Favorite Things.

A few weeks back I saw a blog about a runner’s favorite things and since my blog this year has navigated SO far from the running and working out world (since I have not done a lot of running this calendar year. oi) I decided to steal this and tell the world about my favorite running things … when I am running.

Brooks PR Mesh Skirts.  They're airy and short {I like short running things} and breathable and just darn cute.  Oh and the “underwear”  doesn't chafe or really ride up.  There is a zipper pocket on the back that I can throw a key in. Sometimes, when I am lucky I can find them for super cheap on 6pm.com .. other times I have to pay pretty much full price, but it is 100% worth it.

The Stick & Foam Roller.  Those little contraptions works out all the kinks on my legs. This probably sounds loony, but whenever my legs are starting to feel tired and heavy I spend some quality time with those 2 things and I tend to bounce right back.  I also swear by the foam roller the night before the race.

Joyful Bath Bath Salts. I hate ice baths. They’re miserable. But I always would take the ice bath with epsom salts.  But, once I was introduced to Joyful Bath the ice baths didn’t get any better, but the scents and how they work made them like .01% more manageable.

Pure Barre. When I first started I wondered if/how it could make me stronger, but after a month of going my core and legs are much stronger. and both things will help with my running. the only downside it that it is REALLY expensive so since my new member monthly perk has expired I can only afford to go once per week.

Amphipod AirFlow Lite Waist Pack. I use this only for my half marathons and marathons since it is kind of bigger. Though it is bigger and fanny pack like, it sits on my lower back and doesn’t really move {unless I have the whole world in it}  There is plenty of room for by blackberry, chapstick, keys, and GU chomps.

ReGen Recovery Milk.  I have tried everything from Athlete's Milk to Honey Milk but I could never stomach it.  They seemed so chalky and non milk like.  But I was introduced to ReGen thanks to the Marine Corps Marathon and it tastes just like milk.  It has earned the title of my post long run and post race beverage.

GU Chomps.  I cannot stomach the Gels.  Something about the texture makes me want to vomit.  But the chomps I do just fine with. I normally only need 1 package of them but they give me the little burst I need & I hate to say this…. but when I am dying at the office, they help wake me up too.  *you know you’re a runner when…*

Neutrogena Sport Wipes.  Theses bad boys are awesome for after a killer workout.  I carry them in my gym bag to quickly clean the dirt and sweat off my face after working out.  They’re clutch when I do a workout and then have to head back to the office.

And with that…. those are just a few of my favorites when it comes to working out, running, or being active.

Random Ramles.

I have had a million and one random running thoughts going through my head today (and some not so running related) ... so I decided to share them with you. Enjoy.

• Yesterday I ran a really awesome half marathon and I think the awesome-ness wasn't in the PR but the actual course and volunteers. I am still stunned how well it was run for only being the 2nd year here in Atlanta.  One of my favorite bloggers Tim did his recap and you can read it here
• I am about 3 weeks out from the Marine Corps Marathon which means it is cram time. While others start to taper and trust their training, I start to freak out and build a little more endurance and strength. Yeah... not the best planner.
• I was running today and saw pumpkins.  I know Halloween is creeping up, but will the pumpkins still be alive come October 31?! Won't they rot?!
• Somone "hmmm'd" my Race Recap from yesterday - isn't a hmmm like a "huh interesting" or a "huh i don't get it" or a "huh you have me thinking" ... I personally didn't think a race recap was "hmm" worthy - but to each their own.
• Hills - I know they make you stronger and faster and build your endurance but why do they have to be so menacing?!
• Some of my favorite bloggers have been posting some awesome posts lately - super informative. For example Erin gave me some Pre-Race Moves (that I did not use, but want to/need to) ... Aron reminded me about taking care of myself you know sleep.stretch.foam roll.recover
• I pulled a fun little training plan and I am implementing it starting today.
• I am going to start doing speed work to try and get faster. But question: how exactly do I do speed work? I need insight & help. Pretty please.
• Beauty and the Beast comes out of the Disney vault tomorrow - I am really hoping Kyle comes home from work with it.  To drop hints I have been singing "tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme, bitter sweet and strange..." I hope he has gotten the hint, but he is a boy so that is doubtful. :o)
• I really hope you all have a good week and the weather is getting nice for everyone.  Fall is coming which means fun runs await!

So here is my training week:
Monday: 45 minute run. Tuesday: 60 minutes cross training Wednesday: Speed Intervals 4 times Thursday: Cross Train 60 minutes Friday: 30 minute run Saturday: 7 miles Sunday: Rest

My Favorite RUNNING Blogs.

I am inspired daily by my fellow runners. Through Dailymile, Twitter, and my blog readers I have a constant ring of supporters around me and I try to be just as supportive to all of them. *Sorry if I suck sometimes* For awhile now I wanted to share a bunch of my favorite running blogs because so many people have suggested blogs to me. I wanted to return the favor. So here we go, in no particular order. My all time favorite running reads.

My Quest to Tackle Health & Running - I have to put Tammy first because from the moment she started following me on Twitter she was a cheerleader and supporter of me goal to run a half marathon and learn to love running. Tammy is a GREAT person to have in your corner. She is nothing but supportive and encouraging. She is easy to relate to. She is like me. She works crazy hours and has to work to get her workouts in. She talks about the ups and the downs. She puts everything on the line for people to know. She is the first one to tell you that you need to get out and run and she is the first one giving you a virtual high five.

Runners Rambles - Aron. In my opinion she is just real. I like how she focuses on running but at the same time she is all over the place when it comes to the sport of running. She really does share her workouts with the world (which many times I am envious of) but she really tries to connect with her readers. She, like most of my favorites is open and honest. She writes about her doubts and her apprehensions and she makes people feel normal. I also love Aron because she too is a huge Nike enthusiast and she is constantly making me what to try new products thanks to her reviews.

Shut Up and Run - Just because she makes me laugh on a daily basis. Being carefree is great in my book and this fellow blogger just does not care. Her humor is off the walls and you can find her often talking about her irregular bowel movements and crapping her pants mid-race. She also is lucky and gets to review all sorts of swag ... making me want to buy pretty much everything. Thanks, Beth! :o)

Running with Frenchie - I love this blog for so many reasons but most importantly because Tara is so honest. I like that she just writes what is on her mind. I like that, like me, she is easing back into this running thing so I (and so many others) can relate to her everyday struggles. She writes so freely that the average runner and just relate. It is refreshing.

RunnerDude's Blog - Simple explanation. He is a running superstar and a great resource. Need Christmas gifts for a runner - he has suggestions. Don't know what to eat pre-race, he will tell you. He is a great person to read especially if you're a newbie like me.

This Girl is a Running Fool - Allie is a real person. So many bloggers (myself included) do not really shed any light on their personal life. Their running blog is all about running. Allie lets her readers get to know her, she is real, she talks about her klutzy moves that ALL runners have, and she gives tips and pointers. She also takes the time to read other people's blogs and give words of encouragement & support.

If I left your blog off please do not have hurt feelings. I am going to continue to share blogs as I become more of an avid blog reader - so you never know you may get a shout out here in the near future. On a side note -- what are your favorite running blogs?! I am always looking for new awesome runners to connect with!