5 Things Not to Forget to Pack for a Relay

There's not a whole lot of room in a van filled with 6 runners. People always say to just pack the essentials...but what are those exactly?

There are many things we pack to get us through 2 days of non-stop running:

1. clothes - one outfit for each run and comfy clothes for when you're not running
2. running gear - headband, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, watch, water bottle, shoes, reflective vest/lights for night run
3. non running gear - flip flops, compression socks/shorts, sleeping bag/pillow, chargers, garbage bag
4. toiletries - deodorant, toothpaste/brush, Advil, facial/body wipes, towel
5. food - fuel, personal snacks,

But, what do you really need in order to run your relay legs? Those things you would put in your carry-on if you were traveling and worried your luggage might be lost by the airline. The things that just..."make" your run.

Here are my 5 Relay Essentials (I would be totally bummed if I forgot any one of the these):

1. My Mizunos -There is literally blood, sweat, and tears in my Wave Rider 17s. Of all the Mizunos I have worn, this pair fits the best, feels amazing, and looks sweet.

2. Nike GPS watch - I love the ease of this gadget and how it gathers all my personal stats for me. When it beeps at each mile, it's like having a friend with me.

3. Friction Defense - this stick of glide-like-vaseline by Gold Bond keeps my feet pretty, comfortable, and blister-free. Keeps my feet nice and cool too.

4. Big Banjee wrist band - I keep my phone with me at all times, mostly for safety reasons, but also so that I can take pictures. Without this wrist band (by Sprigs), I would have to carry my phone. eww.

5. Simple Hydration water bottle - Another necessary item to keep me hands-free while I run.  It tucks almost weightlessly into the back of my shorts and even if I don't need all the water in the bottle, it's not a hassle to have with me.

What items would you NOT want to forget to pack?

Fitness Friday: Five Favorites of 2013

Even though 2013 didn't play out exactly as I had hoped it would in the running department, I still had a great year and found tons to love about it. Today though, I just want to share my top five favorite things from 2013.

Wave Rider 17s - I probably say this about every new pair of Mizunos that I get (hey, I can't help it if the shoes are THAT good), but this pair seems to be a combination of everything I loved about the 16s and the Sayonaras rolled into one shoe. Lightweight, fast, and super comfortable. You can check out my full review here.

Oofos Recovery Shoes - I first told you about these shoes back in September, but what I haven't told you is that they have barely come off my feet since then. These shoes are so comfortable to walk around in especially after a run. Even in the bitter cold of New Hampshire's winter, I am sporting these around the house.

Ninja Professional Blender - In 2013 I discovered smoothies and then promptly blew up the blender. I have been so happy with my new Ninja. It has an oversized pitcher or the option to blend into an individual cup that can be taken on the go. It's powerful, quick, and not nearly as loud as my last one!

Challenges - I participated in a ton of challenges throughout the year and loved everything about them. I was so motivated by them that I decided to host my own for the 2nd Annual Chilly Challenge. As a matter of fact, today is the day to announce the winner! Congratulations to @nicowhat! Please email me your mailing address and shoe size so I can make arrangements for you to get your new Wave Rider 17s!

(shoe color may be different than pictured)

Giveaways - Who doesn't love free stuff? Last year I was fortunate enough to host giveaways for an assortment of fit gear from headbands to calendars. Some of you found yourselves trying new protein or using a free race registration. 2014 is off to a promising start too. Check out how you can get your hands on a free eco-friendly beanie.

What was your favorite thing about 2013?

Review: Mizuno Wave Rider 17

Happy Fitness Friday! I hope you had a wonderful holiday and are enjoying all of your new fit gear.

Earlier in the month my friends at Mizuno sent me an early Christmas present - a pair of shoes to try out before their release. As soon as I saw the new Mizuno Wave Rider 17s, I knew they were going to be fabulous.

Admittedly, the first thing I was excited to see when I opened the box was the color. I had been eyeing the slate gray shoes since seeing the color options on my laptop.

When I slipped them on, I noticed right away that the shoe felt wider. The toe box especially seemed much more roomy than the Wave Rider 16s. I have worn the 16s for more than 200 miles and never thought of them as narrow, but next to the 17s you can definitely see and feel a difference.

In fact, the new Wave Rider 17's toe box width reminds me a lot of the Wave Sayonara.

Although these shoes are lighter than the 16s (can you believe it?), they are still supportive and very flexible.

I've already put my Wave Rider 17s through the New England initiation and they are awesome on the road...

on the snow...

and on the treadmill.

In addition to function every runner girl knows that running shoes must look good. The Wave Rider 17s have some fashionable features that standout, like colored aglets.

A cool new medallion design.

And look at the rainbow reflection.

Once again Mizuno has completely spoiled me in more ways than one: they treated me to another pair of awesome shoes and every time I lace them up, I'm reminded why I fell in love with their brand.

What new fit gear did you get for Christmas that you are loving right now?

Update:

Road Runner Sports spotted this awesome review and asked me to share their exclusive review video with you! Enjoy!



Women's Mizuno Wave Rider 17 Video Credit: Road Runner Sports

Fitness Friday: 2nd Annual Chilly Challenge

Happy (Black) Friday. I'm guessing many of you laced up your running shoes and hit the Black Friday sales in the wee hours this morning. Hopefully, you at least had time to digest your Thanksgiving meal before racing around to the stores.

Not me! I enjoy sleeping in when I'm at the in-laws, but I am going for a nice little fun run later. And I'm planning on lacing up my brand new pair of Mizuno Wave Rider 17 sent to me by my favorite Mizuno Running buddy Lori Ann to try out.

Before I go, I want to tell you how you can win a pair of Wave Rider 17s for yourself. If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, then you already know that I love daily challenges almost as much as I love my Mizunos. This year, I used those challenges as inspiration for the 2nd Annual Chilly Challenge.

Here is a calendar of the daily challenges! I look forward to seeing your Instagram pictures or videos.

Update: link to calendar download here.

Who's in for the Chilly Challenge this year?