TrainingTruths: Spontaneous Running

I'm waiting to find out when my next big race will be. If I don't get into the NYC Half Marathon in March, then I will probably run the Half at the Hamptons at the end of February. In the mean time, my weekly runs have been unplanned and spontaneous. We run whatever sounds good. 

#TrainingTruth: "Running made me feel like a bird let out of a cage, I loved it that much" - Priscilla Welch

Monday runs have never been a favorite of mine. Maybe it was coming back to work after a weekend that made my runs feel crappy. This was my first Monday run in a loonnngg time and it was MARVELOUS! I really felt like I could fly.

#TrainingTruth: Hamstrings can be a real pain in the rear.

I took Anatomy in high school (like a billion years ago), but I had no idea that the knot in my a$$ was actually inflammation of my hamstring muscles, commonly known as high hamstring tendinitis. Luckily Trainer Brian thinks Active Release Therapy combined with daily foam rolling and stretching after runs will put me on the mend.

#TrainingTruth: A short hill run is just as good as a long hill run.

Unexpected kid duty changed this run from a long run on a hilly course to a long hill on a short course. I'm not a fan of any kind of hill work, but it does feel good when you get to the top. 

#TrainingTruth: Maintenance running should include something fun.

Instead of meeting up for a long run on Saturday, the girls and our families got together for the local Santa Shuffle downtown. This 3 mile run amongst thousands of Santas in the frigid temperatures and snow flurries was a perfect way to kick off the holiday season and have fun with running friends.

Guess what wasn't cold during that fun run? You got it, my ears! And thanks to Sprigs, Tracey, Jill, and Nancy will also have warm ears this winter! Ladies, I've already sent you an email. Congratulations!

What does your training look like right now?

Scheduled or impromptu?

#TrainingTruths is not just about me. We all like to see what everyone else is doing and use that information to assess ourselves. It's not judgement. It's a way to share and learn and make changes when necessary.

To participate all you have to do is share your #TrainingTruths:

1. Tag a Twitter post with the hashtag #TrainingTruths
2. Comment on the Running Escapades Facebook page 
3. Leave a link to your own blog post in the comments

I look forward to reading your #TrainingTruths!

Fitness Friday: Holiday Gifts for Runners

Looking for holiday gift ideas for the runner in your life? I thought I'd put together a simple list of runner items that won't require you to know a lot of details (brand, size, color) and that won't cause you to worry about whether your runner already has one.

Gift Cards - Runners love to shop for new gear. A gift card to the local running store or sporting goods store is great, but there are also awesome online stores for runners, such as Road Runner Sports, and Running Warehouse. There are also specialty stores that runners generally like to shop online such as Lululemon, Oiselle, and Athleta.  

Massage and Spa Visits - Reward your runner for all their training efforts with an hour long massage at her/his favorite masseuse, or treat your runner to a manicure/pedicure at the local spa.

Bling - Bling isn't just about the big medals at the end of the race anymore. Surprise your runner with a pretty necklace or bracelet. You can find some nice selections at Erica Sara Designs, Sporty Girl Jewelry, and some non-traditional safety bling at Road ID. 

Books - If your runner is also a reader, think about running books. There are books on running, runners, runner's diets, runner's form, running history, and more. Some popular titles include Born to Run, Mile Markers, Going Long, Sole Sisters, The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life, and Train Like a Mother. You pretty much can't go wrong here.

Magazines - Buy a subscription to one (or more) of the popular running magazines so your runner can stay up to date with current trends in gear, get training tips, and read advice from experts. Consider Runner's World and Women's Running. 

Race Registration - If you know your runner is planning to sign up for a race, gift her/him the registration. Better yet, sign yourself up too and join the fun. You might also consider planning a destination race. I pinned some great ideas here. Just be sure that you are both ready to take on the distance. You can search for races on Active and Cool Running.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas - Some smaller items that would make great gifts or fit in a stocking include running fuel, like GU, Sport Beans, or small bottles of Gatorade, all of which you can easily get at your local running/sporting goods store. All runners need a good water bottle and Simple Hydration is awesome. There are also cute car magnets for runners and you can never have too many socks. And for your female runner, you can't go wrong with a wrist wallet or some Sweaty Bands. 

Running Shoes - Unless you know exactly what pair, color, and size because your favorite runner has been dropping hints left and right, I would avoid picking out a pair of running shoes. Runners are very picky and want to know what's in this kind of box.

So there you go. A simple runner-friendly gift guide to get you through the holiday season. And remember, it's ok to ask your runner if there is anything she/he is hoping to find gift wrapped this year! 

What's on your holiday wish list?

Don't want to wait for the perfect gift that will keep your ears warm? Enter my Sprigs Earbags Giveaway before it's too late! And don't forget, if you place an order, you can use my coupon code Escapades20 for 10% off of orders up to $29.99 or 20% off orders over $30. It expires 12/12/12 at 11:59 PM EST.

Sprigs Earbags GIVEAWAY!

Saturday's weather reminded me that winter is right around the corner and I need to protect my ears from the cold and wind. Just because Mother Nature hasn't dumped a bunch of snow on us yet, doesn't mean it isn't biting cold out there.

So this morning as I packed my running bag with my favorite Nike running capris and a warm pullover, I also made sure to include my Sprigs Earbags. I have been using them ever since receiving them to review.

The afternoon temperatures hovered near 40 degrees, but with the added winds and lack of sunshine, it was chchchchilly! 

The run was cold. You can see me hiding my hands in the picture. During the run my lower legs were cold (I should've worn long pants instead of capris), but my Earbags kept my ears nice and warm.

Now YOU can win a pair of your very own. Sprigs has generously offered three winners a pair of Earbags of his/her choice. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

TrainingTruths: High Fives

Holiday weeks can make it challenging to maintain a normal running schedule. In the past, I have participated in a Thanksgiving Day Race which means no interruption, but this year we traveled to the in-laws in Massachusetts. I was able to score a couple of five mile runs and we enjoyed a fun lunch stop on the way back to NH on Friday.

#TrainingTruth: Running is a good way to de-stress before the holiday.

I look forward to holiday breaks, but the days leading up to them can be stressful. Tuesday's run was extremely helpful in allowing me to dump some of the negativity both physically and emotionally. High Five to Daisy for always being a great listener!

#TrainingTruth: Sometimes a missed opportunity to run is an opportunity for a family adventure.

After spending Thanksgiving in MA, my sister-in-law told us about a great place to eat that happened to be on our way back to NH, so we stopped for lunch. The girls, my husband, and I had a wonderful meal sitting by an open fire before taking a few laps through the candle, holiday, and chocolate stores. The Farm Table is very popular (reservations are usually required, but we lucked out by arriving just after a cancellation was made) and offers gluten-free options on the menu. High Five to my step-daughter for her panoramic photo-taking ability.

#TrainingTruth: Best way to forget being cold...get lost on a trail run.

Bitter cold winds greeted us on this second attempt at running the trails inside a local state park. About 2 miles in and we were already trying to figure out where we missed a turn. Since I was carrying my phone in my Big Banjees wrist wallet, we were able to almost figure out the trail. High Five to Daisy for picking herself up and dusting herself off after taking a dive on the trail. 

Don't forget my Big Banjees coupon code is good through Nov. 30th at sprigs.com. Just enter RUNNINGESCAPADES20

What were your High Fives?

#TrainingTruths is not just about me. We all like to see what everyone else is doing and use that information to assess ourselves. It's not judgement. It's a way to share and learn and make changes when necessary.

To participate all you have to do is share your #TrainingTruths:

1. Tag a Twitter post with the hashtag #TrainingTruths
2. Comment on the Running Escapades Facebook page 
3. Leave a link to your own blog post in the comments

I look forward to reading your #TrainingTruths!

Review: ShowerPill - Athletic Body Wipe

I have seen ShowerPill Athletic Body Wipes popping up all over the place. Since I consider myself someone who sweats a lot, I'm always on the lookout for products that I can use after a workout when I don't have a chance to shower right away. Like when you exercise after work and still have errands to do. Or after a race, when you want to hang out with friends and maybe go out to eat. Needless to say, I was pretty excited to get the chance to try them out for myself. 

Here's the story of ShowerPill in a nutshell:
A couple of college athletes who were always busy, busy, busy and had very little time to squeeze in a shower after working out decided to create an instant hygiene supplement after one of them was exposed to bacterial meningitis. The name is a reference to how they jokingly wished there was a quick little pill to take to become instantly clean.

Each wipe is individually packaged making it simple to carry in a gym bag. The package is easy to open and can conveniently store the used wipe until you can throw it away. 

The body wipe is large (9"x8") and thick. The directions recommend keeping the "wipe folded" and using "each side on a different body part." I, on the other hand, immediately opened it all the way and used it more like a wash cloth. The cloth was cool and moist, and after wiping around my neck, I felt instantly clean and fresh. 

It's hard to describe how it smells, but it's basically fresh. Since it's a product for both men and women, I'm guessing the guys at ShowerPill picked a neutral scent. Personally, I would want to use it more if it did have a feminine fragrance.

I already use a facial wipe and in the past I have just used a plain towel to wipe off the rest of my body after a run. Driving home or heading to one of the kids' sporting events with sweat still lingering on me is uncomfortable and gross. I can easily see myself using these in the future. 

ShowerPill has generously offered readers of Running Escapades a buy two (2), get one (1) FREE Black Friday Sale discount on Amazon.com. After placing three (3) boxes in your shopping cart, enter code SPFRIDAY to receive the 3rd box free. Offer is valid 11/23 - 11/25.

  

How do you stay fresh?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product to review without compensation as a FitFluential Ambassador. All opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”