My Favorite Running Tips & Gear
C9 by Champion
Posted Feb. 28, 2010
Not a pick for the men out there, but an important one for the women. A friend told me to go to Target and try the Champion sports bras they sell there. I never expected they would be so comfortable on any distance run. And they're only $16.99!
Shop for C9 by Champion at Target
Shop for C9 by Champion at Target
A Look Back in Time
Posted Jan. 25, 2010
This weekend I volunteered at an MIT invitational track meet, where I had the honor of meeting the Master's record holder of Newburyport's High Street Mile. Richard Murray's time of 4:47 still stands from 1997, an impressive feat! I found a copy of the Runner's Rag with his race results. I also took Murray's advice to look up some running tips from a buddy of his - Bob Hodge, a Boston area runner known for his exceptional marathoning skills in the 1970s and 80s.
If you want to take a little jog down memory lane, check out Bob Hodge's 'remembrances'or his unbelievable training logs. It hurts me just to look at it... but it does make you want to put in a few miles.
If you want to take a little jog down memory lane, check out Bob Hodge's 'remembrances'or his unbelievable training logs. It hurts me just to look at it... but it does make you want to put in a few miles.
Tri-Berry GU Energy Gel
Posted Jan. 25, 2010
Thank you Boston Prep 16 Miler organizers for handing these out during the race. It was my first ever Tri-Berry GU. I know that sounds oh so exciting, but I hate some GU flavors. This was light, refreshing and just what I needed before that giant hill at mile 10.
Find your favorite flavor GU at Amazon
Find your favorite flavor GU at Amazon
Peer Pressure Works
Posted Jan. 17, 2010
If you typically run alone, you know how difficult it can be to motivate. Cold winter mornings make sleeping in look so appealing. Some days you need an extra push just to get up and out the door.
I joined dailymile to track my training. I did not expect to discover such a supportive and welcoming community of runners. They comment on every workout. They push me to run farther, faster. Seeing them achieve their goals makes me want to reach mine. I haven't actually met anyone on the site, and most likely won't, but just knowing they are following my training motivates me when I feel like taking a break.
If you're a solo runner and you need a little extra push, consider joining a community like dailymile or a local running club. Even if you only run with them once in a while, you'll make connections that keep you running.
Check out dailymile
I joined dailymile to track my training. I did not expect to discover such a supportive and welcoming community of runners. They comment on every workout. They push me to run farther, faster. Seeing them achieve their goals makes me want to reach mine. I haven't actually met anyone on the site, and most likely won't, but just knowing they are following my training motivates me when I feel like taking a break.
If you're a solo runner and you need a little extra push, consider joining a community like dailymile or a local running club. Even if you only run with them once in a while, you'll make connections that keep you running.
Check out dailymile
Under Armour® Women's ColdGear® Subzero Mock T-Neck
Posted Jan. 17, 2010
A must have base layer for winter runners. Features thermal protection and moisture management that will allow you to run comfortably for many many miles.
View all ColdGear at Cabela's
View all ColdGear at Cabela's
Top 10 Tips for Hydrating on Long Runs
Posted Jan. 10, 2010
I'm off to a poor start with one of my New Year's resolutions and felt the consequences today.
I spent the weekend drinking more coffee than water. This afternoon I had a 13 mile run on the docket... Went out just fine. Mile 5 didn't feel so great. Mile 11 doubled over with severe stomach cramps. Had to walk the rest of the way home... Awful. I don't blame the dehydration alone for my poor run, but it was a major factor.
Remember to hydrate no matter how cold it is outside. You may think you don't need the fluids, but you do, especially if you're fond of warm wintry beverages like me. Take a look at this great collection of tips from coach, author and athlete Jenny Hadfield.
View Jenny Hadfield's Top 10 Tips for Hydrating on Long Runs
I spent the weekend drinking more coffee than water. This afternoon I had a 13 mile run on the docket... Went out just fine. Mile 5 didn't feel so great. Mile 11 doubled over with severe stomach cramps. Had to walk the rest of the way home... Awful. I don't blame the dehydration alone for my poor run, but it was a major factor.
Remember to hydrate no matter how cold it is outside. You may think you don't need the fluids, but you do, especially if you're fond of warm wintry beverages like me. Take a look at this great collection of tips from coach, author and athlete Jenny Hadfield.
View Jenny Hadfield's Top 10 Tips for Hydrating on Long Runs
ULH LED Clip Light
Posted Jan. 10, 2010
Picked up one of these tiny lights last week and it's been on every run since. I got the orange model ($12.99), which can be set to five super bright white LEDs or five super bright green LEDs. Clip it to a billed running cap and set the lights to white for a strong headlamp. Clip it to a pocket, sleeve or shoe and set it to green to make your presence known to oncoming traffic. You need a light like this for night running.
View ULH LED Light at Cabela's
View ULH LED Light at Cabela's
Eat Right this New Year
(a.k.a. Runners gain weight, too!)
Posted Jan. 3, 2010
When a friend or relative hears that you just ran 5 or 10 or 15 miles for the 2nd, 3rd or 4th time this week, they may respond with a statement like, "You must be able to eat anything you want!"
Chances are you don't, and you shouldn't, eat anything you want, unless all you want is a fruit or vegetable. The more you weigh the harder it is to run fast... I write as I finish my last piece of pizza after a gluttonous New Year's weekend! (Looking forward to returning to my usual eating routine this week.)
With that in mind, I thought it was important to note this New Year's "tip" now: Avoid crash diets or fad diets, even if you are resolving to lose weight as a runner. It's not good to go on any extreme diets when you're running long distances for half marathon or marathon training. (You do need carbs!) You should, however, eat right, choose smart foods that your body will use, eat more frequently and fit in your favorite foods in moderation. I'll share some good runner's recipes over the coming weeks and months... Hope to learn some of yours, too!
Chances are you don't, and you shouldn't, eat anything you want, unless all you want is a fruit or vegetable. The more you weigh the harder it is to run fast... I write as I finish my last piece of pizza after a gluttonous New Year's weekend! (Looking forward to returning to my usual eating routine this week.)
With that in mind, I thought it was important to note this New Year's "tip" now: Avoid crash diets or fad diets, even if you are resolving to lose weight as a runner. It's not good to go on any extreme diets when you're running long distances for half marathon or marathon training. (You do need carbs!) You should, however, eat right, choose smart foods that your body will use, eat more frequently and fit in your favorite foods in moderation. I'll share some good runner's recipes over the coming weeks and months... Hope to learn some of yours, too!
Make Your Own Arm Sleeves/Leg Sleeves
Posted Jan. 3, 2010
I made my own running arm sleeves/leg sleeves out of a pair of orthopedic socks that cost only $4.99. Save a few bucks and try them out. They're my favorite thing to wear during a race or cold weather run.
Learn how to make running arm sleeves or leg sleeves
Learn how to make running arm sleeves or leg sleeves
Race, Race, Race Again
Posted Dec. 27, 2009
This is one of my own discoveries, though I'm sure any regular racer or long term runner could have taught me this lesson. One of the best ways to maintain or improve your running performance is to set a hard effort goal and achieve it: Races are the perfect medium. As soon as one race ends, sign up for another and keep on running!
Nike Cold Weather Running Pants
Posted Dec. 27, 2009
One of my Christmas gifts! Just tested these comfy Nike running pants on my almost 12 mile run today. It wasn't freezing outside to get the full effect, but they held up perfectly against the cool rain and cold winds. Great length for longer legs and slightly loose fit. Even the pocket in the back is lined so any valuables you may carry don't get sweaty. Love these pants!
See more at Nike.com
See more at Nike.com
Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
Posted Dec. 20, 2009
My husband gave me this book as a gift and I only wish I'd read it sooner. I finished it right before I ran the NYC Marathon and it gave me such inspiration... Inspiration that helps me push my training runs today. If you like to run or know someone who does, get this book.
Read more about Born to Run at Amazon.com
Read more about Born to Run at Amazon.com
Josh Cox's Mammoth Workout
Posted Dec. 13, 2009
Need a good core workout? I tried this one earlier this week and I'm still feeling it in my abs. Tough plank moves. Love it!
View Mammoth Workout video on Runner's World
View Mammoth Workout video on Runner's World
SmartWool Socks
Posted Dec. 20, 2009
A City Sports employee recommended "SmartWools" to me and I was hesitant. They were the most expensive socks in the store and much thicker than I'm used to wearing... Now that it's 10 degrees outside I am so thankful I bought them! I only wish I had more. They feel great and keep my feet warm on long runs. Even better, no blisters!
Learn more at SmartWool.com
Learn more at SmartWool.com
Hal Higdon's Marathon Recovery Plan
Posted Dec. 5, 2009
The 2009 marathon season is coming to a close. Make sure you take some time to relax without shutting down your routine completely.
Hal Higdon's Recovery Plan is fabulous for any level runner. And it's FREE. Do it. Before you take time off for the holidays.
Hal Higdon is the author of "Marathon." You can order an autographed copy directly from Hal Higdon's website.
Hal Higdon's Recovery Plan is fabulous for any level runner. And it's FREE. Do it. Before you take time off for the holidays.
Hal Higdon is the author of "Marathon." You can order an autographed copy directly from Hal Higdon's website.
Nike Free 5.0 v4
Posted Dec. 13, 2009
My sneakers... One pair anyway. I don't suggest running in these on rough terrain because they're designed to give your feet much greater movement - as if running barefoot. But they're fantastic for faster, even-surface runs and road races. I'll always have a pair handy.
Learn more at Nike.com
Learn more at Nike.com
Saucony ViZi-Pro Soniclite Jacket
Posted Dec. 5, 2009
Skipping the treadmill to run in the dark? Make sure you're GLOWING so night drivers see you. Get a reflective jacket like this Saucony with holsters for LED lights.
Learn more at Saucony.com
Learn more at Saucony.com
