running gear

Random Rambling

May 24, 2016 by Michelle 4 Comments

Hey, sporadic blogger here! I still have 2 more race recaps to write. Umm, maybe I’ll get to them soon. Before my next race, in October. <–Doable

Part of me wants to give this blog up, but the other part really likes writing and actually misses blogging. So I’m going to do something I haven’t done in a while… ramble on about stuff I’m into these days.

Adidas Energy Boosts

You know I am shoe fickle, but I’ve been running in these shoes for about 6 weeks now and they are SO GREAT. It took me a few runs to adjust to them (probably didn’t help that my first run in them was a 12-miler), but the fit my foot so well and they are extremely breathable. I think my favorite part is that they don’t bother my bunion (my super wide right toe-box), but they are really secure on my foot.

Blueberry 5K

I (surprisingly) haven’t taken an excessive amount of pictures of me wearing them — so here is a picture of me “racing” (used VERY VERY loosely) in my obnxious Neon Yellow Boosts.

I decided to try these out after my Mizuno Wave Riders (which, I loved) started wearing out at 200 miles. I get that there is wear and tear on shoes — but I’ve been running 100+ mile months and I CANNOT keep replacing my shoes every 2 months. Sorry Mizuno. I’m two months in on the Adidas and there is very little wear and tear. I hope this continues.

Gilmore Girls

We (yes, we) are re-watching Gilmore Girls in anticipation of the reboot (on Netflix, despite owning the entire series on DVD. I guess you could say I’m a fan) — and guess what? It’s JUST a great as it was the first time I watched it. And it holds up.

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Livie was up sick one night and watched a few episodes. She’s pretty much in love with Lorelei and Rory too and is now constantly asking if we can watch the show. Pretty soon my whole family is going to want to watch it and I can’t blame them.

I’m SUPER excited about the reboot (maybe late November — I’m hearing a date — like the 25th??).

And by the way, I’m totally team Jess.

Hamilton

Hey – have you heard about Hamilton?? Ha.

For the 2% out there who haven’t – it’s a Broadway Show. A Hip-Opera if you want to categorize it. An entire show where people sing, rap, and rap some more about the dude on the $10 bill. There’s a lot of hype and it might not seem like it’s for you… but…. it’s amazing. The hype is legit. I haven’t seen it, but the soundtrack is playing NON-STOP. So much so that my kids sing along (PS – the album is rate Explicit, so I’m winning at parenting). In my defense, I am exposing them to a piece of U.S. History (though not always 100% accurate). Don’t believe me? Check out the lyrics — and the annotations. I’ve learned so much!

Hamilton

I never thought I would say this, but I would LOVE, love, LOVE to see this on Broadway. I’m willing it to happen. I really just need to buy tickets. I could fly up there in a heartbeat.

Lululemon – Run Times Short

I know, I know. I’m late to the Lululemon game. I actually have one pair (not sure the style) that I’ve had for about 5 years that I love — but nothing else in my wardrobe has been from there. I realized recently that I hate about 75% of my running shorts (and find myself wearing the same 2-3 pairs OVER AND OVER again). I tried on these shorts a little while ago and loved them, but couldn’t bring myself to by shorts for $54 (plus tax) (even though they are currently on sale for $44). So for Mother’s Day this year — I asked for them. For the record — I don’t mind spending that money on shorts for a gift.

Lulu Run Time Short

Always wanted to post a picture of just a quarter portion of my body/half of my legs.

Livie picked out the pattern (Paradise Camo) so it totally counts.

Now I just need Lulu to make them in more colors/patterns. Not super loving their current options.

Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld

I haven’t really been into reading lately. I don’t know what my deal is. However, this book — I LOVED IT.

Eligible

I really like Curtis Sittenfeld’s books in general (Prep and American Wife are both books I’ve re-read) –and I’m kind of a sucker for anything Pride and Prejudice, so I might be biased. Even if you’ve never read the Jane Austen original (you should), I think you will be find this book totally adorable. It’s a modern re-telling of the P&P with a few twists (Eligible happens to be the name of a VERY popular Reality Television show — a la the Bachelor). And even though I KNEW how it was going to end (spoiler: no twists there), I was still anticipating how it would all unfold. Needless to say, I read this book in about 2-3 days. You should read it too. Also – I need some book recs. What are ya reading??

Snapchat

So I didn’t really understand Snapchat for the longest time (Paula had to teach me), but it’s SO fun! My kids love the filters and I will do anything these days to get all of them in a picture 🙂

If you’re on Snapchat — find me!

Snapchat michellew626

Trail Running

I went on my first trail run a few weeks ago and I think I’m hooked. I’ve been missing out!! We had way too much fun, got really dirty (my shoes are now black and neon yellow), and saw a HUGE ASS ALLIGATOR (thankfully in the river – not on the trail).

Trail

I almost tripped about 800 times – but didn’t – and only managed to roll my ankle once. So, I consider that a huge win. It was really gorgeous.

I’m going to a different trail this weekend — I can’t wait!!

My babies are getting OLD (and so am I )

L celebrated turning 7 in March

She’s just as sassy as ever. Into dance and soccer, loves reading and school. Sometimes threatens to harm classmates. She got her ears pierced on her birthday.

E, my sweet baby E, turned 3 a few weeks ago

He is still not potty trained (woo-boy we are taking are sweet time), still sleeps in a crib, and he still has a pacifier addiction, so basically we are winning at parenting. He is otherwise very self-sufficient, super verbal, extremely loving and cuddly, and happy-go lucky almost all of the time – so I think we ARE doing something right. Also, his love of Star Wars is fierce.

To top it off, this baby turns 10 in July. TEN!! WTH???

This kid is not afraid to state his opinion (repeatedly), loves to draw, a great helper, becoming more responsible, and was chosen to go to Kennedy Space Camp this summer for a week (FREE!). He has grown up a lot this past year and is doing SO much better in school. I can only hope this continues in 5th Grade (O.M.G. HOW?)

And that’s pretty all of the random rambling I think of… for now. What’s up with you? Should we take bets to see how long it takes me to post again?

Shoe Review – New Balance Foam Fresh Zante

April 24, 2015 by Michelle 9 Comments

A long, LONG time ago (I’m talking when I was in college) — I tried to run/work out in New Balance shoes. I loved how they looked, my friends raved about them, and they got great reviews, but they were always too wide for my skinny/high arched feet – even the narrows didn’t fit right. It bummed me out and apparently shaped my shoe shopping habits for years to come.

Despite the fact that shoe styles change EVERY SINGLE YEAR, I have avoided New Balance shoes because of this. My brain equates New Balance to Wide Shoes. UNTIL NOW.

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I probably would have kept living in ignorance if I wasn’t given the opportunity to review the shoes. And now my life is much more fulfilled. And I’m pretty sure I have a new running shoe.

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Look! I ran! Really! Also – this was safe.

So enough about me…

The Zante shoe is a new addition to the New Balance family. Here are some of the features:

Breathable air mesh upper increases airflow during long runs
TPU tongue weld improves lockdown support <–I thought the tongue was weird at first, but it works.
Sock-like fit hugs the arch to allow toes to spread during movement <– THE BEST!
Fresh Foam midsole features a one-piece construction to delivers ultra-plush cushioning
Full ground contact outsole improves traction and flexibility

And it’s Specs:

Shoe type: Neutral
Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
Weight: Women: 6.3oz, Men: 7.5 oz <– Holy cow, this shoe is so light!!
Price: $99.99

Running Competitor voted this the Best Road Shoe of 2015 — and I can definitely see why.

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I am the best photographer ever. Also – why is that vein in my wrist so big?

I DID have to buy a Men’s shoe because they didn’t have size 11s in the store (just another perk of having gigantic feet!) BUT that didn’t change my perspective of the shoe AT ALL (Bonus: I wanted black anyways).

When I first put the shoes on I actually thought – “Wow, that’s a tight fit.” I actually had to check that it was truly New Balance. After about a quarter of a mile in them though – they loosened up slightly. They really DO have a sock-like fit, bit it didn’t feel as stiff and constricting. That said, if you have normal-to-wide feet though, I recommend looking into a different width.

The foam part of the shoe felt weird to me at first. It makes the shoe SO light, it’s almost scary. However, they manipulated the shoe to include incredible arch coverage, so it doesn’t necessarily feel like you are running on foam. Now, I don’t know if I could run a full marathon in this shoe (not that I’ll be doing THAT any time soon), but I could definitely run in these for a half.

So…HELLO new running shoes!

Have I mentioned that I have gigantic feet?

The ONLY tough part about this shoe was that it was RIDICULOUSLY hard for me to find! I checked out Academy of Sports and Sport Authority before ONLY finding the Men’s shoe at Dick’s. However, Amazon, Road Runner Sports, and Running Warehouse all have them online — and bonus they have them in really fun colors. I’m pretty sure I need this pair:

zante

Have you worn the Zante? What did you think?

What color would you pick?

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my very own! If the shoes sucked, I promise I would let you know.

Switching Shoes {A Continuation of the Mizuno Saucony Shoe Story Saga}

September 4, 2014 by Michelle 20 Comments

So, a while ago I bought and RAVED ABOUT Mizuno Wave Rider 17s.

I loved them. I PR’d in them. They were my jam. They made my feet happy!

And then I started marathon training.

Not only was I running more, A LOT more, I was running more in higher temps. You don’t have to be a genius to realize that in Florida, in the middle of the summer, that shit gets HOT and it tends to destroy things.

This did not make my shoes happy.

Or my feet.

And, especially, my knees.

My shoes seemed to start wearing early (with less than under 150 miles). I thought, “eh, I’m sure this is normal.”

I kept running. I kept increasing my mileage.

A few weeks ago I reached a weird breaking point and I started wondering why the runs after my 20-miler felt hard. At first, I chalked it up to training just feeling tough because I was adding more mileage and feeling tired. Except, I actually took a cut week, so that didn’t make sense. Then my knees started hurting. And my feet — oh my poor feet were KILLING me. I would just wake up in the middle of the night with them aching.

Then I remembered to check out the outer soles of my shoes.

A-ha! Parts of my heel and toe were missing – and there was a lot of mid-section wear as well.

I was sad.

Then I calculated my mileage (I started wearing my shoes at the end of May — I had JUST hit the 2-month mark and maybe 250, if that). W.T.F???

Maybe I’m spoiled, but I’ve never burned through shoes THAT fast before. I felt like I had been cheated, especially because I really LIKED the shoes. The kicker — I didn’t even RACE in those shoes.

So, I did what every person would do when they are angry at a brand for reducing the quality of their product… I found another one.

Meet my new shoes — Saucony Ride 7s.

I did a lot of research on these things. I needed shoes that could carry me through the next 100+ miles of training and 26.2 miles on October 12th (OMG, THE MARATHON IS IN 6 WEEKS).

My verdict, so far, is that they run a little shorter than the Wave Riders – so I have to half-size up. BUT, I don’t feel like an old lady after I run. In fact I had one of my best long runs in MONTHS last weekend.

They are the weirdest shoes in the best way possible – if that makes any sense. They are cushy, but not too cushy. They are light (around 8.5-9oz), but feel substantial. The outer sole is solid and from all of the 90878291 reviews I read – really hold up. I wear custom orthotics, so I can’t talk about the inner sole – but the one time I ran in them without my inserts, they were comfy and didn’t bother my ankle.

I’m hopeful. Which is a good thing since I just ordered another pair that will (if all goes well) be my Chicago Marathon Shoes, next month.

Imagine these shoes with a TON of names written on them. Can’t wait!

TL;DR version… the running shoe love story saga continues because companies keep changing designs and quality. Or they just like to piss me off and keep things interesting (verdict is still out).

Will I switch back to Mizunos when I’m running half marathons?? Will I try Brooks again? Will Saucony become MY SHOE? Only time will tell.

Shoe love/hate… Which brand has disappointed you the most?? Which brand did you not expect to love/wear?

Current Running Essentials

February 5, 2014 by Michelle 34 Comments

Coming back from pregnancy, I figured it was time to try out new running gear. Some of the brands I’ve tried before and others I had been lusting at for month, not ready (or too pregnant) to pull the trigger. Since my opinions on products change frequently, here’s a few of my current running favorites…

1. Garmin 220

It's Florida cold (39 degrees), which means sub-9 minute miles and long sleeves...with shorts.

This was a big purchase for my hobby ($250), however, it has been SO WORTH IT. This Garmin is the Garmin I’ve wanting for the past 4 years. It’s light. It has zero problems finding satellite. It vibrates when I hit a mile/lap. I can turn on or off alerts. It’s purple. It’s awesome.

2. Oiselle Rogas – Short

RogasShort

OMG guys. These shorts.

For the longest time I didn’t feel comfortable wearing running shorts. Weird, right? I only raced in my spin shorts. Running shorts just did NOT feel right. During marathon training, I wore them more often, but something about the ones I was wearing (Nike, C9 from Target, Brooks, etc) felt wrong.

During my pregnancy, running shorts actually felt MORE comfortable. Again, weird. It might have been because my ass and my legs were more proportional. Who knows. Whatever the reason, I wore the crap out of my running shorts. I also stretched the crap out of all of my running shorts.

So, what’s a girl to do? Go shopping of course.

I tried a few others – including the Oiselle Distance Shorts – and I still wasn’t happy. I actually really like the Distance Shorts (especially because I can through my phone in back butt pocket), but they are SHORT.

These these are the distance shorts in Rhody.

I’m not sure what took me so long to try the Rogas, but it was love at first run. They are perfect for MY body type. I have: no butt, a straight waist, and skinny legs. They also have a 4-inch inseam in the crotch, which (in my opinion) is the perfect length. You know, as far as crotch inseams go.

Pretty sure I've finally found the perfect pair of running shorts. @oiselle Roga Short...I need about 4 more pairs

Not the best picture… but seriously, can I live in them?

I’ve only worn them a few times to the gym, and every time I get compliments on how cute they are! My ONLY complaint is that they only have one pocket – not big enough for my phone.Guess I need to find a new way to carry my phone! (Anyone have any armband recommendations??)

I now have 4 pairs. That’s how much I love them.

3. Mizuno Wave Rider 17s

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In case you wanted to see more of my legs. I swear I’m not vain. They’re just there…and make up 70% of my body.

Yep. I’m back to my old shoe. However, these are NOTHING like the old shoe. They are leaps and bounds BETTER and they are pretty much everything I need in a neutral shoe. I know this girl is pretty happy with them too, which is SHOCKING. We’ll see how they hold up this summer while I’m marathon training.

4. Moving Comfort Juno Bra

Juno

I have tried several bras and none are as AMAZING as this one. It’s support is impeccable. I especially like that it’s adjustable in the front and curved underneath so that it doesn’t ride up. My girls will probably (most definitely) reduce in size once I stop pumping in 3-4 months and I don’t think I can go back to the bras I wore before.

5. Nike Running Hat

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Baby approved.

I’ve been wearing this hat for a while now and it’s still my favorite. It keeps my bangs out of my face, absorbs my heat sweat, and it’s ultra light and comfy.

I need to find one in purple.

6. Clif Bar Energy Bars

CoconutChocolateChip

I feel like this is a just a stereotypical running/blogger thing, but I eat a Clif Bar (Coconut Chocolate Chip is my favorite) before every race and 10+ mile long runs. They stick with me and are great on the go. Plus, it’s like eating a cookie.

HOWEVER — There are a few running things I’m STILL trying to work out…

Gels – I like Clif Shots the best, but the consistency still kind of grosses me out. I am ready for some new flavors too!
Hydration – I like Nuun okay, but I’m open to new suggestions. I’ve been eying Skratch — anyone try it?
Fuel Belt/Vest – I like my vest, but I’m still not 100% comfortable in it (thanks to my boobs – sorry it that’s TMI, but it’s true). I think I will LOVE it this summer though. I used to love my iFitness fuel belt, but since getting pregnant with E it’s bothered me. I think it’s weird that it’s STILL bothering me, but it is.

What are some of your favorite things? Have any recommendations?

PS – None of these are affiliate links. Just thought I would throw that out there. They are just things I really, really like. Maybe even love.

Things I Keep Meaning To Tell You

October 31, 2013 by Michelle 18 Comments

Life has a way of sneaking up on you, huh. How is it already Halloween? Remember last year?

Seriously, how has it been a year since that happened?

I miss blogging regularly, mainly because I enjoy getting all of my random thoughts out of my head but *shocking, I know* I just don’t have time for it. Instead, you get this random post of things I keep meaning to tell you…

1. I might have to use this for my Christmas pictures this year… all three kids are looking at the camera!

Happy Halloween from my three locos.

2. Braeden is toothless for a 2nd Halloween in a row.

He lost his baby tooth a year ago – and a janky, snaggle tooth grew in it’s place (technically, it’s a supernumery tooth – an extra tooth). We waited and waited for it to fall out, but it didn’t (it wasn’t even CLOSE to being loose) and it was preventing other baby teeth from falling out. So, last Monday they pulled it. Your lucky that B brought that tooth to school and then manage to lose it, or I would show you a picture of it. And it was pretty freaky looking.

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Before the tooth was removed…

3. Speaking of B, I’m a proud mama!

First report card with REAL grades! #proudmama

This is his first report card with grades – and he got Straight A’s!

We had our teacher conference yesterday and this is the first year I didn’t feel like an awful parent when I left. It’s not that he’s a bad kid by ANY means, but I always feel like they are telling us things we already know. It’s like – hey — did you KNOW that your 7-year old BOY doesn’t like to sit in his seat?? *Shocking*

This year, his teacher acknowledged that he’s a) a boy and b) one of the youngest in his class. Yep. We did consider holding him back at one point — but he would be SO BORED. She agreed. She does think he has the potential to do more and would like to have him go to 3rd grade math – but he zips through his work too fast and REALLY enjoys being the class clown. Oh boy.

4. I chaperoned Livie’s class field trip to Green Meadows Farm last week…

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It was ridiculous hot and I totally forgot about the whole pumping thing (my boobs haven’t forgiven me) – but it was really a lot of fun. It was nice to hang out with my girl for day! Plus I got to hold a chick and a duckling.

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I also learned all about zorses (did you know that there is such a thing as a zorse? It’s zebra + horse — so now you do) and I’m pretty sure I spotted ‘Lil Sebastian’s cousin.

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5. I bought red pants.

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This is totally outside of my comfort zone, but I love them. Now I want pants in all kinds of colors!

6. I am an IDEA Inspired Blogger!

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One of the reasons I blog is because I love to inspire and BE inspired, so I was happy to be selected. I hope that (once I break out of this new-mom haze) that I can continue to do so. Until then, you get rambling and scattered posts like this one where you think, “How it is that she’s POSSIBLY functioning??” (I am, somehow)

6. Have I ever mentioned I love running?? 🙂 This shirt pretty much sums it up.

Love, love, love this shirt from @oiselle #truth

The weather has been amazing here lately and my runs have been SO GREAT. I can only hope it holds up this weekend for my 12-miler I’m hoping to run and in a few weeks for the Baldwin Park Half.

Speaking of that shirt… I just bought my first Oiselle order. Their stuff is pricey, for sure, but I’m tempted to just start wearing running clothes to work. It’s SOOOO comfy and soft. I don’t need real clothes, right?

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I guess you could say I’m now drinking the Koolaid. And apparently I like taking pictures of my legs.

7. I really need a new Garmin. Or a new GPS watch of some kind.

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Truthfully, I don’t really WANT to buy a new watch, but *sigh* My current Garmin is on it’s last legs. She (he?) beeps around Mile 3 now that it has a low battery. WTF, Garmin? I just charged you.

I can’t decide what to get to replace it. Since this one only lasted 3 years, I’m thinking of saving my $$ and just going the less expensive route and getting a Garmin Forerunner 10.

Forerunner10

THEY HAVE PURPLE!!

If you were getting a new watch — what would you get?? The new Garmin 220/620 is pretty sweet looking, but I really don’t want to spend that much. Anyone want to buy it for me?

8. I wrote this post for ZOOMA… and even though it’s super cheesy, I really love it. So, you should go read it!

MagicFormulaZOOMA

9. My kids have been all about Family Game Night lately. We’ve played Trouble, Monopoly, Yahtzee, and Scrabble Jr.

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So far, every game has elicited tears from someone, but they keep asking to play. It’s like fun torture. I really don’t like it when Dan cries though.

Oh, and for the record, Livie REALLY does not like going to Jail.

Any game suggestions??

10. I hope you have a Happy Halloween!! I dressed up as a sane and well-rested mom.

My costume? Sane and well-rested mama. I don't think I'm pulling it off, but at least the kids are cute!

I know, I know, I’m oozing with creativity.

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OK fine, Evan… and believability.

How are you celebrating Halloween? What’s going on in your little world?