Things I Love Right Now (about running)

I can't believe it's been over a month since I posted last!  I'm constantly thinking of things I can write about, but the time always seems to get away from me. 

Generally speaking things are going well with running.  On Friday, I finally bit the bullet and signed up for this:

American River Parkway Half Marathon

I'm glad to have something to train for again.  I generally have a little more motivation if I'm working towards something.  There have been a lot of races I've wanted to sign up for, but there aren't many in my area.  So, running a race means paying the entry fee, gas to get there, and, usually, a hotel the night before.  That gets pretty expensive!  This one is just a couple hours away, and the entry fee isn't totally outrageous.  (I was thinking about signing up for the R&R San Diego half-marathon if my husband participates in the full again this year...$135...for the half!!  I.don't.think.so.) 

I also continue to work on "speed" and core exercises, and see some improvement in both of those areas.  My IT band has not been an issue, although I've felt some left-hip discomfort which comes and goes (that's always been an issue with me). 

Anyway, you're probably wondering what any of this has to do with the title of the post.  Not much!  Just wanted to give a little update for those who are interested.  :)

Everybody has their go-to gear, nutrition, etc., when it comes to running.  Mine seem to change as time goes on.  Right now - when it comes to running - I am LOVING these things:

Nite Beams... A few months ago, I won an arm band and a leg band in a giveaway hosted by Jamoosh.  I am in love with these things.  I have been looking for a good way for people to see me in the early mornings for quite awhile.  I used to run with a headlamp, and that was just awful.  After one unfortunate incident, when the headlamp slipped down and slammed into the bridge of my nose, I was done with that.  These just wrap around your arm or leg and you're good to go.  They don't irritate my skin and, after awhile, I don't even feel like they're there.  You can set them to glow continuously or to flash on and off.  They not only help you be seen, but they're bright enough to illuminate dark roads, as well.

Iron Girl Fitted D sunglasses

From Allied Medal Displays

Wrist ID Sport

The items in the above pictures are items I won all at the same time in a giveaway hosted by April in November (yes, I was pretty lucky in giveaways for awhile). 

The Road ID and the medal display are items I've been wanting for quite awhile, but never quite was able to pull the trigger as to spending the money.  I was close with the Road ID, because, yes, I get that it's for safety and all.  But the medal display...well let's be honest...I don't think it'll be jam packed with medals or anything. 

In fact, this is what mine looks like right now.

The two on the right are actually my husband's

Hopefully, we can fill that up a little bit more.  :)

 The Running Chics shirt is sooo comfy, and I've worn that a few times.  The sunglasses I wear every Saturday on my long run, and I love them.  Every other pair of sunglasses I've bought steam up when I start to sweat (so...immediately).  These don't and they are very comfortable.  I haven't tried the short sleeve shirt from Balancing Act, yet, because it hasn't been warm enough, but it looks really cute and comfy, as well. 

And, then, of course the trusty sidekicks I don't think I'll ever replace!

CW-X Stabilyx 3/4 tights

Garmin 305

Under Armour Cold Gear Compression Mock...this is all I need all the way down to 20 degrees.  Anything colder, I just add a light long-sleeve shirt, and I'm good! 

The last thing I'm totally loving right now is this Scheels commercial.

So motivating!

One other thing I wanted to share...on Monday, I actually ran at sunset!!  Normally, once I get home from work and eat dinner, I'm DONE!  But, I didn't get my run done in the morning, and I was feeling like getting outside.  It was actually a pretty great run!  And, you can't beat being able to see where you're going and getting sunset pictures. 

²⁴ Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. ²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  (1 Cor. 9: 24-25)