running clothes

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Race Shirts

Race 4 the Cure '10  me & MaryPat at the Delmar Turkey Trot

Jingle Bell Run  the schwag

Remember when every race gave you a cotton tee shirt?

Well, I have so many… close to 100.

I don’t run in them but do wear some to bed or to hang out in.  But most of them, just sit in a drawer (or two).

Yes, I am a quilter and I could make them into a quilt.  But who has the time??

I am pretty excited for the opportunity to work with Project Repat for a blanket made of some of my race shirts.  Here’s some more information.

I am having them make a twin sized quilt with 24 of my shirts. It will be soooo difficult to pick only 24. I may have to have another few made.

I can’t wait to share the finished product with you!

Happy Running! What do you do with your cotton race shirts?

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Friday Five: What’s in my gym bag?!

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Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mary at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup.  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!

This week, the theme is: What’s in my gym bag?!

I am the bag lady.  I always bring a gym bag to work – for tennis, running, yoga or sometimes 2 or 3 bags.

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These are the things that are always in my bag:

1. Food – Most of the time I run, play tennis or work out after work but before dinner.  So I am hungry. I always carry a variety of bars with me.

 

2. Water – I always carry an empty bottle to fill with just plain water.

3. Hat – My hair is unruly and bugs me if I don’t wear a hat.  If it is cold, I carry a cap and if it is not, a baseball cap.

4. Clothes – Shoes, shirt, socks, gloves, pants or skirt, jacket and many layers this time of year for running outside. Sometimes it is tough squeezing it all in.

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5. Phone – I use my iPhone to stay in touch in case of an emergency, for music, to track my distance (when not racing) and to take photos.

Happy Running! What’s in your gym bag?

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Running and Bargain Shopping

My two favorite things–Running and Bargain Shopping

Although I wasn’t sure that my legs were recovered from my half marathon on Thursday, I decided to meet my FB friend Judy for a run.

We have been meeting in the Crossings, the same place and at the same time.  This was to be the last time for a while since I will be going back to work. Each time the weather has been colder.

But nevertheless, it is always enjoyable to run with someone else. We chat abut running and racing and have basically the same philosophy on both.

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The only problem with this run was that neither of us had a working watch or phone app. So I am guessing that it was more or less 4 1/2 miles since it seemed longer than our previous runs…but who knows?

After the run, I stopped at Starbucks to refuel.  I got some Blueberry oatmeal which gave me 4 bonus stars.(I now have enough to free lunch item this week 🙂 )

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Then I stopped at FleetFeet. I love my Mizuno Wave Rider 18s so I had ordered them in a different color.

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Aren’t they pretty?

Guess what? I had a $25 off coupon?  So I bought some of my favorite GU flavors (which were buy 10, get 2 free.)

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Next, I headed to Joann Fabrics where I had 40% off coupon on one item and then 15% off the whole order. I bought a shelf that I plan to make into a medal hanger and some other stuff.

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less than $1

I resisted going to Target that was in the  same plaza since I can’t get out of the store for less than $200. Instead I went to Marshalls.

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I don’t need another tech top but the neck will keep my face warmer & it was only $14

The best deal of the day was on socks.  I get blisters and I was tempted to buy Feetures socks at FleetFeet but didn’t want to spend $15 on a pair of socks (when I don’t really need any socks.)

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same socks but I found them in the men’s dept and they were only $4.50 so I bought 4 pair.

When I left, it was snowing.That was perfect. I left without being tempted to do more shopping.

I was so happy that I got my run in. Tomorrow it is supposed to rain and colder temps are forecasted for the week.

Happy Running!  Do you shop for bargains?

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Runner’s Gift List & Pro Compression Review

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: Runner’s Gift List

Here are my 5 recommendations:

  • a Watch

Forerunner 10

Forerunner 220

If you are a runner, you know how important it is to track your distance and pace especially during a race and training for an important race.  I couldn’t survive without one.  I have the Garmin 205 which is rather large and I am not sure how long it will last.  I would love to have a new one, Santa!

  • Running Shoes

Mizunos Wave Rider 18s

Hokas

“I have too many pairs of running shoes,” said no runner ever!  I love my Mizuno Wave Rider 18s that I have in black.  It would be nice to get another pair ..in pink?

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I have heard a lot about Hokas and how supportive they are. I would love to try them….

  • a Running Skirt

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I can’t believe that I ever ran in shorts.  Skirts are so much more comfortable and they look so much better (especially if you don’t have a perfect body.) Those from Runningskirt.com are my favorite.  I love their length and that they have 2 pockets.  I have a few but not enough….

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I don’t have any from SkirtSports but I think I would like them.  They come in cool designs and I have heard that they are comfortable.

  • Running Jewelry

Every girl likes bling! And how nice would a charm with a message or commemorating a race distance be…

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I am wearing one that ❤ Running

  • Socks

Having the right socks are almost as important as the right shoes. The only time I don’t wear compression is when is very hot or with capris. I get blisters so I heard that Feetures are a great low sock to buy.

However, my favorite socks are compression ones from Pro Compression.

I wear their Marathon socks and I love them!!

Here are the key features of these socks:

1. True Graduated Compression
2. Arch support with just the right about of compression
3. Stabilization zone thru the sides to mid foot. Helps provide foot bed comfort.
4. Open toe box so it will not keep your toes too tight.
5. Wide cuff for added comfort.
6. Moisture wicking materials
7. No blisters!

If that’s not enough, here are some more reasons to buy them:

1. Their socks are MADE in the USA
2. They always have a super fun Sock of the Month!  A new sock designs every month with a discount!   Sign up on the home page under: Receive Monthly Specials.  
3. They are one of the few compression socks companies that makes a true graduated compression sock (They work!)
4. They sell direct.  That means bigger discounts and more focus on the customer.  Their goal is to make sure everyone is in the correct sock or sleeve that is best for them!

I have worn other compression socks but after I had serious ankle surgery, I was worried about be able to run again. I bought these socks because they boasted that they help reduce swelling and inflammation while providing critical support to muscles and tendons.

Well, I was able to run with no pain and minimal recovery time.

Sarasota Half Marathon

first Half Marathon after ankle surgery

However, why I buy really them is that I NEVER HAVE TIRED LEGS! I have not had any calf issues, shin splints, PF, IT band problems, etc.

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during a 15K race

In fact after my last 10 mile race, I continued wearing them and walked around a sculpture garden for 5 hours!! Imagine that!

10 miler - 1:38:45

Most recently, I PRed in a pair at a 15K race.

Stickadeathon - November

So if you want to buy a pair, enter the code PINK2 at checkout for a 40% discount! (This code is valid thru Dec. 15.)

For more gift ideas, click here.

Happy Running!  What is on your list? Have you worn Pro Compression socks?

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Disclaimer: I received the Pro Compression socks free of charge as part of a Fitfluential/Sweat Pink campaign. All opinions are my own.

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“Swirl On”

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Swirlgear’s mission is:

to become the women’s running apparel brand of choice while also celebrating the strength, style and spirit of real women runners! We are a brand new company and do not advertise, so we rely on our Brand Ambassadors to help spread the word about our brand by proudly wearing our gear. Team Swirlgear is comprised of everyday women that are simply positive, passionate about health and love to run. They also benefit from some pretty great incentives!

Since our Brand Ambassadors are typically busy professionals, full-time mothers, or mix of both, we do not require that they do anything more than have fun while wearing our gear with pride! They also stay connected with our community of over 500 women across the country and Canada on our private Swirlgear Brand Ambassador Facebook page. Not only do they keep each other motivated and share inspiring stories of how running has impacted their lives, but they also love to meet and share photos of them “getting their Swirl on” at running events everywhere!

I applied to be an Ambassador and then ordered this top. (I actually ordered a while ago but it took forever to get it. Like SIX Months.)

I hesitated on whether to order a small or a medium. I usually wear a small but I don’t like tight tops so I ordered a medium.

Well, it was worth the wait.  I like the material.  I also like the longer length (so it doesn’t ride up) and the zip pocket (for a key or a GU). BUT IS IT IS TOOOOO BIG!!! I could have sent it back but it took 6 mos to get here and everyone who ordered seems to have the same issue.  The time for wearing tanks in the NE is almost over. So I washed it and put in the dryer and I took in the seams on top.  It isn’t perfect but it is wearable (especially if you wear a sports bra underneath.)

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after my 5K race on Saturday

If I order more Swirlgear, I will order a long sleeve or short sleeve top in size SMALL!

The downside to Swirlgear is that they don’t have a lot of styles, colors and prints–yet.  They are a new company, and they are working on expanding. They have definitely added a lot more tops to their fall line.  I am hoping they will add more bottoms – capris, shorts and SKIRTS!

Also the tanks run very wide on top and extra long.  They should have mentioned that on their site.  I feel sorry for them having to deal with all the exchanges.

The other issue for me is cost.  While they are not higher priced than many other quality brands, their items cost more than I normally spend on my running clothes.  I often buy my clothes at Target or Walmart. The quality is definitely there, though, so if that’s the most important thing to you, it would justify the expense.

As a Brand Ambassador, I can offer you free shipping on any Swirlgear purchase using the discount code swirlon at checkout.

And if you are interested in becoming a SwirlGear Brand Ambassador, you can go here to find an application and check things out.

Happy Running! What makes an item the perfect piece of running clothing for you?  

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Disclaimer: I was provided a 50% discount on these items as part of the Swirlgear Brand Ambassador program.  They were purchased with my own money, and all opinions expressed are my own.

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Tuesdays on the Run: Summer Clothing

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: Summer Clothing

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

Lululemon – one of my favs  (gift)

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Target – another favorite

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

from runningskirts.com

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from Target

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

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

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

 

Happy Running! Any additions that you add to your summer running wardrobe?

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The Important Stuff…The Outfit

philly weather

Philly Forecast

Of course, I have been obsessively checking the weather and hoping for a warm up. It has been a COLD week!!

I have run 6 out of 7 of my previous half marathons in warm weather (at least 60-70 degrees except for the Lake George Half weather debacle.)

Naples, FL

Lake George, NY

Schroon Lake, NY

(black short sleeve top, pink skirt)
Rhinebeck, NY

Santa Clarita, CA

Sarasota Half Marathon

Sarasota, FL

Albany, NY

So what to wear for this half marathon in Philly?

I bought a new pink skirt:

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I have another  pair of black compression socks:

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I would love to wear my Lululemon tank:

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with a pink baseball cap:

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and my Brooks shoes:

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If only it were 60-70 degrees. It looks like it will be in the 40’s with WIND and RAIN!!. (The forecast gets worse every time  I check…it started out as being sunny and in the 60s.)

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Do I need to add a jacket, gloves & tights to my outfit??  Probably YES. UGH!!!

Fingers crossed. Praying that there is NO RAIN!!!!!

**Don’t forget to enter my PocketFuel giveaway!

Happy Running! Is your running outfit important?

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Me a Model??

Sounds funny, right?

The info on Fleet Feet’s Next Top Model contest was posted by someone in my running group.

On September 25, 2013 at 7:30 p.m., Fleet Feet Sports, in conjunction with the Mohawk Hudson River Marathon and Half Marathon, will host MARATHON NIGHT and the OFFICIAL 2013 FALL/WINTER FASHION SHOW. We need three men and three women, who are ready, willing and able to model new running apparel and Mohawk Hudson River Marathon and Half Marathon logo merchandise from adidas®.

STEP 1 – Submit a photo of you sporting your favorite adidas® running apparel.

STEP 2 – The top model entries will be posted on Fleet Feet Albany and the Mohawk Hudson River Marathon and Half Marathon Facebook pages for voting. Photos will be posted starting on September 3 and voting will end on September 10 .

STEP 3 – Fleet Feet’s next top models will be announced on September 13. Each model will receive a Fleet Feet Sports Gift Card, complimentary entry into the 2014 Mohawk Hudson River Marathon or Half Marathon, as well as be a model at our Official Fashion Show 2013 on September 25, 2013.

I thought everyone would send in a picture and at the last moment, I did too. (And it was easy to find one since almost all my running clothes are Adidas.)

Well, there weren’t many entries and only one other from my group.

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I don’t have a prayer…look at all those cute young women but if you are on FB and want to vote for me, click HERE!

Happy Running!

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Need a Vacation From My Vacation

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the “group” – 9th Naples vacation together

Yes, I am back and I am exhausted.  I will post pics later this week.

Here is a summary by the numbers:

7 = the number of times I played doubles in tennis (1 1/2 hours ea)
5 = the number of tennis clinics attended (1 hour ea)
2 = the number of afternoons spent at the pool
2 = the number of boat rides (dolphins seen on both)
1 = the number of sunsets viewed
3  = the number of 3 mile runs
2 = the number of lunches in restaurants
7 = the number of dinners in restaurants
5 = the number of afternoons spent at the beach
8 = the number of sunshiny HOT HUMID days
9 = the number of items bought (4 tops on sale, 1 pair of shorts on sale, 2 shirts for hubby on sale, 2 pairs of tennis shoes)

on Palm Island

on Palm Island

My friends are great.  I have a renewed enthusiasm for tennis. I am so glad I forced myself to do a little running.

Back to reality…. work, laundry, rain, cooler temps…

Happy Running! What is new with you?  What did I miss?

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New Year New Gear April Reveal Day

Today is the 4th New Year New Gear Reveal but the first for me. (I contemplated joining before but never got around to signing up.)

So the idea behind this program came from Nicole at Apples and Arteries. Motivate a friend to stay active with a New Workout Item and at the same time receive an item that would inspire me – what a great idea! It is also another way to meet a fellow blogger and runner.

I sent some New Gear to Dawn at The Rushing Herd. (I had fun searching for bargains & the perfect “pink” items – shorts, tank, 2 headbands & a necklace. I hope she liked them!) Her goal is to run 30 half marathons before she turns 30 in November 2014!! Good luck to her!!

I received my New Gear from Kimmie at Barking Mad about Running. I had already been following her blog so this was cool.

Here’s what she sent me to keep me motivated:

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  • Green tech shirt – really comfortable…I will wear it to yoga, tennis and of course, to run
  • Starbucks gift card – obviously she has read my blog and knows that I go there often (esp. after running)
  • Running girl decal – really cool
  • Honey stinger waffle – always wondered what these taste like
  • Nuun  -definitely will try this in my water (esp since it is getting warmer out)

Thank you for a super fun stash of New Year New Gear! You really spoiled me. Good luck with your training and half marathons (including Dopey in 2014!!)  I cannot wait to wear & use these items.

The New Year New Gear exchange program is open to readers and bloggers and below is all the information if you’re interested in joining up for next month’s exchange.

Here’s How it Works!

Sign up with Nicole at Apples and Arteries, her email is applesandarteries@gmail.com . You will then be paired up and exchange information. You then Shop around and put together a fun package keeping to a limit of $15. Maybe it’s a new workout top, running socks, hairbands, a pair of shorts. You’d be amazed at the goods you can find at the outlets (Nike), TJ Maxx and Marshall’s and department stores. Be sure to include a gift receipt (when available).

Ship the package by prearranged date and Please be so kind as to include a Note of Motivation.

If you’re a blogger, please write a blog post about the program/gear to post on prearranged reveal date, and link-up post to Nicole’s New Year New Gear post on the designated date. If you’re matched with a reader, please ask them to include text that you can put on your blog.

Here’s the Link to the April 3rd post, and all the participants link ups. This link will guide you through all the participants blogs, and the fun of the New Year New Gear exchange.

Happy Running! Are you interested in participating?

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