Running Gear Update {Friday Giveaway}

Wednesday was National Running Day and I didn’t run (?!). I ran the day before and you know my golden rule for injury prevention. So I celebrated the holiday by taking the day off.

I made up for it yesterday with a nice 10 mile trail run. Though it was an asphalt trail, it was still pretty bumpy. Hence, the slower pace. Can you see the beads of sweat on my forehead?

Due to my work schedule, I had to run during the hottest time of the day. Luckily, the trail was pretty shaded. These photos were taken last December when I first discovered the trail…and the fake blue heron. It was definitely greener and sunnier yesterday.

I keep getting questions about my running gear, specifically compression sleeves/socks. It’s about time I updated you on what I’m wearing while pounding the pavement.

These days, 99.9% of my purchases consist of food, food, more food and running gear. What I save in race fees goes towards my belly and my feet.

Running Shoes

Up until last fall, I was used to buying new running shoes just once a year. Why? Because I used to run for a few months, feel pain, stop for a few months, start running again, yadda yadda. So in the past it took me about a year to run 350-400 miles (you can read more about my running journey here).

Nowadays, I run through a pair in less than 3 months…before they even get dirty! Running shoes are expensive, but you know me…I scour the internet for good deals.

I never, I repeat never, buy running shoes at full price. You shouldn’t either!!

The running shoes my feet/legs love the most are Asics Gel-Kayanos (they’re a stability shoe and I have low arches).

I was going to get a 3rd identical pair of turquoise Gel Kayano 17s a few months ago after maxing out the first 2, but I waited a few days to decide and my size sold out (grrrr!). Learn from my mistake, folks. Don’t wait to snag your shoes if you find them on clearance.

So I had to get the new, slightly pricier [hot pink] Gel Kayano 18s. I got a few discounts that helped lessen the blow.

• 20% off with VIP membership ($1.99 first time membership fee) at Road Runner Sports
• Free Shipping
• 8% cash back through eBates <–huge!

The old pairs still have plenty of cross-training life left in them. When I switch over to a new pair of running shoes, I start using my old pair as walking/gym shoes. They get A LOT of use that way and practically become trash shoes by the time I’m done.

CEP Pink Compression Socks

I’d been meaning to get a pair of compression socks since my Zensah Compression Leg Sleeves helped me so much. I got these CEP Compression Socks from Road Runner Sports when I bought my shoes, so I got 20% off and 8% cash back through eBates. I just chose a brand that seemed like it knew what it was talking about.

I’ve worn them on every single run since getting them about a month ago. Sometimes I wear my Zensah sleeves underneath these socks during my runs and I always wear the socks to bed on the days I run. I like that they’re ventilated, so my legs don’t get sweaty at all. Though the attractive tan line under my knee is another story.

I know the way my legs feel depends on a slew of other factors (fuel, rest, weather, hydration, etc), but I really think they’ve helped my legs both during and in between runs.

To continue the pink trend…

Under Armour Hot Pink Compression Shorts (from Marshalls)

I still wear my CW-X Compression Shorts for just about every single run (best $20 I’ve ever spent), but sometimes, I wear this beauty to bed after a long run.

That’s it for now. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

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As promised, we’ve got a…

Friday Giveaway: NuNaturals Stevia

NuNaturals has come out with two new products: Lemon & Orange Flavored Stevia Liquids. I use stevia to sweeten my coffee and other beverages. I actually started purchasing the NuNaturals brand exclusively after trying it over two years ago. I think it is superior in taste compared to other brands.

I especially like the lemon flavor for making lemonade!

NuNaturals is giving 4 lucky readers 1 bottle of each (lemon and orange). Disclaimer: I was sent these bottles for free by the company to review and giveaway. As always, all opinions are my own.

To Enter:

• Leave a comment on this post telling me anything you want (what you’ve got planned this weekend, your favorite workout gear, your sweetener of choice).
• Share the giveaway on Twitter
• Share the giveaway on Facebook.

*You must leave a separate comment for each entry to be counted.

I will choose 4 winners at random on Sunday 6/10/12. Good luck!