Running Mail

What is it with summer and stocking up on all the running gear?!

I swear, it's like when I finally have some time on my hands I realize how much I need want new sports bras, running shoes, and sundry accessories. Luckily I had an Amazon gift card to spend recently because it made my summer purchase a little less painful.

First, I needed sports bras. We're supposed to get new ones every six months and some of mine are literally years old. I'm small-chested, so when bras lose elasticity it's not a huge deal, but I recently had to toss a handful.

I wanted new bras that were cute (because I'm been practicing running without a shirt on - it builds confidence!) and flattering.

I like the lower-cut of the Under Armor Mid Sports Bra, and the colors were fun, so I got two. I also got a Champion Great Divide bra and love the neon green! The fit is very flattering, too.

Oofos recovery sandals have been on my "want" list for months but they're pricey; having a gift card made it easier to finally buy them. They are super ugly but really comfortable; I feel like a granny when I wear them. Comfort over fashion here, folks!

Next, I got myself a second FlipBelt. I seriously love mine for running - it's the first belt I've run in that I literally never have to think about once it's on - and decided to get one for work next year, because I'll be expected to have my cell phone on me at all times. I ordered if off Skirt Sports because I could use my discount, and got one of their new skirts while I was at it. (Don't forget you can use ABK20 for 20% off!)

The Cascade is one of their newer skirts and it is SO cute. I love the pleats!

I originally got my FlipBelt in black because I'd never used one before; now that I'm running without a shirt more often and the belt is visible, I thought getting a fun, vibrant color for my second was the way to go.

Finally, I saw a couple weeks ago that Road ID is now making IDs that slip onto the Apple Watch.  (They also make them for FitBit.) Honestly, we rarely wear our Road ID bracelets because we don't like wearing multiple things on our wrists when working out, and this way we'll always have it on us no matter what.

They both include our name, birth year, and emergency contact numbers. I also listed my allergy and medical information on mine, and still had space to write NO REGRETS across the bottom for motivation.

I told Matt it would be good for me to have at all times in case there's ever an emergency at school and they need to identify my unconscious body but he didn't find that funny.

The IDs come in nice metal boxes and fit perfectly on our watchbands. I paid extra to have Matt's done in black because I wanted him to actually agree to wear it; it blends in perfectly. Now I'll be a little less nervous when he's paddling in rough waters.

Of course, this isn't it. I've been buying, testing, and returning shoes for weeks now as I continue to look for my perfect new sole-mate.

Comparing the fit of my current shoes to the Brooks Ravenna.

But that's a post for a different time!

When's the last time you bought new sports bras?
What's your favorite running-related thing to buy?
What shoes do you wear when you're not wearing running shoes?

ABK

Linking up with Erika for TOTR today!

Christmas & 3 Gifts I'm Already Loving

This year, Matt and I were able to split our time nicely between families for Christmas Eve and Christmas. On Christmas Eve, I ran in the morning (the longest I've run since BDR) and then we went to his mom's and helped cook dinner and spent the evening together.

I saw lots of deer on my run, and they stood still and made eye-contact with me while I stopped to get pictures. Deer are considerate like that.

I enjoyed a nice sunrise and 5 miles.

Christmas Eve dinner!

On Christmas, we spent the day with Matt's dad's family and got to see his cousins and Nana. It was a very full (and fulfilling) day.

A very green Christmas.

After dinner with Nana!

This year, it was clear to me that no one is easier to shop for than runners! We're drawn like magpies to new gadgets and accessories. I don't usually make a post about "gifts to get your runner this Christmas" because I feel like the internet is full of them this time of year, but this holiday season, I've received three gifts I really wasn't expecting and already love, so I had to share my delight!

1. The Apple Watch. Now, it's no Garmin, but for me, that's a plus. I love that the Apple Watch lets me access my apps and has a workout app of its own. I can dictate texts through it, which is a must for me, and it's so pretty!

I've been playing around with the workout app vs. Activity vs. Nike+ via the watch, and all three have their benefits. 

Yes, that's a picture of a picture of a picture ad infinitum.

I love that the Nike+ app lets me track my pace during runs and brings up the cheers as they come through, so I can see who's cheering as I go instead of when I'm finished. The display is easy to read and the watch itself is super easy to use.

I also like that I can use the watch as a remote camera, which I know will come in handy once I practice working with it more.

2. The Palm Massager. Steph surprised Matt and me with this mini TENS unit, but Matt is a little skeptical about giving it a try so it's mostly mine for now. When I was in college, I had really bad migraines and used a TENS unit as treatment, so I'm familiar with it and already know how it works for me. I know the effects might be mostly psychological, but who am I to knock the power of placebos? If nothing else, it feels nice to have a little electric-massage after tweaking a muscle.

Who's up for a little light electrocution?

I've started my 30-day cross-training challenge, and Tuesday my back was a little sore from all the core work. After 30 minutes with the Palm Massager, I felt better. Not perfect, but much less stiff! This is definitely a gadget I wouldn't have even thought to get myself, but it's going to become a recovery staple for sure.

3. The Lululemon Wild Tank. This was a gift from Kristin and my first piece of Lulu apparel. Kristin owns it in multiple colors and I always comment on it when she wears it; the strappy bra and the low back is just really cute! Most of my running clothes are pretty basic and utilitarian, so it's nice to have something pretty, eye-catching, and fun in my drawer.

Lulu isn't something I'd ever splurge on for myself, so I'm especially grateful that Kristin snapped it up for me! I wore it on my Christmas Eve run and during my core workout afterward and it was so comfortable.

I received some other wonderful gifts, like a daily running calendar I can't wait to break into on January 1st and some decorative accents for our house, but these are three gifts I wouldn't have thought to get myself and they're fast favorites. I guess my friends/family know me better than I know myself!

Did you receive anything surprising this year?

What is your favorite kind of gift to receive?

Are you a good gift-giver? Admittedly, I'm not great at it. That's why I always include a handwritten card - I work much better in words than gifts sometimes!

ABK

Bondi Band Review & Giveaway

Alright everyone, get ready for something really exciting! I am finally doing my first ever giveaway, and I couldn't be more thrilled that it's for an accessory I seriously love.

My Ragnar Bondi Band!

Bondi Bands are slip-free headbands that keep your hair in place and keep sweat from getting in your eyes. I first tried Bondi Bands when I was running Ragnar, and I've been sold ever since. 

For one thing, I have a freakishly small head, so the fact that these headbands stay put without the help of any bobby pins is pretty amazing. For another, Bondi Bands run at about $10 a pop, which is really fairly priced, especially when you look at how expensive similar products can be.

I like that I can pull Bondi Bands over my ears if it's cold out. That's one multi-tasking headband, people!

Pros:

• One size fits all...for real. No need for bobby pins to tame those extra flyaways.
• Comfortable to wear.
•  Non-slip, won't pull hair or pinch your scalp.
• Inexpensive but not cheap.
• They come in a variety of colors and styles.

Cons:

• Certain styles of the bands can run a little wide. I fix this by folding the top and bottom under; no big deal! 

I folded the top and bottom under here, and was good to go!

So what do I have to give away? I have two Bondi Bands for one lucky winner! You can choose two from any of the three pictured below!

"Mirror Mirror", "Neon Pink", and "Marathon Girl"

But wait, there's more! If you're really excited to get your hands on a Bondi Band this month, you can use the code SWEATPINK at checkout to receive 10% off any non-sale and non-custom items.The coupon code is good through June 28.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck! And don't forget to follow and check back June 7...that's when I'll announce the winner!

ABK 

Pre-Thanksgiving Thoughts

This one will be short and sweet. Today, one of my students from last year sent me roses and the sweetest note ever. It's humbling to know that I've had (and continue to make) an impact on my students to such a degree that they want to stay in touch.

I mean, seriously. Best-ever way to start the week.

This is why I teach, people.

I'm going to hop up on my soapbox for a moment and beg you not to go shopping on Thanksgiving. The crowds and cut-throat drama of Black Friday is gross enough to me, but the thought of shopping on a holiday that's meant to remind us to be thankful for what we already have is just disgraceful. Save the 'bow throwing, competition-stomping, and pepper-spraying for Friday. Spend Thursday with family and send a message to the big box stores that you're not going to play into their hands.

This article - especially the end - is fantastic. Read it here.

On a lighter note, Archie has been particularly goofy this week, and as it's been awhile since I've posted pictures of him, here's a fun one:

Yes, he is INSIDE the tissue box spying on us.

No sooner had I posted that I wasn't officially "training" right now than I realized that I have a handful of races coming up, including a couple half marathons, so I actually need to still be in training mode. Time to increase my weekend mileage again!

Pardon my crazed smile.

Last night I got to run in one of my new tops. I highly recommend this one from Nike. It's long and doesn't ride up at all; it's light and breathable; and the white accents keep you visible on a night run.

I almost wore sleeves last night; luckily I didn't. 68 soon felt like 80. It was windy, which made it hard to breathe, but I was so relieved to finally have some fall weather.

Has your week gotten off to a good start?
How do you usually celebrate Thanksgiving?
What's the most rewarding part of your job?

ABK

After A Race

I don't know about you guys, but after a big race I get re-bitten by the running bug. Training can really burn a runner out, but once the race is over, the high comes back with a vengeance.

Of course, if you're me, you're going to be really diligent about resting this time around, especially because of that damn lingering cold. So how do I satisfy my running urges?

First red cup of the season: egg nog latte! And they actually spelled my name right!

I splurge on expensive coffee and go shopping.

I'm so glad they finally make this in a roll-on! I also spent quality time with a heating pad, tennis ball, and foam roller.

I noticed I basically run all my races in the same top; I love it, but I'm getting a little tired of the photos. So I went to TJ MAXX and scored some comfy New Balance and Nike tops. I love brand-name running clothes at discount prices!

Under $15? Yes please.

I tried on the purple and loved the fit so much I grabbed it in blue, too.

Then, hearing that Old Navy was having a sale, I splurged on a new long-sleeved running top and singlet. I also snagged some new socks because I think it's time.

Breathable, cushiony, supportive. The best of all worlds!

I've worn them for volleyball this week and I'm already loving them.

Official race photos were finally posted. As usual, they're super awkward. I feel like the clothes I like to race in photograph to give the illusion that my head is abnormally small for my body.

Hey awkward-hand, watcha doing there? Just hanging out?

Oh I see, it was halfway up to become a peace sign. Original.

Well, actually, my head is abnormally small...hats rarely fit me...so maybe these capture my true self after all!

 I look forward to the day when I have big, chiseled runner's thighs. That day is not today.

Admittedly, this one isn't so bad. Maybe I should run all my races with my arms up at all times.

On the radar now is...a 5k Turkey Trot (just for fun), officially beginning Ragnar training, and maybe a half that literally runs past my parents' house. It's pricy, but the route couldn't be better! Plus, I think I owe myself a strong, good half after the last one. The half is part of a challenge I'm considering signing up for.

I'm tempted to do all three, but likely can't make it to the 5k.

How do you deal with post-race blues?
Do you like to bargain shop? What's the best deal you've found lately?
Does anyone ever have good race photos? Like, c'mon now.
Icy/Hot, Tiger Balm, or BioFreeze?

ABK

Music to My Ears

For whatever reason, whether or not runners should listen to music while running has become a topic of debate. I usually love debating, but I kind of hate any controversy that serves to drive a wedge between groups of runners.

Barefoot vs. traditional? Zero-drop vs. cushion? I don't want to hear it. Do you.

That's why I was surprised when Runner's World's Facebook page posted an image a few weeks back that opened the floodgates for heated debate that was filled with un-runner-like animosity. People feel really strongly about this, apparently.

The image in question...the comments on this from both sides of the debate were simply ridiculous.

When it comes to my choice, I like to have my music with me when I run. I can run without it, and often I run without headphones and just let the ambient soundtrack play from my phone speakers, but if I had my druthers (can you tell I'm reading To Kill A Mockingbird right now?) I'd choose my Run It! playlist and Yurbuds any day.

My music falls into three main categories and a sub-genre, but I mix them all together into a single playlist because I like to hit all three areas of my mood, rather than choosing a mood and sticking with it the entire run.

Pump Up 


Anything catchy, upbeat, and fast-paced falls into this category. Of course, there's a fair amount of unexpected alternative and rap here too...Who can say no to DMX or The Clash? They clearly go together. These songs kick up my pace, and usually I can be found mouthing the words or pretending I know how to play air-piano while running.

 Zone Out

Probably my favorite songs, but the least-represented on my playlist, my zoning out songs are sometimes slow and may seem like the antithesis of workout music. But they follow a very important rule: I know every. single. word. Matchbox Twenty (oh my gosh, favorite!), Goo Goo Dolls, The Spill Canvas...These are the best when I take the playlist off shuffle and let a few of them play in a row, especially if I'm well into a long run and facing some tough miles.

 Power Songs

I love Nike+ for having this option. Adding power songs to my playlist lets me hear exactly what I need to at any particular moment with just a tap of my phone screen. (Seriously, people who ran with Disc-Mans and Walk-Mans? How did you do it?!) Most of my power songs are about overcoming something. I've got "How Far We've Come" by MB20 right alongside "No More Drama" and "Work It" by Mary J. Blige. And for some reason "Backstabber" by Ke$ha is super effective.

Downright Embarrassing

If you've even glanced at the pictures in this post, you know what I'm talking about. 3OH!3? Gangnam Style? Avril Lavigne? Yeah. You need some space for embarrassing music that you genuinely love on any running playlist. A run simply wouldn't be complete without it!

As far as running races goes, I've never run a race that was so crowded with spectators and entertainment that I felt I was missing something by having my music going. I guess if I ever run a Disney race or any show-stoppingly huge race, I'll stow my headphones.

But for the most part, I'm just a music lover. Music gives me a way to deal with my head; the beauty of music is that it speaks to us in a way that is personal and intimate but also universal. If running is the perfect time to get my head straight and refocus my emotions, then what better companion is there to run with than a good playlist?

Do you run with or without music?
What about at a race?
What are your top music choices right now?

ABK

Happy Thoughts

Thanks for all the well-placed pants-kickings on my last post! I had a really fantastic night run on Tuesday; sometimes I need to remember that just because my run didn't get done when I wanted it to, it doesn't mean the entire day is busted. Night runs count, too.

Still, I'd like to get back into taking care of my running in the morning. I have a long run planned for Saturday AM and that should get me back on track for morning runs (I hope).

Today's post is dedicated to happy thoughts.

1. Breakfast for dinner. I spent all of Saturday torturing myself by watching Man vs. Food and Bizarre Foods and other Travel Channel food-related shows. I'm a masochist. By the end, I was craving breakfast. I texted Matt to bring home the bacon - literally - and we had a huge brinner at sundown.

Breaking the fast the right way.

2. Typical Archie, claiming his best perch to preen and be the biggest (and cutest) inconvenience possible.

He's lucky he's cute.

3. The perfect Harry Potter-themed pep talk EVER.

She's speaking my language.

4. Grits and peaches...Who knew this was the perfect combo and pre-run meal?!

Utterly delicious.

5. A fantastic evening run over my favorite bridge. Last time I ran the bridge I had to stop halfway because of the heat. It's cool enough now that I was able to run it twice on a five-miler. My legs were so excited to be outside in "cool" weather that they just took off; the run was just the right amount of challenging, liberating, and fun.

Post-storm, 75-degrees. Perfection.

6. Sneaky students. They've been making these loom bracelets for each other and distributing them in class. Just as I admonished a student for being a distraction, she held up a baggie with a bracelet inside, marked just for me. "But I made you one!" Well played, kid.

It even matches my running shoes!

7. New Bic Bands! These things NEVER slip or pinch! I'm so excited to try a slightly thicker band, and I love that the polka-dot one will match anything! And who can say no to hot pink animal print?

Love.

7. Heather's awesome and humbling shout-out to me (specifically, my post for Suicide Prevention Week) during her half marathon, as seen on her blog.

Seriously awesome. Check out her race recap at www.runlikeag.blogspot.com

 Also making me happy this week? 8. One of my best friends (who I've known since I was three and who was one of my bridesmaids) just got engaged, 9. I'm going to a Rays game with Matt and my brother Friday, and 10. I get to do my long run this weekend at my parents' house, where the paths are gorgeous and never fail to inspire.

Bonus #11? Lots of new music! I had to wipe my iPhone, so now my playlists are fresh and new! I can't wait to listen to them all.

What are your happy thoughts this week?
Do you like breakfast for dinner?
Were you ever a sneaky student who knew how to play the game? (C'mon, mischief-makers, share a school-day story with me!)

ABK