Tag Archives: gear

I’ve got whosits and whatsits galore…

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Welcome, welcome, one and all. This weekend I tackled a ridiculous feat…

The semi-annual cleaning of the running drawer. (It should really happen more than it actually does but let’s not make too big of a deal about that!)

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I’m assuming that everyone has a drawer like this. It’s as messy as a “junk” drawer, but there’s NO JUNK in this drawer. It’s all gold, my friends, and it’s all extremely important when it comes to running.

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Uh, except for maybe this. Not sure how this wound up in the running drawer…

Okay, so let’s get down to the good stuff!

drawer2I’m a big fan of the cinch bags that some race series give out at their expos. I use these bad boys to bring things to Track and Field practices and meets for the kiddo and at other races (way to publicize!). And every time I use one, much like a race shirt, it takes me back to that race. Memories, like the corners of my mind.

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I’ve got gadgets and gizmos a’plenty! Need a spoon on a string (and who doesn’t)? Check! That was from the Jog ‘n Hog this past summer.

credit: Jog 'n Hog Boss Hog

credit: Jog ‘n Hog Boss Hog

Foot Rubz ball? We’ve got two; Jay has the other one squirreled away somewhere. I use it after every. single. race. Stickers! Blister Treatment! (Knock on wood, I haven’t had any blisters lately.) And of course, my trusty Road ID. Okay, well, the Road ID box. The actually Road ID itself doesn’t usually make it back into the box because I use it so frequently.

drawer4Ah, the cold weather gear. How necessary yet how unfortunate that it’s necessary. In my perfect world, I’d not need these. It would be lovely fall weather all the time. Alas, such is not the case here in New Jersey and it’s already getting to the time of the year when we have the windows down, heat up.

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Rocking the $3 Target hat (notice the gloves in hand) at last year’s Cooper Norcross Run the Bridge.

When I began running Vic took me to Target, pointed out the men’s hats and told me to stock up. When you spend a couple of bucks on a hat or a dollar on gloves, you don’t get too broke up if you need to throw them to the side if you get too warm while running.  The Lululemon ones? Those don’t get tossed (added bonus: they were a gift from Jess).

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Not shown: Strong Mama Sox Box Socks
They’re in the wash.

I have a socks drawer but that’s not where my long socks live. Oh no, they have a special place of honor in my running drawer! And each time I pull out a pair of the socks, it brings me back to when I got them and where I’ve worn them. (My mind likes to retain random information that is pertinent to exactly nothing.)

Heart Running Skirts socks at runDisney's Tangled 5k.

Heart Running Skirts socks at runDisney’s Tangled 5k.

Thanks to Brandi for this group shot of us outside of the Septa station.

Red ProCompression Socks at the Broad Street Run

And finally…

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I’ve got fuel! I’ve got arm warmers (that are actually Baby Legs)! Tissues! Safety pins! Handheld water bottle! SPIbelt! These are the things that float around the drawer, usually toward the top, because I need them more often than most.

It should be noted that the drawer stayed neat for maybe a day and a half before it got all messed up again. Yep.

What’s in your running drawer? Or where do you keep all your “Stuff” with a capital S?

Fall Running, Florida Style

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College football season begins this week, and for me, that means one thing: shopping. You all know I love to shop for running clothes, dresses, shoes…anything, really. (Even groceries.) My husband, as you can imagine, isn’t so fond of my affinity for spending money on fashion. But I’ll tell you a secret- if it’s in his team’s colors? If it’s to wear to the game? Suddenly, it’s okay. Gold sandals? “Of course, babe.” Black and white peplum top? “I don’t know what that is, but sounds good.” Golden yellow t-shirt? “Go Knights.” (And also, go yellow!)

On Monday, I went to the mall in search of some shorts to wear to this week’s game. I knew it was a long shot because I’ve received the latest J.Crew and Anthro catalogs. My coffee place is serving pumpkin spice lattes. I’m aware that in most parts of the country, it’s Fall. Still, I hoped. Until I spied the tables of corduroy skinnies and cardigans. Lace sweatshirts and jeans. And a lone sale rack with two pairs of shorts- not in my size or my color. Sad face.

I’m not sure why stores do this to Floridians. I’d like to wear lace and polka dot cardis, skinny jeans and boots. But we’re still feeling highs in the 90s. It’s soaking hot, as my daughter would whine (she’s already learning that we Floridians love to complain about our weather).

The soaking heat- emphasis on soaking- was quite apparent yesterday, as I scooted my doot on a mid-morning run. I know that some of you are already enjoying cooler temperatures, and some of those same folks are headed down here for Disney race season. I’d love to help you survive running in Florida. Here are some tips:

1. Accessorize. Hats and sunnies are your friends! I reached out on Instagram for sunglasses recommendations and ended up with these. Cute, a snug fit and my eyes are protected from the sun.

2. Chug-a-lug! Coconut water, Gatorade, nuun, old fashioned H2O: whatever you choose, make sure you drink up, and often. I’ve tried a couple of handheld bottles but the Amphipod is my fave.

3. Wear sunscreen. Find a good one that won’t run into your eyes (and let me know when you do, okay?). Protect your skin, prevent wrinkles and those weird tan lines from your sunglasses.

And speaking of tan lines…

4. Sport a tech t-shirt. It covers more skin than a sports bra or tank, so you won’t end up with a funny tan. I like this one because it’s a sweat-wicking fabric and super breathable.

5. Watch out for Gators. Obviously not at Disney, but if you’re running near a body of water down here, well, look out for them. When I say, “Go Gators”, I mean “Go away.”

Do you live in a warmer climate? What advice would you give for running in hot weather? Do you know where I can find some yellow shorts? And go ahead and shout out to your team here too. Go Knights.