Friday Five 2.0 - Things I'd Buy Again

Today's Friday Five 2.0 topic should be called "things I do buy again over and over and over" because once I find something that works for me, I stick with it!

Shoes: You all know how I went through the hardest time finding new shoes once my first "buy them over and over" style changed too drastically for me to continue wearing them. My new repeats are the Brooks Ravenna 7. I just ordered my second pair and I can't wait to break them in! If the 8s change significantly I'm going to be really pissed.

I can't wait for these babies to be delivered this weekend!

Accessory: I probably own six or seven different running belts, but once I found the FlipBelt, I haven't look back. It's the only belt I ever wear now, and I wear it on 90% of my runs. Within two months of buying my first, I bought two more because...why not!

These are so comfortable and spacious. They never ride up. The water bottles that fit in them are comfortable. I don't know why I waited so long to try them!

Headphones: I haven't had to buy new headphones since getting my Jaybird Bluebuds X, but if they were to break and I needed new bluetooth headphones, these would be it. They fit so perfectly, have great battery life, stay in my ears, deliver great sound...I just love them!

I just learned these are discontinued which is so sad because they're the best!

I've had them for so long (since 2013) I can't even find the post I wrote when I first got them, but they're still in perfect condition. Matt even dropped his in the bottom of a lake once, and when he found them they still worked!

Socks: I have so many Pro Compression socks it's a little embarrassing. I won't run in anything other than my PC Runners or Marathon Elite socks, and I love the sleeves for recovery; I bought some Feetures on a whim once and hate them. I literally never wear them.

In my sock drawer, I have a special bucket of Pro Compression socks. I think maybe they need to take over the main drawer and the bucket can hold the socks I never wear.

Clothes: I think I own the Lioness skirt in almost every print it comes in! It's my favorite skirt. Those pockets! Those pleats! Those prints! I will buy it again...and again...and again.

Aren't they pretty?! I can't wait for the winter prints to be released.

Reviewing this, I think maybe I have a shopping problem! But I'm definitely brand-loyal once I find something that works for me, so it doesn't surprise me that I tend to hoard running stuff that I love. I mean, who doesn't?!

What are some of your repeat purchases?

ABK

All Over the Place

This week has been super weird. Our schedule at school was off because of a field trip Monday (to the Holocaust Museum here in SWFL...it's always an exhausting and rewarding trip), half-day Wednesday, and our big Fun Run for our fundraiser and carnation deliveries for Valentine's Day on Friday. Needless to say, it's been a little chaotic.

My homeroom thought up this brilliant name for our "band". Get it?

Still, I was able to get in my planned runs plus volleyball practice for our faculty volleyball tournament!

It's totally weird how one run can be perfect and the very next run can be awful. I experienced that this week and I think I've finally nailed down one of the main causes. Tuesday's run, after the pain-fest that was this weekend's 5k, was really excellent. I felt like I was flying and my lungs felt pretty good the whole time.

I was so exhilarated to run 4 in under 40! I miss the days when I did this all the time.

Volleyball was Wednesday, no run, but Thursday's run was terrible from the start. I got really bad shin splints (which I never get) and my legs started cramping and aching like they had during my marathon. And that's when I put two-and-two together.

My pre-run smile clearly says, "I was expecting better." At least I had a nice view for some of it.

I've been taking Mucinex for this cold, too, but I felt better Monday so I didn't take any Monday night or Tuesday...and Tuesday's run was fantastic.

I took it this afternoon after work...crampy legs.

I know Mucinex and other medicines like it are made to dry you out, and it's clear I haven't been drinking enough water to counteract the effects! (I've been drinking tons of hot tea for my throat and congestion; Meg [who is also running the A1A - we're wearing our matching Ragnar tops!] suggested I drink NUUN leading up to race day this weekend and that may help.) I'm so glad to have figured out what's probably causing my occasional  leg cramps. 

The big take away here is that I finally feel like I understand how to avoid the cramps I had during my marathon. I had never had cramps in training, but I was taking Mucinex the entire week leading up to the race!

Anyway, my runs were all over the place this week, but I don't feel too worried about Sunday anymore. I'm excited to enjoy it and to ring in my birthday with a crazy-cool race medal, fun experience, and lots of friends. I'm looking forward to meeting Kristina and some more Sub30 buddies!

Speaking of birthdays, I got a few cards in the mail today and I can't decide if I should open them now or save them until Sunday! What do you guys think? I already know Meg's opinion!

In other news, this week Matt picked our pineapple! It turned yellow overnight, which meant picking-time! I chopped it up and planted the top. It's delicious.

Just kidding...I know how to eat a pineapple.

Sweet, homegrown goodness.

And to top it all off, my new Pro Compression sleeves also came in the mail...perfect timing for the half this weekend! (And Valentine's Day, of course.)

All in all, I'm going to chalk this up to being a pretty fantastic week!

 

How has your training been this week?

Do you like pineapple?

Do you open birthday cards right away, or do you wait?

ABK

Go Time

Sudafed might dry me out and exacerbate my dehydration, but at least I can breathe again!

Miles of paths, literally in my backyard...why have I not done this before?!

My legs definitely enjoyed all the time off, and a run through the golf course was a great change of pace. I loved the variety of terrain - paved paths, crushed shell, soft asphalt, grass - and the sprinklers. 

I was really excited to try my new Pro Compression socks, too. I usually run in Thorlos but they've been so hot lately. I was nervous to try these because, while I love the sleeves, I was worried the socks wouldn't be cushioned enough.

I'm literally going to order at least six more pairs like...this week. They're JUST cushiony enough where it counts, but my feet didn't hurt (and they've been really achy lately) and they felt snug and secure without feel hot at all.

And an added bonus? Colors!

It feels good to be back, and my eye is back on the prize. I'm feeling reignited. I'm ready to go!

ABK