“A person should set his goals as early as he can and devote all his energy and talent to getting there. With enough effort, he may achieve it. Or he may find something that is even more rewarding. But in the end, no matter what the outcome, he will know he has been alive.” - Walt Disney

My Favorite Things

Click on the item name to go to the product website for more info!
***I was not compensated in any way for my reviews of these items.  These are items I personally use on a day-to-day basis while training.  All items were purchased by me, and all reviews are my own.***



Safety first.  No question.  The interactive Road I.D. is the perfect combination of personal identification and medical emergency bracelet.  I never leave home without it.  In addition, their new ecrumb app for iPhones (anxiously awaiting the Android version) is a cool and practical app for the safety-conscious runner or runner's loved one. I used to have the original version, but upgraded to the Slim for the durability and easy-cleaning aspect of the rubber vs fabric.  
The shorts on these skirts Do. Not. Move.  They come in fun, fabulous, colors/prints/ patterns with a generously cut "swishy" style that looks great on anyone (also check out the new "slim-cut" style - not great on me, but is what some are looking for).  Add in the awesome waistband pocket plus side pockets on the shorts, and these skirts are a "must have" for me on race days!  They're also a fun way to get motivated for a training run you'd rather not do.


As someone who's fought blisters my entire running career, I am still searching for the "silver bullet" sock to end these "what's going to blister today?" question.  While I still use my SmartWool and Injinji socks for shorter runs, in the last year, WrightSocks have become my go-to socks for long runs.  The double layer really cuts down on blisters on my feet, and surprisingly does not add any extra heat on my feet in Texas summers!



 Nathan Quickdraw Plus      &    Nathan Trail Mix
For a short run ( <5 miles) the handheld Nathan is perfect.  The outside pocket is big enough for a smartphone and a gel or two or small snack, and the bottle holds a full 20oz bottle of sport drink or water.  Anything longer ( >5 miles) and I switch to the Trail Mix water belt.  The two flasks together hold 20 oz, there is both a large zipper pocket for your gels/snacks/keys/phone, and a small velcro pocket for enduralytes/tylenol in back.  The front clasp is surprisingly easy to adjust and is quite comfortable, and is a nice upgrade from the old velcro closure of the Speed 2R, which would occasionally snag my shirts.  There's also very little bounce factor once you're moving!
        
SportShield, TriSlide & Mission AthleteCare Anti-Chafe Stick

 

Chafing is absolutely NO FUN.  And the first step is prevention.  While a lot of people use BodyGlide, it just doesn't work for me.  While searching for alternatives, I came across SportShield and have never looked back.  I don't use anything else on my body for potential hot spots.  As for my feet, which are very prone to blisters, I use the Mission 5 Hour Anti-Chafe Stick.  It's long-lasting and very easy to apply.




Mission AthleteCare Sunscreen

 I HATE sunscreen.  Everything about it bothers me - the feel, the smell, the messiness.  But, I have extremely fair skin which makes sunscreen an absolute necessity.  When I discovered Mission sunscreen, developed specifically for athletes, I knew I had to try it.  And as soon as I did, I was hooked.  It comes in easy-to-apply forms, doesn't make your skin sticky, doesn't smell horrible, doesn't rub or sweat off, and it actually works!  I can't say enough good things about this stuff.




For days when I'm running inside on the treadmill these headbands are my new "go to" accessory.  They're the best ones I've tried so far (although I still like the fun patterns and prints of the SweatyBands too - they just don't stay as well).  They don't move very much (they still slip a tiny bit on my giant head), absorb the sweat that would otherwise pour down my forehead, and they manage to contain all those pesky "wispies" and fly-aways.




These are a lifesaver during our hot Texas summers.  I actually own two!  I cut one into 1/3 and 2/3 ratios.  The 1/3 piece (about the size of a washcloth) is easily folded and tucked into the tension cords of my water belt.  I start out with it already moist and "refresh" it at water stops along my run - it feels great to wipe your face and neck with a cool/moist fabric mid-run.  I keep the 2/3 piece in a baggie full of water in a cooler in my car - so when I'm done with my run I can immediately use the larger piece to cool down even faster.

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