Category: Running Gear

Tuesday Topics: My running gear

Happy Tuesday and welcome to another edition of Tuesday Topics! 

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This week’s Tuesday Topic:  Where do you buy your running gear You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

I have enough running gear that I seriously do not need to buy more.  But that did not stop me from placing two orders last week.  I have no self control.

Last week I posted on Instagram that I had 6 new pairs of shoes in boxes.  I found a pair of the Brooks Levitate 1 in my room.  No more shoes for me.  I hope Brooks does not make anymore cute shoes that would want me to buy them.  I do have enough pairs to last me for at least 2 years.  

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I also have plenty of socks, tops, jackets, shorts, and pants.  Let’s not forget the accessories.  So where do I buy all of this good stuff?

✔️ Oiselle.  This where I buy most of my running clothes.  Like most running clothes, it isn’t cheap but I’ve been able to purchase a lot of it on sale.  If it is something that I like very much (i.e. long rogas) then I will buy them at full price.  Sometimes by the time there is a sale, the ones I want are no longer available.  I must have about 30 pairs of the long rogas (that is how much I like them).

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✔️Running Warehouse and Zappos.  I love their great customer service.  I’ve never had any problem with any of my orders or returns.  Running Warehouse’s return policy is 90 days but they’re accepted a few of mine past 90 days.  Zappos’s return policy is one year.  How awesome is that!!

✔️ Amazon.  Pretty much everything can be bought on Amazon.  I’ve ordered Tailwind, Huma gels, UCAN, Nathan handheld, and a Nathan hydration running vest.  I also have a monthly subscription for Nuun.  With the hot weather I’ve been drinking A LOT of it.  Is there such a thing as drinking too much Nuun?  

Tuesday Topics

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Weekly Run Down: Goodbye January and Hello February

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Doesn’t it seem like January dragged?  I know it was a long month and I was on Winter Break the first week, but still.   I started off the new month with a cold.  Then once I felt better enough to run, I fell.  I took a few weeks off to recover and recently started running again but on the treadmill.  

MONDAY: 4 MILES 
Mateo couldn’t understand why I was up so early.  He is funny.  

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WEDNESDAY:  5.01 MILES
I ordered some new Oiselle shorts and couldn’t wait to wear them.  Aren’t they cute?  They’re my favorite shorts for running.  I started watching the Aaron Hernandez series while running and it is so good.  

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THURSDAY: 3O MINUTES PELOTON 
This time I did the Lady Gaga Ride.  Just what I needed after a stressful day at work.

FRIDAY: 3 MILES 
Again at the gym to run 3 miles.  The plan was to run on Thursday and rest on Friday.  My legs were sore from Wednesday’s run so I didn’t run.  I know last week I “complained” about not having a treadmill at home, but now it isn’t THAT bad.  A few people reminded me that at least I have access to a treadmill.  So true.  I am getting the hang of it.  I make sure I have all of my stuff for running and for work since I shower, get ready at the gym, and then go to work.  Oh, I also need to take my breakfast and lunch with me too.

I finished the month with 20.50 miles.  January was not a kind month but I am still pleased with my mileage.

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SATURDAY: 5.75 MILES
I couldn’t run in the morning because my sister had a training to go to downtown and I had to stay with my mother.  I caught up on reading blog posts (so sorry for responding so late).  I finally headed out to the gym around 4pm.  A friend suggested I watch “Money Heist”.  I did and I like it.  For now there are 3 episodes and I watched half of them.

This made me laugh.  I didn’t even notice it until someone made a comment on Strava.  I was on the treadmill the whole time.

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How was your week?  Any other shows to watch on Netflix?  Someone suggested Grace and Frankie.  I am looking forward to the new season of Narcos Mexico which will be available on February 13.

Linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down.

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Weekly Run Down: Not motivated to run and some new running gear

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I don’t know what is going on but this week I had no motivation to run.  I also felt more tired than usual.  I ran 2 days this week (my coach has me running 5 days a week).  I have been massaging my left foot every single day.  It only hurts a little when I get up in the morning but then it feels fine. 

Even Lola felt tired too.  🙂

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I decided not to run the three half marathons (WY, SD, and ND) next month.  No way will I be ready.  The race in New Mexico is still up in the air because my mother’s birthday is September 9th and we have a birthday party for her.  Her party will not be the 7th so most likely it will be the 14th.  

We are still dealing with some issues with my mother’s medical card.  I am so frustrated.  She has County Care which is a managed care organization through Medicaid.   I don’t understand why her coverage changed and why she doesn’t have medical coverage.  County Care only offers long term care.  She was assigned a PCP located downtown and I tried switching her to her current one but couldn’t do it because she has Medicare and that covers her medical  doctor appointments.  At this point, why would she switch her PCP?  Ugh!  Rant over..for now.  Thanks for listening.

On Tuesday I went to see “The Lion King”.  Have you seen it?  I loved it!  I want to see it again, and again, and again.

I may have been banned from ordering from the Brooks website, but that didn’t stop me from ordering these from Zappos.  These are the Ghost 12.  Aren’t they lovely?  I have the Ghost 11 and love them.

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I ordered some new Oiselle gear.  I love the new colors.

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The new tops have a watch window.  Not sure If I like it but we’ll see once I start wearing them.

I emailed my coach and she suggested I take some time off from structured running but definitely go for a run if I feel like it.  She also said not to put any pressure/expectations on me nor worry about pace.  Maybe now the new shoes and gear will motivate me to go out for a run.  🙂

How do you stay motivated?  Is it new shoes?  New gear?  Or simply take some time off?

Linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down.

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Tuesday Topics: What I love about running

What’s not to love about running?  Well right now the only thing I am not loving is the weather.  I am sorry but I cannot stop complaining about it.  Snow, cold, deep freeze, more snow, and ice storm is what we have been dealing with here in the midwest.  I know I can use the treadmill but that does get boring after a while.  

Last week I wasn’t feeling well and had to skip a few of my runs.  I’ve been tired and sometimes had an achy body.  My coach told me to sleep and get some rest.  I am feeling better and will attempt to run today.

Before I talk about today’s topic, let me show you the activity I did with my kids yesterday.  We did a 3D Hot Air Balloon Card.  It was so much fun!  Below is the video and pictures of the finished product.

https://iheartcraftythings.com/3d-hot-air-balloon-card.html

Now let me tell why I do love running.  🙂

The gear –  I love treating myself to new gear.  It makes me happy and gets me excited to go running.  About 99% of my gear is from Oiselle.  During the warm wear you can find me running in the long rogas.  I have 24 pairs of the long rogas (and 5 of the regular rogas) and always get excited when I get another pair.

• Traveling to different states – I love travelling to various states to run a half marathon.  I’m at state #39 and this year I will be traveling to DE, MT, SC, and MI. 

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• FREE and easy to do – All you need is good running gear and the proper shoes and off you go!  No never know once you lace up where running may lead you.

• My time – Running is my alone time.  I usually run in the morning and it is the perfect time to clear my head and get ready for the day.

Tuesday Topics

This week’s Tuesday Topic:  What do you love about running?  You can write about this topic, or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to Link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!


Friday Five 2.0-5 New to Me Things That I Like

How is it that it is almost February?  January is definitely going by fast.  We’ve had our share of very cold but also mild days in Chicago.  I am definitely looking forward to warmer days.  Then I will probably be complaining that it is too HOT!  That is why fall is my favorite season for running.  

I always get excited when I read about something in a blog/Facebook/Internet/etc that someone else likes and recommends.  Recently, I’ve learned about some new items (to me) that I like and have been using for running or everyday use.

1. Lily Trotter Socks.  These compression socks are easy to put on and come in fun colors.  They have the right amount of compression and are also comfortable.  I’ve been wearing them on my runs and also to recover from my workouts.  My legs feel great!

2. Detach.  As a BibRave Ambassador, I have the opportunity to try out this product.  Detach is is a coconut water-based drink with only a subtle coconut flavor, improved electrolyte balance, low glycemic energy & a micro-protein blend to help you have a great workout.  The drinks are certified paleo, low GI and gluten free.  I like that it isn’t sweet, with a very light flavor, but not artificial or overpowering.  I’ve used it on a long run (100 minutes) and never felt thirsty.  I actually found it to be refreshing and it was just what I needed on that run.

3. Smartwool Socks.  I love the Women’s PhD® Run Ultra Light Micro Socks.  They’re thin, they have enough cushion, protect against blisters, and feel comfortable.  I can wear them for a few days without washing and they don’t smell.  🙂  However, these are not long enough and do not cover my ankles when running in tights during the winter.  When wearing tights, I use the crew socks.  They are just as comfortable as the micro socks and my ankles stay warm.  I also have a pair of the Light Elite and these have more cushion and also keep my feet extra warm during the cold winter days.  I was afraid that with the extra cushion my shoes would feel tight but that isn’t the case.

4. Black Diamond Storm Headlamp.  Depending on how I feel or what I have going on after work, I do my runs in the morning or after school.  I have a Nathan headlamp that I thought I lost but then found in my car.  Someone recommended this lamp and I love it.  It has 350 lumens of power, three-color RGB night vision and improved peripheral lighting for close-range tasks.  I haven’t figured out all of those features but I just know that it is bright!

5. Orgain Organic Protein Powder.  A few friends recommended this to me.  This is plant based with 21 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, and no added sugar.  I love the Creamy Chocolate Fudge but the Vanilla Bean is delicious.  They both have a clean taste and is never too sweet.  I make a shake in the morning for breakfast and it keeps me full till lunch (I drink it around 7am when I get to school and eat lunch at 11:35am).  Another great thing about it is that with this protein powder you have proteins from grains (brown rice), seeds (hemp, chia) and legumes (pea) and is also gluten-free, soy-free and non-gmo.  I purchased mine on Amazon but I know they’re also available at Target and Costco.

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Have you tried any of these products?  Any products you like that you can recommend to me?

I’m linking up with Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for Friday 2.0.

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