Monday, December 2, 2013

A Few More of My Favorite Things

It’s been a while since I’ve gone running outside.  That’s what happens when you live in the frozen tundra.    

And I despise the dreadmill so it really limits my running this time of year.  I will say, though, one nice thing about the treadmill is you can change up your running a bit and only look foolish to yourself or anyone else at home (or the gym).  What I mean by changing it up a bit is walking backwards for 5-10 minutes or doing carioca on both sides.  Here are some other options… http://www.shape.com/blogs/shape-your-life/5-unique-ways-make-most-your-treadmill  Of course, you will be going MUCH slower than you normally do but it’s a good challenge.  And for even more of a challenge, raise the incline some.  One of my fitness groups thought I was a badass for going backwards.  I like to think I am but I really was not going very fast. 
 
I digress…so I went running yesterday for the first time in a while (see aforementioned frozen tundra).  It was a balmy 30 degrees here about 10:30am so I layered up and went out.  I will admit it was a wee bit chilly at first.  I did a short warm up jog and then decided I should do hill repeats.  If you are not familiar with those, it’s when you run your max up a hill and then jog back down.  You are supposed to do this general 8-10 times.  However, when you haven’t done hill repeats in eons of time, you only make it through 4 before you decide maybe you should just go for a regular run.  I certainly warmed up though.  While on my run, I began thinking about what other gifts I could suggest to you, my dear readers, for this holiday season.  I came up with a few, though I will say that most of them are running-related.  I was, after all, on a run.   
Before I go into the gift ideas, I do want to tell you about a great app that is a must for runners/walkers in locations that tend to have 4 actual seasons.  It’s an app called “What Should I Wear Running” and I love it!  You can select your preference for how you like to run.  Do you like to be warm during winter or a little cooler?  Additionally, it automatically identifies your location and the current weather.  Based on that and your preferences, it provides you a list of what to wear for your run that day.  There is also a manual setting where you can provide the weather input.  Have I mentioned I love this app?  I highly recommend it.  I did a search for other apps similar to this and there is one for cycling, as well.  However, it’s not free so I don’t know much about it.  If you test out the app, comment here and let me know what you think.  Do you know of a better app?  Let me know that, too.  I’m certainly open to other options.

Now for other gift ideas for the runner in your life:

v  Asics hat ($25) – by now you know how I feel about Asics.  If I could wear all Asics, all the time I would.  Unfortunately, it’s difficult to find Asics apparel in the stores up here.  Most of my apparel from Asics was purchased on-line www.asicsamerica.com but there’s something to be said for being able to try on your workout clothes.  I will say, though, that the Asics running hat I have is great!  There are several hats on the Asics website but I recommend the fleece beanie.  This has a hole for a ponytail which is wonderful.  It does cover the ears but I also put a headband around it to keep it (and my headphones) in place. 

v  Asics running mittens ($20) – I know, I know.  You are shocked to see another Asics recommendation.  These mittens/gloves are wonderful for cold weather running.  They are actually fingerless gloves that have a mitten component that you can use when you are cold and it folds back and velcros if you want to give your fingers a little air. 



My favorite part of them, though, is the fleece thumb that you can use to wipe your nose when it starts running too.  Unfortunately, when I was on the Asics website recently, they no longer offer those gloves on their site.  I did however, find them on Amazon.com .  I highly recommend these.  If they keep my hands warm up here in the bitter cold, I’m sure they will work for you!

v  Petzl E91 PF Tikkina 2 Headlamp ($15-$50) – I bought a head lamp this year because when the sun starts setting early, I still want to be able to run.  I bought this particular one and really like having it.  It has two settings for the lights and provides about 10-15 feet of light in front of you.  It secures nicely to the head and has an adjustable strap.  There are various styles and prices but really this basic one is all I need.  Most of the time, I forget it’s there.  Oh, and it comes in handy when your power goes out and all you have to do is read but need light by which to read.  On that, I am speaking from experience and you can take that to the bank.  J

v  Compression socks/sleeves ($10-$50) – I haven’t had as much success with these as other runners I know but I thought I’d list them anyway.  I’m pretty sure it has to do with the quality of the socks (I may have purchased the cheap ones) so I recommend spending a little more to get more benefit from them.  I did, however, purchases compression sleeves for my calves during the Brussels Half-Marathon and really like them.  They not only kept my calves warm without causing me to overheat but my legs felt loose the majority of the race. 

v  P90X ($125) – Beachbody is on their 3rd version of this workout program.  I’ve only done the original and let me tell ya, you definitely sweat with this!  It’s been several years since I’ve done the whole program but periodically, I will do the Kenpo X workout just for something different.  Each time, I forget (then quickly realize) how tough it is.  I have several friends who have done other Beachbody series workouts and have seen great results.  As a personal trainer, I try to come up with my own workouts but I have seen the value in these.  If you do decide to buy anything from Beachbody, please go through my dear friend Jessica Proctor at jesswolf.jp@gmail.com.  She is a Beachbody coach and can help you find the workout to fit your needs (or whomever you are purchasing for). 

That wraps up my list of my favorite things.  Just call me Oprah.  No, don’t do that because then I would have to give you all these things for free.  That’s not going to happen. Sorry.  Happy shopping to you all! 

BE BOLD!  BE YOU!!

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