Playlists to get you motivated! :)

My Favorite Running Things

As requested, I’ve compiled a post of my most favorite running related things.

Garmin 610 - I’m an avid Garmin user, and I absolutely love this watch. It’s expensive ($399.99), but completely worth the investment if you’re a dedicated runner. You can read my full review on the 610 by clicking here.

Garmin 10 - I briefly owned the Garmin 10, and then I decided that it wasn’t for me. I quickly realized that I needed more training data and technicality in my running watch. However, this is the watch that I always recommend for beginners and casual runners. It’s much less expensive at $129.99, reliable, and it’s very user friendly.

Left: unlocked position // Right: locked position

Yurbuds for Women - I used to avoid all ear bud headphone models because no matter what, the buds would either fall out or cause me a lot of ear pain. But then I decided to give Yurbuds a whirl after hearing nothing but good things. I ended up loving them, and I now refuse to wear anything else. You can read my full review on Yurbuds for Women by clicking here.

Brooks Ravenna 4 - Since being struck with a severe case of iliotibial band syndrome back in November, I’ve been on the prowl in figuring out what will best aid in my recovery. I decided that switching to a more supportive shoe would help with muscle stability and guidance, so I chose the Ravenna 4. These shoes don’t feel nearly as heavy as I had anticipated them to be, and there is obvious improvement in both my form and stride. And hey, they’re cool looking too!

Brooks PureFlow 2 - When it comes to racing, I’m immediately drawn to bright, speedy looking shoes because they give me a confidence boost. However, common sense says that I also need to make sure that they will suit my needs as a runner. I’m a huge fan of the entire Brooks PureProject collection. But my favorite model is the PureFlow because it’s the perfect balance between support and minimalism. The best of both worlds.

Zensah Compression Socks/Sleeves - People always ask me if compression socks/sleeves are worth the investment because they can be pricey. Ever since I’ve owned a pair, it’s very rare that you’ll see me without them on race day. I’m also known to sport them ever-so-discretely under my pants on a normal occasion to help speed up recovery.

SPIbelt with Water-Resistant Pocket - The runner’s fanny pack. I’ve tried hydration belts and other various running belts, but the SPIbelt is the only one that doesn’t drive me banana sandwich. It stays put and doesn’t bounce at all. I really love that the belt is discrete, but can still hold essentials like your phone, keys, and any form of identification. They also sell belts with loops along the band to stash your gels for longer runs. There’s a ton of options!

Road ID: The Wrist ID Slim - If I’m running alone, I never leave the house without my RoadID bracelet. It has my full name, emergency contact numbers, and medical alerts (for me, it’s asthma). RoadID does exactly what it says it does; “It speaks for you when you can’t speak for yourself.”

Chica Bands - Out of every single non-slip headband that I’ve tried in the past, Chica Bands are the only ones (for me at least) that completely stay in place. That includes freshly washed hair, dry hair, and the ever-so-attractive sweaty hair. Heck, I’m sure it’ll even stay put on hair covered in baby drool and Cheerios for you mamas out there! ;)

Below, I go from top to bottom.

Basic Foam Roller - This is a perfect recovery tool, especially if you’re on a tight budget. I strongly recommend that all runners use a foam roller on a weekly basis to prevent common muscle-related injuries and to aid in the recovery process following a tough workout. I found mine at Walmart for $14.77.

RumbleRoller - I use this crazy-looking device shown above for really stubborn muscle knots. It doesn’t exactly feel ‘good’ per say, but it’s highly effective. The massage from the RumbleRoller is deep enough to cause some bruising - just a little warning.

Tiger Tail - I love this tool because it allows you to have more control over the pressure along your muscles, especially in some hard to roll areas such as your calves. It’s also very portable, so it’s perfect for race day or for stashing inside of your gym bag!

R8 Roll Recovery - Out of all of my muscle massager tools, this one is my absolute favorite. It’s a huge time saver because it allows you to roll two sides simultaneously as it self-adjusts the pressure to your legs. You can read my full review on the R8 by clicking here.

Yoga - In the past, I wasn’t much of a fan of yoga. I recently jumped on the wagon, and I’ll be the first to admit that I’m really starting to love and appreciate my incorporation of yoga within my running regimen. I can’t believe that I didn’t make this discovery sooner! I have several DVDs, but my absolute favorite is P90X: Yoga X!

Dailymile - I use this website to keep track of my progress, whether I’m in training mode, recovery mode, etc. Think of it as the ‘Facebook’ for runners and athletes alike. It’s also a great tool to keep yourself motivated, and it can be a means of seeking advice or helping others. Click here to add me!

Hal Higdon’s Training Plans - When people come to me for advice on training programs, I typically direct them to Hal Higdon’s website. He’s created plans that range anywhere from Novice 5K all the way to Multiple Marathons. I used his Intermediate 1 Marathon training program when I trained for the Wineglass Marathon.

A Strong Support Team - As a runner, you’re going to have triumphant moments and defeating moments; it comes with the territory of the sport. Joining my local running club is, without a doubt, a decision that I will never regret. The hundreds of members of the SCRR have become my extended family. I don’t have enough fingers or toes to count the number of people whom have touched my life in one simple way or another. They have been with me through the best of times, the worst of times, and everything in between. If you’re fortunate enough to have a local running club in your hometown, please consider joining! Or find a few running buddies at the very least! :) Okay, okay…I can’t forget Sean.

He always listens to me when I go off on a tangent about running-related things. And just look how happy it makes him! ;) He has also been putting up with my excessive whining and grumpiness ever since I got injured. He’s my rock and best friend. I’d be completely lost without him.

A Mantra or Two - I’ve come up with two personal mantras that keep my mind strong.

1.) Fear less. Do more.

2.) Chase fear. Transcend limits.

Monday motivation.

The sport of marathon running.

Marathon running is a sport of goodwill. It’s the only sport in the world where if a competitor falls, the others around will pick him or her up. It’s the only sport in the world open to absolutely everyone, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or any other division you can think of. It’s the only occasion when thousands of people assemble, often in a major city like New York or London, for a reason that is totally peaceful, healthy and well-meaning. It’s the only sport in the world where no one ever boos anybody.

-Roger Robinson