running – head to toe

What I Wear – Head to Toe:

1)  Ryder’s Solvent Sunglasses

Aside from HAVING to have a couple of Goody’s hair ties in my hair and some Burt’s Bees on my lips, these Ryder sunglasses are a necessity!  This particular pair are perfect for running because they don’t slip up and down on my nose – THEY STAY PUT!!  When I have to do early morning long runs, the polarized lenses help block the sun.  Go here for more deats!

2)  iTOUCH 4th Generation:

A USED purchase!  Travis bought this little guy for me as a Christmas present.  New, this would have gone for $300.  He got it used for $100.  It came with a cracked screen, which he repaired.  Works like a charm now. 

I have to have music while I run!!  Keeps me motivated and serves as a distraction at times.  My playlist consists of 90’s rap, Boston, some upbeat Christian, and lots of 70’s funk.  A veritable “Egg Fu Young” of music – a whole lotta everything thrown in together.

I just need to purchase an ARMBAND!  So far, the professional trick of “sticking it down my sports bra” has worked out fine, but I know I need something better than that. 

Add armband to wishlist – noted.

3)  Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Series Top

Pearl Izumi actually sent me this top (thank you!) and I’m loving it!  It’s lightweight and it fits perfectly – not too tight or too loose.  The fabric wicks sweat away from your body, so for a “super sweater” like me, it works well for running.  I’ve also worn it to Spin class because I’m a sweat monster and it wicked perfectly!

4)  Garmin Forerunner 405:

Another USED purchase!  (Do you see a trend here?  I’m the cheapest, (hottest) mom you’ll ever find.)  If you’re into running and want to get better at this sport, BUY A GARMIN.  This seriously the BEST purchase I’ve ever made when it comes to training! 

I could write a whole tutorial on how to use it, but basically, the Garmin tracks your time, pace, distance and calories burned.  After your run, you can plug it into your computer and see a cool map of how far you went, elevation changes and pace changes. 

Ebay has these used all the time!  This one was “Factory Refurbished”, meaning that someone returned it, the factory fixed it and then resold it.  Works just fine for me!!

5)  Nike Dri-Fit Capris

These Nike pants are like a second skin!  They don’t bunch up around the knee and the waist band is pretty tight so they stay put during long runs.

Plus, Travis says I’m not allowed to wear them in public, meaning that they make my butt look rockin’ awesome!

6)  Thor-Lo Running Socks

Gotta have my Thor-Los!!!  I’ve been a loyal fan now for over 13 years! I don’t see that ending anytime soon.  Very cushy and durable. 

I have around 10 pairs of just the running ones – about 3 or 4 of the hiking ones. 

7)  Pearl Izumi Streak II

I LOVE this shoe!!  WHY?  A few things from the company’s website:

• 1:1 Seamless Upper creates an unparalleled fit with a seam-free interior
• 1:1 360° Lacing anatomically conforms to the foot for a tailored fit regardless of foot shape
• NEW 1:1 Energy Foam cushions the forefoot upon impact and then returns energy back to the runner

Aside from my Vibram FiveFingers, the Streak is, by far, the lightest shoe I’ve ever worn!  My legs don’t feel heavy or tied down – this will be the shoe I run my 1/2 in.  It’s been my training shoe for about 3 months now, and my feet are happy!  Thank you, Pearl Izumi!

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There you have it!  This is what’s working for me on the running front.  I go through seasons and preferences with my gear, but when I find something I like, I STICK with it!

Now YOU tell me:  What’s your favorite gear??  If you’ve written a post about it, link it up!!

splendid…lindsay