Current Running Essentials

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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

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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.

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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?

Zensah Compression Socks + Giveaway

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Disclosure: Zensah provided me with a free pair of their Argyle Compression socks for this review. However, all opinions and observations are my own.

Woot! It’s my Friday!

It’s really been a hectic week for me and instead of getting better at this whole “getting out the door” business – I think I’m getting worse.

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Seriously woman. Get your act together.

But those complaints are for another post…. What was I saying?

A few weeks ago, Zensah contacted me about doing a review and giveaway for their Argyle socks

My high school self squeeeeed at this because back in the day – I LOVED argyle. Seriously, I had like 20 pairs of argyle socks. I still might have a small collection…

Unfortunately, the color combination that I originally wanted was out in my size (I have large feet, this is a common theme) so instead of the super cute pink socks…

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I got the almost equally as cute blue and green socks.

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Resting and recovering from a 4 mile run. Yes, 4 miles requires recovering these days.

So my review…

Well, the socks fit. So that’s a good start. I have compression sleeves from Zensah that are too short, so we’re making progress. As for the compression part — well, they’re not my favorite. However, I was wearing them post run for recovery and I like a thicker more supportive sock to well… compress.

They might be better to run in, but truthfully when it’s 90 degrees outside with 110% humidity – I’m wearing as little as possible – so I haven’t tested them out in those conditions. They ARE more lightweight than Pro Compression (still my go-to socks), which is a plus if you want to run outside and only need light support.

Another difference between the socks I’ve tested is that the sock portion of the Zensah are really thick. This is a feature that I really LIKE, but I like running with thicker socks on, so I think it’s a personal preference.

So my verdict? The socks are really cute, but lower on the “compression” side of things. If you are looking for something fashionable and lightweight to run in – these might worth trying out. If you are looking for a sock to recover in – these might not be your cup of tea. Anyone else have this same experience?

The good news is that, Zensah has offered to give one of you lucky (US Citizen) readers a pair of socks as well. Just leave me a comment telling me what color argyle socks you want and follow Zensah either on Facebook or on Twitter (added extra bonus points that I assume increase your chances if you tweet about the giveaway or follow me on FB/Twitter).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So go forth and enter… I’ll pick the winner on Monday!

Disclosure: Zensah provided me with a free pair of their Argyle Compression socks for this review. However, all opinions and observations are my own.

Aquaphor Review and Giveaway

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Disclosure: I was sent an Aquaphor Prize Pack consisting of Aquaphor Healing Ointment, $50 Visa Gift Card and CamelBak Water Bottle. However, all opinions and thoughts about using Aquaphor are my very own. 

Aquaphor is an every day product in this house.

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I have two kids with eczema (surprisingly, Evan has not shown signs of following in their footsteps… YET) and for a long time Aquaphor was the only thing that kept their irritated, itchy spots at bay (sidenote: we’ve also found coconut oil very effective!).  Aquaphor is an emollient that works by trapping water in the skin. It’s like a supped up Vaseline that locks the moisture into your skin. Sure, it can feel slippery and slimy going on – but the stuff really works.

What I didn’t realize is that you can also use Aquaphor to prevent chafing. Duh, Michelle. I mean Body Glide is great and all – but when you already have a product in the house that you can use to prevent it? It’s even better.

Lets’s talk about chafing for a minute, OK? It’s pretty much the worst.

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Also, don’t do an image search for the word “chafing” unless you want to see a lot of male groins. 

Chafing happens when your skin rubs something – whether it be your skin or fabric – the wrong way. Continuously.

Chances are if you’re a runner you’ve had chafing issues. I mostly chafe in my armpits, especially if I forget to throw on some extra deodorant – but thanks to pregnancy I’ve also experienced thigh chafing and butt crack chafing. Yes, I really did write “butt crack chafing.” It can happen. And no, I didn’t take any pictures. I’m guessing, from my Google search, that men tend to chafe in their groin area and around/on their nipples. Good times.

Chafing is not something that JUST happens to runners. Walking, swimming, bike riding — any physical activity, especially when you are drenched in sweat, can bring on chafing. And truthfully, it always happens when you don’t expect it too – so, of course you don’t take any preventative  measures! The good news is that you can use Aquaphor to help with the burn too. Now that I HAVE done and it can be SUCH a relief. That burn is HORRIBLE.

So, why am I telling you this? Well, Aquaphor is the sponsor for the New York City Triathlon happening this weekend and they would like to help all of us “Cut through the Chafe”. They sent me a prize pack to review and want to send out one to one of you as well!

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The goods!

The prize includes a TON of Aquaphor Healing Ointment, a $50 Visa Gift Card, and a CamelBak Eddy Water Bottle (this thing is a beast).

FYI: This giveaway is only open to US residents, 18 years or older and will end July 17th at midnight. 

All you have to do is comment below and let me know about your chafing experiences (ummm… and you don’t need to get TOO graphic now, mmkay?) and if you’ve ever used Aquaphor to prevent/heal chafing. You can get additional entries for tweeting about the giveaway and liking Aquaphor on Facebook.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was sent an Aquaphor Prize Pack consisting of Aquaphor Healing Ointment, $50 Visa Gift Card and CamelBak Water Bottle. However, all opinions and thoughts about using Aquaphor are my very own. 

Starbucks = Spending $$

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I took the boy up to Starbucks today in an effort to leave the house without spending massive amounts of money. Can I be honest here? I’m pretty sure the REAL reason I could not be a stay at home mom (besides possibly acquiring a drinking problem) is that my shopping would be OUT OF CONTROL. I don’t have a lot of places to go with a newborn and, because it’s so freakin’ hot here ,it’s hard to get in outdoorsy stuff. That leaves me the mall or Target… and we all know that’s dangerous.

In any case, instead of driving I decided to suffer through the heat (it was 85 at 9am) and walk. Starbucks is exactly 1 mile from my house, so I thought it would be perfect. It took me almost an hour to throw on workout clothes, feed the boy, put on some makeup, and feed the boy again before leaving, but I did manage to finally leave the house. Instead of wearing a sports bra (none of them fit at the moment), I wore a nursing bra. This one from Target.

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While I really LIKE this bra for every day wear (plus it’s under $20 – score!), wearing it to go on a walk was not the best idea. Running across the street in this bra to avoid oncoming traffic (even though I had the walk symbol)? Painful and almost a wardrobe malfunction. Lefty is bigger than righty and I’m pretty sure lefty was trying to make an escape. Yikes.

I knew I needed to buy new sports bras (TMI, but when I’m nursing I go from a small B to a DD), but this pretty much drove me to purchase them STAT.

I did a quick survey on Twitter the other day (because you know, instead of Googling you can just poll everyone about your boobs via Social Media) and pretty much everyone who either has big boobs, breastfeeds, or has big boobs because of breastfeeding recommended Moving Comfort.

I researched every style for what seemed like hours and finally decided that I would probably either like the Fiona or the Juno.

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Fiona

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Juno

So what did I end up doing? I came home and ordered both of them. And then I also ordered a new pair of running/workout shoes….

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So in summary: In an effort to save money, I went to Starbucks, came home and spent money.

Sounds about right, doesn’t it? *sigh*

Guess I should stop spending money on myself and buy some Father’s Day/Birthday gifts now, huh?