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Running Favorites II

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: 9m interval 7:46/pace

Okay, it’s time to tell you about the running related things I have been using for years now, because i love them and i like talking about the things I love.

Shoes. #1 most important thing for a runner. And I love Saucony. They’ve been coming out on top, over and over for me. Especially the Kinvaras. I’ve been racing in the Kinvara’s for a while now and love a light shoe that is still supportive underneath the midfoot. Brooks is a close 2nd. I love the Pure Project line even though I gave Brooks a rest over the last year, I will be wearing them again in the near future.

Kinvara 5s.

Kinvara 5s.

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Saucony Triumphs

I recently tried the New Balance Zante’s –with only a 128 miles on them, they already felt like they lost their spring & are now just a gym shoe. Definitely disappointing. The other brand I recently tried were Asics. Again, a disappointment. I have 100 miles on them, and the shoe itself is falling apart (several small holes), the insole is bunched up and the shoe feels flat as well. These two shoes will be saved for short, easy running days or walks with the pup.

Clothes: Shorts/pants/socks, hands down Under Armour. I wear their shorts during races whenever it’s warm enough. Shirts: this one is tough for me, i don’t have a go-to. I’m thinking I might try Oiselle? Most of my running shirts are off-brand from TJ Maxx & stuff. Sports Bras: The Brooks Versatile bra is my favorite, and I only have one left, so I scoured the internet and grabbed a few more, but I’m not sure what I’ll do when I need to find a replacement. Socks- Pro Compression baby. I wear these things all the time. They feel so different from other compression socks. No other way to describe it, they just feel better and help me recover faster.

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Brooks Versatile Bra I & II

I wore a tank over this and the compression socks--although i love them, not very good for weather close to 80 degrees :(

My race go-tos–Sauconys, my UA shorts, Versatile Bra, PRO Compression Socks, Garmin & Ipod Nano

Fuel: I used to be a GU Girl–but it’s too thick to try and get down while i’m racing hard. I found Honey Stingers, Hammer Gels & Powerade Gels work best for me. They taste better and are a thinner gel (does that make sense?).

And I think everyone knows by now I have an obsession with Nuun electrolyte tablets. They come in so many different flavors and have a light, crisp flavor without all the added sugars. Although I will drink Powerade or Gatorade the 2 days before a race just to consume extra calories!

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Nuun shipment day! LE was super happy too.

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Gadgets/Gear/Extras: I’ve had my Garmin Forerunner 10 for three years now and it’s still kicking and the best Christmas present I’ve gotten in a long time. It’s a cheaper running watch compared to the others in Garmin’s line but it gives you the information you need total time/pace/distance and you can get them on Amazon right now for $80-90. I use an Ipod Nano from several years back and i’ve been tucking it in a Flipbelt! This has been my favorite thing since I picked one up at the Chicago Marathon last year. It does exactly what it says–you can fit a lot in the belt, flip it over and it stays against your body. No bouncing or losing your items.

Week of Oct 19th-25th

Monday: 6.9m easy 8:32/pace

Tuesday: 9m interval (8 x 1000s- 3 @ 6:48/pace, 3 @ 6:44/pace, 2 @ 6:40/pace – 2min recovery jog in between)

Wednesday: 25 min shoulders/back

Thursday: 10.8 interval 8:14/pace ( 3 x 2.5m – 7:25/average pace)

Friday: Rest

Saturday: Rest

Sunday: 10.2m easy 8:52/pace

Total Miles: 36.9

What are some of your running favorites?


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Mondays Suck, Giveaways Don’t.

I’ve been rocking my long runs & recovery for the last month, with noticeable improvements in speed, less stopping & faster recovery. My friends over a PRO Compression sent me a new pretty pair of socks that I will use all year round and especially for recovery.

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Color: Marathon Berry

During summer months I won’t wear compression socks while running, it’s just too warm. So i make it  a priority to wear them the day before & immediately after a long run. This method seems to do the trick. My legs are hardly tired or feeling beat up the next day. When it gets colder out, I’ll pair my compression socks with capris & create a warm running tight. Does anyone else do this??

This picture was taken October last year the day before the Chicago Marathon. And there I am sporting the very trendy capri & pro compression combo next to The Foodie Runner! Just looking at this makes me wonder when my next marathon will be!

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Yesterday I did 11 miles with the last 4 miles with a faster finish (7:45-7:55 pace). When I get back from a long run I drink water, hop in the shower (i can’t stand sitting on the couch smelly & sweaty), put on comfy clothes & Pro Compression socks, more water or fruit & nuts to snack on before figuring out an actual meal.

sitting in the sun warming up & rehydrating

sitting in the sun warming up & rehydrating

I also like to bundle up on the couch for a while because it takes a little time for my body temperature to return to normal.

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she likes to bundle up & watch tv too!

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legs up, legs tight!

We went to Denizens Brewery in the afternoon for a beer & a lunch. BBQ chicken salad & a white ipa.

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Now it’s your turn up your running game! Use the code PRO15 to get 40% off of PRO Compression’s socks & sleeves. PRO Compression is giving away a free pair of Marathon Socks to one of my lovely readers! You can earn up to 3 entries to win:

– leave a blog comment

– follow my instagram

– sign up for PRO Compression’s Newsletter (which will keep you updated on discounts, new colors & grab bags!)

Leave a separate comment for each entry, telling me what you completed! *Giveaway is open to US residents only please!

Giveaway ends Thursday @ Midnight!!! #keepittight


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I Played Basketball…in Pro Compression Socks *coughthisisanotherfreakingGIVEAWAYcough*

Monday: 1.5m easy treadmill run, 20min back/triceps

Tuesday: 20 min chest/biceps, 15 abs

Wednesday: 3m easy run, 1 hour heavy leg day yo

I guess it’s time to reveal some proof that I did in fact play b-ball. See, here i am holding the basketball, looking not impressed way too cool…hahabball1

And here I am shooting..Pretty sure my shot percentage is terrible. I honestly think I only made about 5/70 baskets over the hour.

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And my terrible form, at least it makes a for fun action pics.
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What you need to take from all these ridiculous pictures of me attempting to shoot around, is that Pro Compression’s socks kept my calves warm and loose, and my ankle felt great the entire time.. see i was even jumping!
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Purple is awesome! So bright and pretty 🙂

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After basketball, I ran 2 miles home. Two. Full. Miles. No pain, no stopping. I’ve been wearing my awesome Pro Compression purple marathon socks during my few runs back and I like the squeeze around my feet and ankles. I’ve never worn compression socks during runs, only here and there for recovery, but that extra sock support has been helping my comfort and confidence on the road back to racing. I don’t even need to try any other sock because the first time I put these on it just felt right you know?

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peace and a sweaty two miles!

I do get a lot of strange looks when I wear my Pro Compression socks to work, but once i explain the benefits the strange looks turn into an “ah ha moment” or “why didn’t I know about this sooner?” For those of you who are new runners, crossfitters, cyclists, or just stand on your feet all day here are the basics to know about compression socks:

Pro Compression socks: “True graduated compression promotes circulation by pushing fluid up from your feet and ankles to toward your knees. This design also helps reduce swelling and inflammation while providing critical support to muscles and tendons.”

For those of you that need a visual:

Faster recovery is super important to me right now. After taking a month off from running, i need to be sure i’m taking care of my legs, and these socks aren’t leaving my legs anytime soon.

Guess what? I want you to try a pair too! Pro Compression is being awesome and wants to give one of my super cool readers a free pair of their marathon socks! All you have to do is like their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter, then leave a comment telling me which you followed and for giggles, tell me what color you want, cause i want the blue ones next ❤

If you can’t wait to try a pair for yourself you can use this code BLG14 for 40% off a pair of their socks or sleeves at Pro’s website. And for those of you in love with their socks, sign up for their Sock of the Month Club and be the first to get info on their new monthly socks and discounts.

Have you ever tried compression socks?

Do you use them to run in or strictly recovery?