Browsing Tag:

tools

    Running Gear for the New Year

    January 12, 2017

    The New Year is a great time to evaluate your running goals for the year. Whether it be just getting started with your first 5k, or figuring out how many half or full marathons you’re going to tackle, picking races is an exciting way to set short and longer term fitness goals for yourself.

    I have a few favorite items that I use regularly on my runs depending on distance, time of day, etc. By no means is any of this ‘mandatory’ to run, but when I am asked about what I use, these are the items I tend to get asked about the most:

     

     

    Clockwise from Top Left:
    Hit Reset: Revolutionary Yoga for Athletes
    Ultimate Night Light from Title Nine
    Flip Belt
    Garmin Forerunner 235
    Nathan Strobe Light
    Nathan Hydration Vest
    Plantonic Backbeat Fit

    Long and short runs both require me being able to hold my goodies. For a short run, it’s just my phone, so I go to my Flip Belt. For a long run, especially anything over 6 miles, I like to keep hydrated. I always do my long runs with my Nathan hydration vest, similar to what’s pictured. I was worried about chafing and feeling like I was lugging a a heavy load on my back, but I honestly forget that it’s there. Regardless of the version you pick though, make sure the bladder is included. It may seem like a great price, but if there’s no bladder, that could be another $30-$50 to buy one separately. Some people don’t need water for their long runs, but if anything, having the bag to carry my fuel, keys, etc. has always been a better option than weighing down my running clothes. I also carry my phone for emergency purposes, but if I’m running alone in a populated area, I will listen to music or an audio book on low. I love my wireless headset for those instances, and it works great for taking phone calls, too.

    When I became more serious about my running, I invested in a Garmin Forerunner 235. There are several great Garmin watch models, but I love how this one includes heart rate monitoring without a separate strap. The data uploads straight to my phone, and the Garmin app also syncs with other apps like My Fitness Pal to log my calories earned from working out.

    Running in low light conditions definitely requires some safety gear, including lighting. I am guilty of running at night without a light, but I try to wear bright, reflective clothes in those cases. The better option are the two lights (or similar) listed above, in addition to reflective gear. I have a couple of strobe lights since I always seem to misplace them, but I just got the head lamp that I can’t wait to start using on my evening runs.

    Finally, recovery! I received a copy of Hit Reset for Christmas and I can’t wait to put it into practice as part of my stretching and recovery routine. I’ve battled a few injuries this year from not taking enough time after my runs to stretch my tight muscles. I know this book is going to be a great resource in my library.

    Note: None of the items above are affiliate links. These are all my personal favorites and my own opinion of what has worked for me.

     

  • Focus for 2017

    December 24, 2016

    We're just a couple of days away from Christmas and…

    We’re just a couple of days away from Christmas and then the looming New Year. I’ve been thinking more and more about 2017. How can…

  • A detox from negativity

    May 20, 2016

    I had a realization today. Brace yourselves. I've been feeling…

    I had a realization today. Brace yourselves. I’ve been feeling a bit of anxiety over the last few days. Overwhelmed over life in general. It’s…

  • Bad Runs (or Workouts)

    May 13, 2016

    When I first started running a little over a year…

    When I first started running a little over a year ago, every run was a bad run. Or at least, it felt that way. It…

  • Maintaining Weight Loss

    May 4, 2016

    Since reaching my goal weight at the beginning of April,…

    Since reaching my goal weight at the beginning of April, I’ve been working on now maintaining my weight loss. That’s a whole ‘nother beast. In…

  • Weekend Recap, Workouts, and Meal Planning for May 2nd

    May 2, 2016

    This week was rough. Emotionally, mentally, physically... basically every way…

    This week was rough. Emotionally, mentally, physically… basically every way possible. Early into the week we found out about the loss of a friend. He…

  • Guest posting with Clean Eating Mommy

    April 12, 2016

    If you are missing your daily dose of Fit Newton, head…

    If you are missing your daily dose of Fit Newton, head on over to Clean Eating Mommy’s blog! I am guest posting about motivation and non-food…