Whoever said running was a free sport obviously never ran long distance. This past weekend I ran my last long training run for the Jazz Half Marathon in New Orleans and I made it a point to test my race day gear & outfit. After running 11 half marathons and 2 fulls, I have been through a decent amount of running goodies. Here are my gear picks for all of the sassy runners out there!
Sassy’s Running Gear
What do you carry your phone in? RooSport
I tried a bulky hydration belt, an armband but ultimately I love my RooSport. This small magnetic pouch allows for phone storage, fuel, and keys. I have used it for non-running related activities such as concerts and traveling.
Never lose the fashion – hat or sunglasses? HeadSweats Hat
I prefer to wear a hat or visor. If it’s rainy or cold, a HeadSweats hat will keep me warm or a visor in the hot summer months.
How important are your shoes?
VERY IMPORTANT. I ended up suffering from plantar fasciitis after using the wrong shoes when I trained for my first marathon. I distinctly remember hobbling from that 15-mile training run and walking into my local running store for a proper running analysis on the treadmill and was suggested a couple different sneakers. This running princess had to kiss a lot of “frogs” before finding the perfect pair! I tried a pair of Asics (the neon yellow pair) that I nearly threw into the intercoastal during a training run. Cinderella finally found her love with the Saucony Hurricane. It may take trial + error but get fitted and you’ll save yourself from a lot of pain & suffering.
Why do they call you the “Hydration Coach?” bkr, NUUN, Clean Bottle
Ever since I began distance running I have followed one basic rule: Drink half of your body weight in ounces per day.
Example: If you weigh 150 lbs… 150/2 = 75 You’ll need to drink 75 ounces per day.
There are 33.8 ounces in one liter. So if you aim to drink 2 liters and one 16 oz. bottle of water you’ll be properly hydrated. I keep a bkr liter water bottle at work to ensure drinking throughout the day. Trust me, you’re body will adjust to the increased water intake and you’ll notice the subtle differences in your health.
If I finish my liter before you’ve finished your one measly glass, I will be reminding you to DRINK UP. I have been known to text DRINK UP reminders.
To supplement hydration with electrolytes, I use NUUN hydration tablets before, during and after workouts. I ordered a sample pack on Amazon and I can honestly say that it’s hard to pick a favorite. Although, the watermelon flavor is pretty tasty.
During my outdoor runs, I use the Clean Bottle “The Runner” Water Bottle Holder with Pouch. It holds 20 ounces and has a spot for your phone, fuel, keys and allows you to grip comfortably. This bottle also has multiple spots for headphone jacks. If you plan things right, a long run might include a Starbucks rest stop to refuel.
Gatorade, Gels and Figs, OH MY. How to fuel during a run? Tailwind Nutrition
When I trained for my first marathon, I joined a local run group and stalked any experienced runner I knew for helpful advice. I still get frustrated opening a running magazine simply telling me to test things out when it came to sports nutrition instead of actually giving suggestions. All it took was one training run story about a Gatorade + Gu gut bomb disaster to send me on the hunt for alternatives – think fig newtons, Sour Patch Kids, and nuts. By that point, I had already gone to Fit2Run and bought almost one of everything to determine what was right for me. I felt like the running version of Goldilocks! When my running coach turned me onto Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel, another Amazon sampling order was immediately placed. This review will break down in detail all of the perks of Tailwind. I’m simply happy to know I can fuel for any distance!
What keeps you going? Music (Bose Sport + Zivigo Bluetooth Headphones)
When I was fundraising for the Dallas Marathon, I created a public Spotify playlist called #runsassyrun. If you donated to my cause and dedicated a song, I would be able to run to your tunes to remember you by. It was a great motivator when I got to the rainy miles. To keep the jams pumping, I have really enjoyed the Bose Sport and Zivigo Bluetooth headphones. Emmasthing had originally suggested the Bluetooth headphones and they gained the approval from the one person I know that listens to music with WAYYYYY too much bass and far too loud.
What do you mean Run/Walk? Fear the Beep – Garmin Forerunner 225
Whoa, it’s been nearly two years since I learned that I had converted another half marathoner! Karen Katz, Chief Executive Officer and President of Neiman Marcus Group, decided to tackle a big goal and run the 2015 Dallas Half Marathon. The run/walk that Karen mentioned is Jeff Galloway’s Run Walk Run training method. To time my run and walk intervals, I depend on my Garmin watch. Not only can I set interval and pace indicators, it tracks your run and connects to other apps (like Strava, TrainingPeaks, and Runtastic) to keep all of your training stats in order. There are certainly upgrades in the newer Garmin models but the Forerunner 225 has helped me through countless races + training runs.
I hope you too have been inspired to challenge yourself. Just as I urged KK, I hope you #runhappy always.
