Run Eat Repeat » Gear

2011 Holiday Gift Guide for Runners

runeatrepeat — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:42:22 +0000

The holidays are just around the corner and I’ve come to realize that not everyone rushes out on December 24th to buy gifts (just me?). But, just because you shop early doesn’t mean you know what that runner in your life wants (they’re probably too busy carb-loading to tell ya anyways).

So here is a list of the Best Gifts for Runners this season:

1. Books about Running!

Mile Markers $10.98 Amazon

Kara Goucher’s Running for Women $10.98 Amazon

2. On a similar note – a subscription to their favorite running magazine.

You can get 1 year of Runner’s World for $15.00

Women’s Running 10 issues for $19.95

Running Times 10 issues for $10.00

3. Gear! If you know their size and preferences new running gear is always welcome (especially because their old stuff probably smells – no? just me again?).

Check old race photos (they probably have their room wall papered with them) to see what they like to wear. Then, double check sizes if possible or give a gift receipt (no one wants a too tight tank or saggy crotch capris). Things like new running tops or socks are precious to runners!

If you’re not a stalker and can’t get private access to their sizes, a hat or visor should be one size fits all (if they don’t order them from the special Big Head store like I do).

4. ipod gift card to pump up their playlist

5. Gift card to a local running store or for a Massage! I’m 100% positive you can mend ANY relationship with a gift certificate for a massage. Try it, crash someone’s car, then give them a massage. Friendship healed.

6. No cost gift idea: Gift Certificate saying you will go with and cheer for your runner at their next race.

7. Fun Christmas Gift Idea for a Runner:

Fill a Christmas Stocking with small running gear must haves – socks, shoe laces, SPF chapstick, Gels or Chews, Headband…

I don’t know about you, but I love Christmas stockings!

8. Car Magnets – 13.1, 26.2 , Run Eat Repeat

9. Funny Running Shirt

LOVE some of the funny shirts on Gifted Runner here ~$23.00-$35.00 plus SH

You can order “Run Eat Repeat” and “I’d Rather be Running” shirts at my Spreadshirt Shop

And the ultimate present for a runner this holiday season:

10. CARBS.

Lots and lots of carbs wrapped with a bow. Done.

Anything I left out? What do you want this Holiday season?

Champion Sports Bra

runeatrepeat — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:11:21 +0000

Happy Friday! This morning I did a 3.1 mile run aka 5K to keep my legs loose. I have another long run scheduled for tomorrow so I didn’t want to do too much (even though my training plan calls for 6 today and 20 tomorrow – who does that?!).

This morning I tried the Max-Support Sports Bra Champion sent me as part of their Ambassador program. This bra is meant to be used for high impact activities like running.

I always wear 2 sports bras when running, because I hate any boob bouncing! But, I usually only buy the cheap kind of sports bras. So today I just wore this one to really test it out.

It has a clasp back, which made it fit like a glove.

I only did 3 miles so I still want to take this out for a long run, but I am happy to report that I was bounce free!

Breakfast was an over easy egg and toast. One side with butter, one with stevia and cinnamon.

Why did I only make 1 egg?! Who eats 1 egg?! I wanted another one.

Okay, I only made 1 egg because we had 3 eggs left and I wanted to leave 2 for Ben. But, it left me wanting more.

Now I am off to Zumba and then I have some clients to train. Champion also sent a tank that they suggested for Zumba. This is the Smoothing Long Top.

Just like their smoothing knee pants, it’s super flattering. Love that

The pants are also Champion, but they didn’t send me those. I’ve always been a fan of this brand and picked those up at Target recently.

Question: What food do you need more than 1 of to feel satisfied?

I’m always going with 2 eggs from now on!

Champions Shaping Active Wear

runeatrepeat — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 21:43:19 +0000

I was recently contacted by a rep from Champion about their new line of Shaping Active Gear. I was super excited because I heard about this line from a co-worker and really wanted to try it!

My guess is when Champion heard I dress like a broken down tragedy to work-out they offered to send me over a whole new wardrobe! This is perfect for me since I’m a personal trainer now, but trying to build up my clients (read: need to look presentable, but don’t have the money to do it).

Part of my “dress code” for work is to wear black exercise capris or pants. These Smoothing Knee Tights fit the bill!

I’m sporting these to work today and love the length and fit. These are a size Large and have a key pocket.

I am bigger on the bottom and a little lot more jiggly too so I appreciate a pair of exercise capris that hold me in, but also let me move. These are a little on the thicker side, so I wasn’t sure how they would move or breathe. I tested ‘em out…

Yep these work!

I’m also wearing a “medium support” sports bra. This is underneath my white tank in the above pictures and is a size Medium.

*Full Disclosure: Champion sent me this stuff and is compensating me. But, you guys know I am 100% honest (to a fault that often results in fights with my husband), so please know these opinions are all mine.

I am digging mini-meals today! First there was a “snack” of egg burrito and watermelon.

Then, a MASSIVE salad while catching up with an old friend in Maryland. Can’t believe I miss her and that state so much!

I need to get to work! I’m sure my co-workers are happy I’m not wearing my stink old capris today!

Long Run Running Shoes

runeatrepeat — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:46:42 +0000

Happy Monday! I started my day with a 5 mile run. I specifically didn’t bring my ipod since this was a recovery run and music sometimes makes me go faster (at least on the good songs). No. Since I did 19 miles on Saturday I knew I should pay attention to my body not Katy Perry telling me I’m a Firework

I get a lot of questions about running shoes and really believe everyone is different and needs to be assessed and fitted individually. You can do this at a local running shoe store (not Footlocker or similar chains). But, I will share my shoe choices.

I alternate 2 pairs of running shoes at a time. I have lower mileage shoes and “heavy lifting shoes” <- for my longer runs.

Right now my heavy lifting shoes are the Brooks Ravenna 2

My long run shoes are a heavier stability shoe that help with slight over pronation. See that darker grey area on the bottom? It’s more dense material that helps prevent pronating. This is super important for me on long runs when my legs get tires and my form suffers.

I got injured after the Disney World Marathon and (along with Physical Therapy for 8 weeks!) feel that a more stable shoe helped me get back to running.

*In the past I’ve worn Adidas and Asics and love them. But I got this pair for free for coaching my local 10K running group. After I’m done with these I’ll probably opt for the cheapest stability shoes of these brands.

Because that’s the real reason I wear them

Breakfast was “Over-Run Oats”. Instead of letting my oats sit overnight I just mixed them up before my run. I mixed a Oikos Strawberry yogurt with 1/3 c oats, almond milk and chia seeds. Let sit for 45 minutes and it was plenty of time to soak.

Toppings were cereal and PB. I really need to replenish my sunflower seed butter stash.

For some reason my iced coffee came out amazing this morning! I’m on my second jug now!

I am speaking about Blogger Safety at the Healthy Living Summit this weekend! If you are attending and have a story about a time you feel your safety might have been compromised because of twitter, your blog or Four Square please email me at runeatrepeat at gmail.com

Question: What shoes do you run/workout in?

New Running Shoes

runeatrepeat — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:31:53 +0000

I get excited over new running shoes like Carrie used to get over Manolos. For real. After deciding I desperately needed new ones I did some internet research to compare and contrast my two all time favorites – Asics Gel Nimbus & Adidas Supernova with a new brand – Mizuno.

Today I went to the mecca of running shoes to get a new pair – RoadRunner Sports…

I am super super loyal to Asics and Adidas and have only ever ran in those two brands (for over 5 years!). But, I thought maybe I should try something new. I used Runner’s World’s Shoe Finder to compare my faves with this new shoe. The general aspects of them are very similar: neutral shoe, 1 oz. difference between them, similar cushion/support.

I run in neutral shoes because I have a normal arch and don’t really need a lot of stability. Neutral shoes are best for someone with a high arch that doesn’t pronate excessively. If you don’t know what type of shoe you need Zappos has a great guide for finding out.

Stability shoes are best for someone with a medium arch who does pronate. They often have more support down the inside, toward the arch/heel area.

Motion Control are best for flat footed runners who need a lot of support and control.

Mike, my new friend and running shoe guru, helped me try on all three shoes (Adidas, Asics and Mizuno) to compare. There really is nothing like actually putting the shoe on and testing it out. Do not solely rely on internet research, or my word to choose your shoes – get out their and test ‘em’.

There are so many choices it can be overwhelming! I would highly suggest investigating what type of feet you have and if you pronate to at least get you in the right category to limit the field a bit. Runner’s World explains pronation with text and video here.

One way you can tell if you over or under pronate is by checking your current shoes. Grab your shoes and check out the bottoms. Are they more worn down on the inside or outside of the heel? If so, you probably pronate. (Beware: There may also be a chance that you have shoe that provides too much stability on one side and is causing your foot to roll out. This happened to me.)

In the end I went with the Mizunos. RoadRunner has a 60 day guarantee so if they don’t work out I can take them back and get my old faithful brand:) I was very hesitant to try a new brand, but that guarantee makes me feel better.

I’m excited to take these babies for a test “run”, but I can’t do it tomorrow. I have a 20 miler planned and know better than to wear new shoes for a long run!

I also bought these sports beans to use as fuel on my long run:) I’ll let you know what I think of them tomorrow. Question: What brand/type of shoes do you run/exercise in? Are you loyal or do you try out new ones all the time?

Gear: Neck Gaiter

runeatrepeat — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:49:17 +0000

I tried a new piece of running gear from Target this morning – A Neck Gaiter. It is $14.99. I don’t think the weather was cold enough for me to really appreciate it so I’m going to give an update when it gets a little colder. Even though it was sprinkling on me this morning it wasn’t that cold and I could have went without it. But, I know some day soon I will be thanking my lucky stars for my neck gaiter!

Marathon Training: I did 7 miles this morning. I was supposed to do 8, but ran out of time and energy. This 7 was slower than last week’s 7 miler by 2 minutes and some seconds.

I was hungry as soon as I walked in the door so I ate a small cup of cereal before getting in the shower. Then, it was real breakfast time. I made PB&J toast. I considered going without the jelly, but life is short and I wanted jelly

Light OJ on the side for some Vitamin C.

I have a lot of work ahead of me today! I will see ya later

Gear: Target Running Pants

runeatrepeat — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:45:30 +0000

This morning I took my new Target running pants for a test “run” – ha, get it? I am in serious need of cold weather gear since I never ran with capris or tights in California. I loved them! They were a little thicker than my other tights I got from a dept store (JC Penney?) and I like that they are full length.

Pros -

Full length
Long zipper at bottom for easy on/off
Zipper pocket for keys on side/back area
Warm, but breathable

Cons -

Waistband elastic is just okay – as I run and sweat my pants can start to sag. I need a good waistband, preferably low set to prevent this.

Marathon Training – 6 miles in 54:something. I felt good the whole time again! I must be doing something right So often we only recognize our faults when we are having bad runs and not our strengths when we’re doing well. I have been eating good food and getting good rest, it’s working.

Breakfast – I made a big bowl of oat bran with a banana, soy milk, cinnamon, PB and pecan granola.

OJ - I picked this up at the store on Friday because Ben always drinks juice and I’ve started to drink it too. I would rather not drink so many calories so I got this lower cal OJ. It does taste a little artificial, but it does the job and gives me extra Vitamin C

Happy Monday! See you later!!