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Summer Lovin’, I mean Runnin’

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers. (This is a re-post with some updates.)

Summer is finally upon us. And I am loving it. (Really I am!)

Here are some of MY personal tips to enjoy it even more.

1. Stop complaining and posting about the temps and humidity.

Ok, I do it too. But it’s early in the summer and I am sick of reading about how the heat has affected your speed and stamina.

If the heat bothers you:

  • Don’t run.
  • Run earlier or later in the day.
  • Run indoors.
  • Run slower.
  • Run fewer miles.

victory for running in only a tank and skirt

Do you enjoy running in the summer or just do it because you have to?

2.Wear Compression Calf Sleeves.

I know it sounds crazy but it is so buggy in the summer. Besides protecting your legs from injury, it will help ward off ticks and mosquitoes.  With all that rain, this summer, the bugs are insane.

the ice cream helped as well as the socks lol

Do you protect your legs from ticks and mosquitoes?

3. Wear a Baseball Cap.

It keeps you cool (if you have thick hair like me).  It shields your face from the sun and most importantly, it protects your scalp from the sun. Most runners neglect to put sunscreen on their head and a visor will do zero for you there.

Image result for cap run hair don't careWhat do you wear on your head to protect it from the sun?

4. Plan your Hydration.

That doesn’t mean that you have to carry water. I don’t usually.

I mean, how much can you really carry during a hot weather run, anyway?  An everyday runner does not have to purchase a hydration vest.

an old pic (I lost that water bottle 😦 )

But you need to drink even if you think that you are not a heavy sweater.

I usually plant water somewhere on my route or loop my runs so I pass my car (where I have water).  I have even stopped a local convenience store during my run and bought a bottle of water.

Or you can buy the Long Haul skirt from Skirt Sports. It has two pockets in the back that each hold a small water bottle.

How do you make sure you drink enough water during your summer runs?

5. Sign up for Races.

You knew this one was coming.

The adrenaline of the race will make you forget about the heat.  There will be water stops along the course and maybe even watermelon or ice cream at the end of the race.

Ok not as comfortable as sitting in your air-conditioned home or floating around a pool but better for you and much more fun.

at one of my favorite summer 5ks

Do you run a lot of races during the summertime?

Happy Running! Any other tips for enjoying the summer run?  Please share.

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Ultimate Coffee Date – July and Friday Five

It’s that time of the month…

It’s COFFEE ice cream, of course!!

to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

1. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am always training for some long race.  This summer is no different.  But I am thinking that I am a much better short distance runner.

I am more successful and there’s less stress in running 3 miles vs 13.

But then there’s the medal and the pride. Not sure I can give that up…

Ever think of sticking to the shorter races?

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that all of a sudden it is summer.  I’ve been waiting so long for these temps.  They are great for boating

but for running…not so much.

And I refuse to run on the treadmill!!

planned on 4 and this was all I could muster…

Do you struggle to run when the temps are over 80? Do you ever give in and run on the mill?

3. Over coffee…

I’d tell that I complained about never being home but I kinda miss my NYC traveling.  Mainly because of the places to run there. There’s nothing like NYC for running.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg.  I’d love to run on Governor’s Island, Roosevelt Island, over all the bridges, etc.

Ever run in NYC and understand what I mean?

4. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I still haven’t made my decision for a winter Florida race.

I thought I would go to Florida, as usual, to visit my friends and family and of course, run a half marathon. Maybe this one???

Image result for melbourne half marathon 2019

But some local runner friends are tempting me with this race.  It’s been on my bucket list and it would be more fun to run it with people that I know…

Image result for key west half marathon 2019

unfortunately I think the expense (flights/hotel) is leading me to save this one for another year

Ever have a hard time choosing a race or is it just me?

5. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I enjoyed my summer mid-week races a lot.  It allowed me to not have to choose between long runs/boating and racing on the weekend.

Image result for nyc runs

They sponsor 7 races (5k) on Weds in Prospect Park, Brooklyn and Ice Cream Social 5k on Jun 12.

If only locally, we had some mid-week races.

I did find one and of course, I signed up!!

Would you like to run evening races in the summer during the week or would you prefer races on the weekend?

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!
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TOTR: Summer Running – Love it or Hate it?

Don’t forget to Link-up with Patty, Erika, and Marcia and either meet some new bloggers or catch up with ones you already know.

This week’s Topic is: What do you love/hate about summer running?

Love:

  • Less Layers

My running bag seems practically empty.  I can get changed in minutes.

I ran after work with just shoes, tank, skirt, cap. Easy Peasy.

  • Sunshine

I love the SUN!! It motivates me to get outside and get my dose of Vitamin D!!

  • Longer Days.

As a working runner, this is especially important to me.  It is no fun running in the dark after work.  When it is dark, it limits the places where I can run.

no lights on the rail trail so I can only run here after work in the summer.

  • More Racing Ops.

In the winter, there are very few if any races scheduled for the weekend. In the summer, there are many.  I can choose by distance, location, type of course, etc.  I am in my glory as a runner who loves to race.

Silks & Satins 5K -my next race on 7/22

  • No Training Runs

I run my half marathons in the other three seasons.  So in the summer, I can just relax.  I run when and where I what.  I run whatever distance I want.

I could meet Judy for a run, run at her pace and not worry. Or I could have run a faster 3 miles. Running for fun is the BEST.

Hate:

  • Mosquitos/Ticks/Black Flies

I am very susceptible to insect bites so I need to always apply insect repellent.  Sometimes I am lax and I pay the price with lots of itchy bites.

  • Humidity

Dry heat is great but when it is humid, it is tough to get the miles in and the speed.

this was a tough run

  • More Laundry

Less layers but they are sweaty.  That means that I can’t wear items more than once like I do in the other seasons.

  • Competing Activities

In the summer, there’s hiking, tennis, boating, outdoor music and plays. It’s hard to fit it all in and sometimes, I just skip the run in favor of a summer-only activity.

can only go on our boat in the summer

So I think I LOVE summer running more than I hate it. 

Does that mean I should move to a warmer, sunnier climate?

Happy Running! What do you love and/or hate about running?

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TOTR: Summer Running Gear

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Today’s Topic is: Summer Running Gear

It’s finally that time of year.  I thought summer weather would never arrive!!

So here’s what I need to run in the summer months:

  • Shirts (or tanks) made of breathable fabric – no cotton!!

I’m not partial to any brand – Nike, C9, SkirtSports…

  • Skirts. I find them cooler than shorts and less chafing.

and yes, I love SkirtSports. They are cool, comfortable and have 2 pockets!!

  • Cap to keep the sun out of my face. It also keeps my (unruly) hair off my neck.

I prefer baseball caps instead of visors.

  • Sunglasses. My eyes are very sensitive to the sun and I wear contacts so this helps if it is breezy, as well.

I like light weight glasses and they don’t have to be expensive because I lose them or break t hem.

  • Cool Max Socks – I am prone to blisters so this is important to me.

Balega and Feetures are my favorites.

  • Water Bottle – It may not be necessary when the temps are cooler but you should drink before you get thirsty.  Dehydration is no fun.

I like my Nathan hand held bottle (see below:)

  • Insect Repellent – Mosquitos seem to always find me and if you run in areas where there are ticks, you should always have bug spray on hand.

  • Body Glide – Don’t forget that if you chafe, in the summer when you sweat, you chafe even more.

  • Sunscreen – I always use it on my face but am pretty lax on the rest of my body once I have a tan.  But if  you are prone to sunburn, don’t forget to apply it and re-apply it if you sweat a lot.

Image result for kiss my face sunscreen

Happy Running! Any additions that you would add to this list?

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TOLT: August Recap

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Wow, the summer is flying by… Pumpkin lattes will be here before you know it…

So here’s how August went…

Weekday Runs:

Like July, August was HOT and humid most days and we had very little rain.  I was able to run at least 3-4 times each week. But I do not have a treadmill at home so they were mostly slow sweaty ones.

Because I was not working, I was able to run wherever. I was not forced to run near home or near work. So I tried to do my runs in many different places – Chestertown, Crossings, Corning Trail, Colonie Town Park, Nisky Trail, Zim Smith Trail, Rail Trail, UAlbany, etc.

I also ran with Alyssa 4 times. I met her on FB. These were, no doubt, besides my 5k races my faster runs. I struggle when I run with her but she gets me to run faster. She says that I make her faster .  Win-Win.

I re-connected with Barbara and Judy and ran with them each once. It’s more fun running with friends.

Long Runs:

There were TWO!!!.  I ran races or went boating on the weekends. So I managed to move these runs to Monday.

Total Mileage:

I ran 89 miles this month – finally some improvement.

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Races:

I ran three races this month – a 8.4 miler, a 10K and a 5K.

I was generally happy with how they went. I did not have PR goals and of course, they could have been faster.  I won age group awards in all three. That’s an achievement. The 8.4 and 10k races were very HILLY! The only one I felt could be better was the 5k.  We are, though, our own toughest critics.

Cross Training:

 I was STILL unemployed and I played tennis. But not as often as in the beginning of the summer. 

I DID NOT go to a single yoga class!! Someday I will do, I promise.

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I did workout at the gym at least three times.  I know that I could go more often but it’s better than nothing.

I walked to the tennis courts when I played nearby and occasionally did go for a walk. But not as often as when I worked.  I think that the tennis and the hiking (see below) made up for it, though.

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my favorite place to walk – rail trail

Other News:

I went hiking again…by myself and with some friends. Love it. Once to Pinnacle Point in Bolton Landing and then on four trails in Chestertown.

I took a trip to NYC with my two of my friends. We listened to Broadway tunes in Bryant Park and then walked to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the Costume Institute. What a full but exciting day!!

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I also took a day trip to the Saratoga Race Track with a friend.  We had breakfast, watched and bet on the races and then stopped by the Casino (where I won $77).

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I spent two wonderful weekends with my knitting and mah jongg friends on the Schroon River. I did some running but mostly played tennis, knit or played mah jongg and ate.

Boating season continued and the weather was great.  I love it at the lake. It’s my “happy place.”

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

And I HAVE A NEW JOB!!!!!!!!! I will be working starting Sept.7.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is September 18 and I am excited.

I do have a bunch of races coming up.  This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

  • 9-5-16 – Sefcu 5K
  • 9-10-16 – Malta 5k
  • 9-18-16 – Saratoga Palio Half Marathon
  • 9-25-16 – Arsenal City 5k ???
  • 10-01-16  – Apple Run 5K
  • 10-09-16 – Ramblefest Half Marathon
  • 10-15-16 – Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K

No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

Since it is Thursday,  I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

thinking out loud

Happy Running! How did your August turn out?  Anything exciting planned for September?  

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Monday Running Update

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Last Week: 

  • Monday –  For the past 33 years, my friend (former co-worker) & I had gone to breakfast at the race track.

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Sometimes after breakfast and watching the horse warm up, we stay for the races.  We did this year and had a lot of fun betting – mostly successfully but I don’t bet a lot of money so I don’t win a lot of money.

Afterward we decided to stop off at the casino cuz I had never been. Beginners luck had me winning $77.  We celebrated with ice cream.

  • Tuesday – After another day of car shopping, I ran at the Colonie Town Park and then played tennis.
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unfortunately I waited until 4 pm when it was 90 degrees! At least there was shade.

  • Wednesday –  We finally got the rain that we needed but the result was oppressive humidity. I was running with a friend which made it more bearable.

at the Corning Bike Path

  • Thursday – I played tennis in the am and I couldn’t believe how humid it was!!! (I don’t know how you Southerners do it.)  Since they predicted a heat index of 100 degrees, I reluctantly ran (3 slow miles) on the treadmill at the gym. Then worked out with a friend, went out for dinner and a walk on the rail trail.
  • Friday – AM tennis was cancelled so I did stuff around the house. Then I went with my hubby to pick up his new truck. We had two parties to go to – one at our marina and one for the hubby’s tennis team.  Yup, we managed to go to both.  (carb loading for my race the next day, right?)
  • Saturday – Ran a HOT, HUMID, HILLY 10k.

a course PR and won my age group

After the race, I headed up to spend the rest of the day at my friend’s house on the Schroon River.  This was a “knitting” weekend. Rained on and off all day so only managed a walk. Perfect knitting weather.

  • Sunday – I got in a run before everyone got up. After breakfast, I talked them into 2 hikes.

Then there was lunch, more knitting and some swimming. 
20 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:  

  • Monday – 4 mile run, hiking 
  • Tuesday – AM tennis, tennis pizza party, PM tennis
  • Wednesday – 4 mile run with a friend, mall walk with bff, mini  golf /dinner
  • Thursday –  AM tennis, pool party, 4 miles with a friend
  • Friday –  AM tennis, rest, mah jongg
  • Saturday – 5k race + 7  more miles
  • Sunday – boating
Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.   See rules here.
http://hohoruns.blogspot.com

Happy Running! How is your running going?  Any races?

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Monday Running Update

mon r u
Last Week: 

  • Monday –  I drove up to Bolton Landing (on Lake George) today.  I managed to squeeze in a short run before everyone wanted to head out on the lake.

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We spent the whole day on the lake – at a dock on an island and then in the bay before heading back to barbecue at the marina and watch the fireworks.

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  • Tuesday –  While everyone had to drive home to go to work, I again decided to take advantage of my free time and stayed up at the lake. My legs were tired but I dragged myself for 3 slow miles.

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I managed to get a sub for tennis so stayed up on the lake and spent a relaxing day by myself- got in lots of walks, beach time and reading.

  • Wednesday – This morning I went for a hike up to the top of Thomas Mountain.  I had planned to repeat the hike I took last week, but accidentally took the blue trail instead of the orange one – a lot more challenging and a different view.
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I didn’t fall and so it was worth it for the new view but I took the orange trail down… didn’t want to push my luck

I had planned to meet Alyssa and Barbara for an ice cream run sponsored by Fleet Feet and Saucony so I headed home.

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It was very very hot and my run very very slow but the ice cream was GOOD.

  • Thursday – I played tennis in the am with the Troy Tennis Group and went out for dinner with an old friend. No running today.
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sorry I didn’t get a pic of the crepes with hazelnut sauce & bananas

  • Friday – Again I played tennis in the am on the courts near my house. Still incredibly hot. I planned on running after dinner and before my weekly mah jongg game but I waited too long and it started to pour.  Another no running day.
  • Saturday – This morning I actually got my run in before the rain.

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And I stopped off at the gym before heading to the grocery store.

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  • Sunday – Started off the day with a 5k race (I ran the half there 2 years ago). It was just raining or pouring the whole race.  Got a medal, tech shirt and a pint glass for 1st in my age group so all is good.

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When I got home, the rain had stopped. I was tired but managed a few more miles.

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Then headed back to Saratoga for  mini golf birthday party.

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18.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:  

  • Monday -tennis AM, rest
  • Tuesday – tennis Am, tennis picnic, 4 mile run with a friend
  • Wednesday – rest, work webinar
  • Thursday –  AM tennis, 3 mile run with a friend
  • Friday –  AM tennis, 4 mile run
  • Saturday, Sunday – tennis weekend at Schroon River house – lots of tennis and maybe a run
Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.   See rules here.
http://hohoruns.blogspot.com

Happy Running! How is your running going?  Any races? How are you celebrating July 4th?

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Friday Five: Hot Races

Since it’s Friday, I’m linking up with three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC .  Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!)  They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

My Friday Five topic is Five Ways To Enjoy a Hot Half Marathon

Sunday will be my 20th half marathon but my first one without any long training runs.  The weather is also predicted to be very warm. So it will be tough but I hope to enjoy the race nevertheless.

1. Smile.

The photographer will not know that you are suffering and you will get nice race pics.

Eau Palm Beach Half
2. Forget about time.

Unless your are superwoman, it will not be a good one.

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3. Wear Light Breathable Clothes

Even if you are chilly in the early morning pre-race hours, dress appropriately for the race.

walkwayhm1

4. Stop at Every Water Station (even if you’re not thirsty) or carry your own water.

5. Enjoy the Scenery…Walk when you have to.

You will get a medal no matter how long it takes you.

the lake is on the right

I intend to do all of the above this weekend.

vcm

From the VCM website:

With Sunday’s weather forecast calling for temperatures to reach the low 80s during the course of the 28th running of the People’s United Bank Vermont City Marathon, race officials are adding additional relief effort and calling for assistance from the local community.

…The RunVermont team will be adding additional relief efforts along the course, including numerous misting stations, ice drops and roving ice patrols. Between mile 10 and mile 26, runners will encounter some form of aid at least every mile.

RunVermont also is reminding runners to look out for themselves and one another. According to the race’s Medical Coordinator, Denise Alosa, “the best defenses against heat-related issues will be to hydrate prior to race day and frequently during the race in modest quantities, and to adjust race-day expectations by slowing down and monitoring sweat output.  If runners aren’t sweating, they should immediately seek aid.”

… “We ask everyone along the course to ‘pitch in and hose down’ the runners.  Every little bit will help,” added Delaney. ..

Happy Running! Any other tips?

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Tuesdays on the Run: Hot Weather Running Tips

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life! 

This week’s topic is: Hot Weather Running Tips

What to wear:

  • Skirts, of course. You stay cooler in them than capris or shorts and they just look good.

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Especially SkirtSports skirts!

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  • Tank tops or tech tee shirts

lighthouse 5k   mother-147

  • Baseball caps – they keep the hair off my neck and the sun off my face

biggest-loser-5k

  • Cool Max socks – I am blister prone so this is important for me.

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  • Sunglasses – I wear contacts so my eyes are really sensitive.  I wear sunglasses all the time (even if it is not sunny) except when it is dark out.

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Other essentials:

  • Nathan Hand-held water bottle – I don’t usually carry water (I just loop my runs) but when I do, I love this.

  • Don’t forget that if you chafe, in the summer when you sweat, you chafe even more.

  • And the sunscreen and bug spray (especially if you run in areas where there are ticks)

Where to run:

  • Shady areas like bike paths or parks

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  • Trails

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  • Where there is a breeze off the water

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  • On the treadmill where there is air-conditioning
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not my favorite place

When to run:

  • In the morning before it gets warm
before work

before work

  • In the evening when it cools down
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after work

Of course, remember, you will run SLOWER when it is hot.

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I think I was hot here LOL

And don’t forget those warm weather rewards!!!!

stewarts

Happy Running! Any additions that you can add to my hot weather running tips?

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Tuesdays on the Run: Favorite Warm Weather Gear

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is: Favorite Warm Weather Gear

  • Skirts, of course. You stay cooler in them than capris or shorts and they just look good.

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Especially SkirtSports skirts!

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  • Tank tops or tech tee shirts

lighthouse 5k   mother-147

  • Baseball caps – they keep the hair off my neck and the sun off my face

biggest-loser-5k

  • Cool Max socks – I am blister prone so this is important for me.

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  • Sunglasses – I wear contacts so my eyes are really sensitive.  I wear sunglasses all the time (even if it is not sunny) except when it is dark out.

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  • Nathan Hand-held water bottle – I don’t usually carry water (I just loop my runs) but when I do, I love this.

Happy Running?  Why do you like to wear in the warmer weather?

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