5 Running essentials for a new runner.

I am doing a running streak starting tomorrow!! I have been running somewhat inconsistently since February and excited to take on this 1 mile a day run/jog/walk streak to help me launch into full half marathon training. I am going to be training for Rock N Roll Las Vegas, so I am also on the hunt for all things to help me in this new goal. I think I always feel like a beginner runner, as it isn’t something I have stayed consistent with since college.

As far as products go- It takes a lot to convert me to a loyalist- I am an early adapter in the way if something new comes out- I WANT TO TRY IT. My husband is a late adapter- or the last guy standing in trying whatever has hit the market. So he reluctantly joins my continuous sampling of all things edible and just averts his eye from my beauty product stash. My blog could be a full library of goods I have bought and tried from kitchen to beauty- but let’s just say not much makes it to the “love it forever” list.

Those subscription boxes were my jam for years, but now I have been noticing companies letting you get samples direct FOR FREE, or super low rate and I can leave out all the product surprises as well as the disappointment from those boxes. So much crap I didn’t need…Anyways I listed some of the products I have purchased lately, as well as long time LOVES! ( and have a fun giveaway down at the bottom!)

affiliate links in the below recommendations 

HYDRATION

I am proud to say I drink about 80 oz a day of water. I don’t know how overweight people drink half their weight in oz, last time I tried I got a sodium imbalance. Having a sodium imbalance was weird, and is how I stumbled upon Nuun back in 2012, used it on and off ever since. I used it during all three of my runDisney races, and have been using it on days I feel I am struggling to get my water in. I purchased the energy blend most recently, but have not noticed a peak in energy levels at all! I still enjoy the bubbles and light sugar-free electrolytes. I did pay to ship some free samples from MRM of another electrolyte drink that is strongly flavored, but something different to try. It’s summer, so grab your favorite water bottle and hydrate! It will help you in your running goals winter or summer. These options are only to shake up the h20 if need be, most of the time just water will do!

SHOES

Mostly I would say just grab your running shoes and head out the door. It’s all you need, but then again as you start training longer and longer- not having proper fitting shoes made for running can potentially cause you some issues.

When I would run in college as my “recovery” day from rowing, I used Brooks and then moved to Asics because I loved the colors, and finally, I landed myself with an injury that still not fully resolved- and found myself with my forever love in Hoka One Ones. My husband who can no longer run due to compartment syndrome and arthritis wears them just to walk around in- and both of us will say – ” I never want to walk/run in anything else ever again.” Find a shoe you love, and it does make things so much better in our opinion.

SPORTS BRA

You can wear ANYTHING you want to run, but beware my plus size comrades– you need a super supportive and well fitting sports bra and excellent material that covers your thighs. Why ? The rubbing will not result in anything that will make you want to run again. 100% Cotton is not your friend here for these two critical areas. Old Navy has an awesome plus size selection as far as inexpensive and ok fit, and I have recently been using Fabletics in 2017, and their plus sizes are surprisingly great! I like their bras and tops mostly. If you want to try out Fabletics my referral code to benefit us both with your first purchase is here.  I still have my real love in Katie K Active pants, they have a pocket on the leg, and never roll off my chub. A pant that stays up is worth gold to this plus size runner!

FOAM ROLLER

In college, the foam roller was a necessary evil post-rowing or erging practice. It was a hurt so good thing I both was forced to do by coaches: but knew I needed it. Honestly, it’s something you get used to, and it helps the recovery process for all your tight muscles trying to expel lactic acid. They can help you massage and stretch your muscles after your run to help you recover faster. I have both the old school $10 one from Walmart, and “The Stick” My mom bought me when I was training for my first half marathon. A frozen water bottle is perfect for if you ever have Plantar Fasciitis flare ups like me!

TRAINING PLAN

The neat thing now your phone will likely have ten different options for a free training program app, some have GPS, so you are ready to go with what you have! You can find a running coach a dime a dozen online, and some highly recommended, or your treadmill at the gym may even have a  plan you can use programmed right on the machine! Whatever you do, start slow- find what works for you! I enjoy using Jeff Galloway, and an app on my treadmill to help me plan. Planning is important as even if you feel good- overdoing( or underdoing it )can cause injury race day! Garmin is a favored watch for runners with all the bells and whistles to help you track your runs as well if you have a couple of extra dollars hanging around.

FUN EXTRAS

So I love running skirts to help me feel extra sparkly and running in hats because the sun is brutal. I would say music is important to most people, but since I usually run outside with my toddler in the running stroller- I do not run with music so I can hear him.

I enjoy all the fun jewelry and add-ons you can put on your shoes or recovery socks like Pro-Compression. Follow those guys on Facebook, and they always pump out amazing discount codes now and then like buy 2 get 3 free!!.

Speaking of recovery, we have dabbled in BCAAs this year, and I am convinced recovery has improved with the addition to our life! Less sore muscles, and just overall easier recovery after strength training or a harder run.

I say “fun extra” but looking for another item you will need as you run longer is some fuel for your body. You are looking for a simple carbohydrate that your system can quickly absorb to keep you fueled on your longer runs. You can try energy gels such as GU or Honey Stinger packets, energy chews like Shot Bloks or even candy like jelly beans or gummy bears. We buy Pro Bar BOLT Organic Energy Chews (here) on our Amazon subscribe and save, and they are my favorite out all things we have tried. Watch the prices on Amazon- they dramatically change month to month and sometimes up to a $13 increase!! YIKES! I tried to get on the natural train of honey or raisins and just couldn’t get over the textures.

May 31st – June 2nd, 2017, I will be having a small giveaway on my Instagram of some of these running goodies- You can check out my Instagram here on how to enter to win!
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