Friday, August 31, 2012

Fitness Friday: MUST HAVE GIVEAWAY

It hit me the other day that there are certain things that I won't run without. Whether I'm running from home or packing my running bag, there are 5 must-haves that I have discovered over the last year and a half and 1250+ miles. Each item plays a role in making my runs comfortable, productive, and fun.


1. My Mizunos. I have three pair. Silver Wave Rider 15s purchased on the recommendation of my local running store (so glad that I listened). Pink Wave Rider 15s Limited Edition that I won in a raffle. I rotate wearing these on my short runs. For my long runs I wear my Wave Inspire 8s that I received from the Mezamashii Project. These shoes make my feet happy. They are lightweight and cozy, yet supportive. Running in these shoes is like putting on a pair of comfy jeans after working all day. You can check out my full review here.


2. My Nike+ GPS Sport Watch. I received this for Christmas last year from my husband and I use it all of the time. I love how simple it is to use. The screen is large and easy to read during my runs and with the laps feature on, it will beep at me. Afterwards, it is a cinch to upload and view all my running stats on the computer or review my run stats on the watch itself. I also use the stop watch feature to time my planks! Another cool feature to this watch is the messages it displays for you. Immediately after running, it will give you positive feedback like Crowd goes wild! It also nudges you to get out there and run if it hasn't been used in a while. (All this watch needs is a camera...you know, like the ones in all the spy movies?)


3. My Simple Hydration Water Bottle. I do not like to run with things in my hands, but I need to hydrate and where I run, I'm not going to find water fountains (or bubblers as they like to say in NH). When I saw this bottle, I knew it was the one for me because it is designed to hook onto waistbands or belts and be handsfree. Running with this bottle is so simple; just tuck it in and go. There are no straps or clips or buckles. It doesn't matter what distance I'm running, I always take the bottle with me. 


4. My Sweaty Bands. I received my first Sweaty Bands from my running partner Daisy as a gift. I tried to wear slip-on headbands in the past, but they always slid up my head. So, I gave up and began wearing the hard plastic kind that press in right behind my ears. You know the kind, right? My first run wearing my Sweaty Bands opened up a whole new world for me. Even with all my thick hair that Sweaty Bands did not move. Now the only problem I have is trying to figure out which ones to buy!


5. My Cytomax. I use this during runs to hold off the energy crash and after runs to replenish and recover. I love that I can make it right in the bottle. Fill with water, add two scoops, and shake. I like to make mine the night before so that it is nice and cold. On long runs, I pour some into my Simple Hydration water bottle to take with me and drink the left over afterwards.  


Now, here's the good news:

Simple Hydration, Sweaty Bands, and Cytomax want to spread the must-have love with some lucky readers of Running Escapades!

So, one lucky winner will receive a Simple Hydration Water Bottle, two lucky winners will receive a Sweaty Bands, and one lucky winner will get a generous variety pack from Cytomax!

To enter: (required)
Leave a comment telling me about your running or fitness must-haves!

Extra entries: (optional) - please comment separately for each one that you do, otherwise they will only be counted as one entry:
  • Blog, Tweet, Facebook - tell everyone about the giveaway! And let me know what you did!
  • Follow the Running Escapades Facebook fan page
Winners will be picked at random.  Contest only open to US participants.  Giveaway ends Monday September 3. 


THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW COMPLETE! THANKS FOR ENTERING!


*I contacted all of the brands in this post to participate in this giveaway. All opinions are my own. (obviously)


89 comments:

  1. My running must-have is my Garmin. I have it on whether I'm running with my group or solo. Of course, there are other things I always have with me, but that is something I don't run without.

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  2. What a great giveaway! My must haves are shoes (just got a new pair of New Balance), a good bra (mine are Champion from Target), a good playlist on my mp3 and a Bondi Band (but I'd love to try a sweaty band).
    Thanks! I also follow you on fb

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  3. I love my Asics GT-2150's! I also never leave home without my phone, with my favorite apps, Pandora Radio and Endomondo. I am very intrigued by the Simple Hydration Water Bottle, I am going to check them out now. I am already a fan on your FB and I a will share your page and giveaway on my page too.

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  4. My must haves are my Brooks Ghosts, Garmin, and Bondiband. You won't find me on the road without them. :) But I do swear by Sweaty Bands for my daughters' hair.

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  5. I follow your FB page.

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  6. A fitness must have are my weight lifting gloves. They help prevent my hands from getting torn up at the gym.

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  7. Mindy @ Road Runner GirlAugust 31, 2012 at 9:06 AM

    I must run with my Garmin, Asics, sweaty bands, and running skirt!!!

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  8. Definitely my watch (Garmin), Brooks or Mizunos, and comfy running clothes. I'd love to try the Simple Hydration bottle- I haven't loved any of the fuel belts or handhelds I've tried.

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  9. Mindy @ Road Runner GirlAugust 31, 2012 at 9:07 AM

    I follow you on Facebook!

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  10. Mindy @ Road Runner GirlAugust 31, 2012 at 9:12 AM

    I tweeted! https://twitter.com/mindybobe/status/241523465159598080

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  11. I like your facebook page! I think you already like mine too, I can't remember, but it's here: https://www.facebook.com/MommyRunFast

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  12. Amanda @ Run PrincipessaAugust 31, 2012 at 9:24 AM

    I REALLY need to get me one of those Nike watches. They sound incredible. That would definitely be my running must have. :)

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  13. I am new to running so I don't have any must haves yet, but I'm loving getting used to running and I really want to find some must haves. Right now it'd probably be music, I have to have a good beat to run to!

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  14. My must haves are: a hat, Hammer Perpetuem, Nike Tempo shorts, compression sleeves and pretzels

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  15. My must haves are a hat, my iPod nano, SPIbelt and most importantly my Garmin

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  16. My must haves are a skirt sports marathon girl ultra running skirt, my brooks adrenaline GTS running shoes, Sweaty bands, My Garmin 405CX watch, and my flip belt.

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  17. I have tweeted this and shared it on my facebook page. Looks like you have some great essential items!

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  18. Lisa Runs for CupcakesAugust 31, 2012 at 10:59 AM

    My spibelt, Garmin, Brooks Pure Connects, and bodyglide are my MUST haves!

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  19. Lisa Runs for CupcakesAugust 31, 2012 at 11:02 AM

    I'm a FB fan!

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  20. I've gotta have my mizunos, my nuun, and my iPhone with Nike+GPS. I'm trying to convince hubby I need the new Garmin!

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  21. Followed you on facebook!

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  22. Lisa Runs for CupcakesAugust 31, 2012 at 11:03 AM

    Just shared the giveaway on FB!

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  23. I tweeted the giveaway!

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  24. I never go on a run without my RoadID!

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  25. Followed you on facebook!

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  26. My must haves - Garmin 405 and Mizuno's hands down!

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  27. My must haves are my Mizuno's, my iPhone (must have music!) and a sweaty band!

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  28. I've been running with Cytomax for years, so that is definitely a must have. Also, these days I always carry my phone "just in case." A gu or two if it's a longer run. Oh, and my dog, Penny. She's is also definitely a must have.

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  29. I followed you on Facebook:-

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  30. Sweatybands are my FAVORITES! Amazing product. I don't have a running water bottle so that looks good. My other run must-have is my garmin sportswatch :) I love not having to map out routes in advance.

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  31. Tweeted: https://twitter.com/DareYouToBlog/status/241590345882820609

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  32. Already like you on facebook :)

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  33. I know EXACTLY how you feel about "must-haves" during a run! I absolutely need a good pair of running shoes (currently going through a Nike phase, although Mizuno, Brooks have been my preference in the past), my iPod, and my Garmin 310xt!! Without those things, its really hard to get my butt out the door!

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  34. Man, where to start? I love my Sauconys (Kinvara, Mirage and Triumph), and won't do long runs without my Nathan handheld water bottle (except that one time, where I whined the whole way, as Portia can attest). I'm not sure I'll have a lot of use for the headbands - you've seen my boy-short hair - but the other goodies would be great!

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  35. I am training for my first half, and most of my must haves are the same as yours just different companies :), but good shoes, headband, watch and water bottle are KEY for me personally too!

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  36. I never run without my garmin, mizunos, and sparkly soul headband!!

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  37. I tweeted!
    https://twitter.com/pace_of_laurel/status/241639120286392320

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  38. My must haves are good, quality socks! Nothing like crappy socks to ruin a great workout!

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  39. M Louise CunninghamAugust 31, 2012 at 9:38 PM

    I have to run with a headband and my hydration bottle! Can't leave home without it!

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  40. M Louise CunninghamAugust 31, 2012 at 9:39 PM

    I follow on facebook!

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  41. I'm pretty simple. I tuck my iPhone into a Shadow Pak, turn up the music and take off.

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  42. I've got to have a camera on my runs/walks/ even for yoga. I use the camera on my iPhone now so I have music too!

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  43. I am a Mizuno addict too. Wave Riders

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  44. Well my running shoes of course. Brooks Ravenna 3. But then my amphipod waterbottle, hat and body glide. And just today I added my a Soleus 2.0 GPS watch.

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  45. My must haves are my garmin, mizunos, headbands, and compression socks!

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  46. I tweeted!
    https://twitter.com/pace_of_laurel/status/242031586428727296

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  47. I follow you on FB! (Holly Rhoades Johnson)

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  48. My fitness must haves are Nuun and my Asics running shoes

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  49. I tweeted the giveaway https://twitter.com/running_baking/status/242033880507482112

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  50. My fitness must haves are my Saucony running sneakers and my Nike + for my iPod

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  51. My must-haves: handheld water bottle and my Garmin!

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  52. I shared your post on my FB page, Life's Run!

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  53. I can't run without my watch or my sneakers! I alternate between some Saucony Mirages and Brooks Glycerins. Love them both!

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  54. I have to have my padded sports bras!

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  55. I now follow you on Facebook!

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  56. My must haves are my Garmin, Vega performance protein, iFitness fuel belt and strength training DVDs. I would love to try the Cytomax!

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  57. Following you on FB.

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  58. I tweeted the giveaway @jillconyers:disqus

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  59. I love the sweaty bands too!!! But, my must have is my Garmin.

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  60. I never leave for a run without my Garmin! It's tracked my runs all over the world.

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  61. I need my shuffle, my water bottle, and my phone!! Love your blog!!

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  62. I follow you on Facebook!!

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  63. My must haves: Garmin, Nike tempo shorts, water, hat, phone :)

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  64. Gina @ Noshing on AsphaltSeptember 3, 2012 at 10:07 AM

    My Garmin is my absolute fitness must have. It's almost like a crutch, if I don't have it I feel totally lost.

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  65. Gina @ Noshing on AsphaltSeptember 3, 2012 at 10:07 AM

    I already liked your facebook page. :O)

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  66. Gina @ Noshing on AsphaltSeptember 3, 2012 at 10:21 AM

    I tweeted! https://twitter.com/AsphaltNosher/status/242628162939412480

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  67. One of my running must-haves is my Garmin. I should try running without it, but I like how it keeps me on track!

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