sale color to save a little money. How much do I love this bra? Let me count the ways... It's supportive, cute, comfy, and I don't feel naked in public when I wear it (it's well- lined, with removable cups, so no show through or anything, if you know what I mean!) It feels like I am still wearing a "real" bra, just a more comfortable one. It has an adjustable, 3- hook closure (like a real bra) instead of slipping it on over your head. You can wear the straps crisscross or regular. The one thing to remember is to try it on because it runs very small. If you are ordering online, go up a cup and a band size (another reason to love this bra! No s-m-l sizing!)Order the Ta Ta Tamer II here.

Any recommendations for new products to try for me? Sunglasses that don't cost a lot, headphones that stay on and have volume control and can switch tracks on the cord? Hydration belts? Those are the next things I need!