My Essentials

My essentials for Sunday. I have decided to bring out my Lunarglide+2 instead of my 3. I've been wearing them lately and they are pretty comfy and now I can say I used both for half-marathons and will have a good comparison.

Rockin' the pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Thought pink shorts might be over kill but I do have them should I change my mind.

Motivational Monday: Lets Get It Started

I'm done! Well, with the P90x part and the planks. I did like ten burpees and decided it can wait. My core hurts and I drank my protein shake and as always, the clear headedness that follows any serious workout is on overdrive. In my world, that means its time to share!

First of all, thanks to all the people who message questions.  Its those messages that make me smile tho. Like that "planking" message and messages that are questions!

I'm not a fitness guru, all I know is what I do, but one question that pops up once in a while is:

How do/did you get started? How can I get started?

I personally got started with running. I've always liked running. I played soccer but to be honest, I get frustrated really easily, even with myself, so a team sport was something I didn't pursue past middle school.  Running can be done alone or with a group, so to me it was perfect.  However, I didn't really run for serious until May of 2011.  Along with running, I also did P90x.  What I hated was having weak upper body strength!  Its not like I'm a gymnast but I hated not having that and P90x was something that I figured could help with that.  I also read up a lot and with the help of a friend was able to just learn more about strength training and just the basic science about it.  This was all around the beginning of 2011.  So thats how I got started.

How can you get started?

You don't need much. I'll show you what I use.

For running, all you really need are good, solid, running shoes.  Don't wear Chucks, don't wear basketball shoes, don't wear flats, and please, please, please don't wear flip flops.  Get some solid running shoes.  If you can't tell, I'm a big Nike fan girl.  I have shoe reviews right here. But for the link phobic, it boils down to my two favorite shoes. Long distance running: Lunarglide +3 & for short distances: Saucony ProGrid Kinvara 2.  Protect your legs! Please don't be afraid to invest and try out running shoes.  I have spent a good amount on my running shoes and some I use more than the other, but I don't regret it.  My legs are something I'll have with me for life, they carry me on my runs, I want them to be protected as much as I can.  For running, that is all you really need to start.  As you push on, you might find you want some dri-fit gear: socks, shirt, shorts, etc.  But thats when you push on.  Some people hate running and I wouldn't want you guys to invest a lot of $ into something you hate, but if you end up loving it, you'll know what you need. If not, talk to me, I love talking gear!

For P90x/Strength Training, I have a little bit more than shoes.  First of all, I can just say a $30+ a month membership to a gym. But I'm cheap, and a lot of people I know either don't have $30+ a month for a gym or have a $30+ month gym membership but don't go.  So, I'll show you what I use at what I dubbed my "Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle Gym," a.k.a. my living room.

Free Weights: 8 & 10 pound free weights.  It may seem low, but I'm not trying to bulk up here.  In the beginning I was struggling with 8 pounds. Right now, I'm on 12-15+ reps for the 8 pounds. Its time to move up soon, but I notice my form suffers at 10 pounds.  Foam Roller: you don't really need this for strength training. This is more for stretching and untangling muscle knots, but it never hurts to foam roll! Resistance Bands: when I began, like I said, 8 pound was a struggle.  I hardly use my bands now, unless its a sub for the pull up bar, which I need to buy.  But the bands help if you're beginning or intimidated by weights.  I liked them when I needed them, but I'm always slight terrified of them snapping on my face. Work Out Mat: if you're fine on hardwood, you don't need it, but I like cushioning and this saved my knees when I did push up on knees.  I also like it for cool down when I lie on the floor and think. Jack3d: this you really don't need but it's saved my lazy ass so many times. Jack3d is a pre work out that helps you focus. I would just be careful with it. I'm lucky that I had someone who knew what they were doing help me out when I began with jack3d because I would have been terrified to try it otherwise. I'm also highly caffeine sensitive so I had to learn what works for me. Some days its one dose, some half.

Igor: Igor is my laptop. Work Out Plan: your pick! I use P90x. I used to do Insanity but since Insanity is mostly cardio, I've swapped that out with running.  P90x is strength training. And I love it. Shaker Bottle: for your post work out protein shake! I already drank mine, obviously. Music: your choice! You can click on that to see my Spotify profile. I usually listen to spotify or long mixes, an hour or more long.  Music helps to motivate or push through when I don't want to keep going. Either that or it distracts me and I just end up dancing ;-)

Thats what I used to get started. And I think thats all you really need. But I believe the most important thing ever that you need is:

I'm more than glad to help, I'm more than happy to answer questions, but the greatest and most important gear you need is really just YOU!!!  In the end, you will be putting in the miles.  You will be putting in those reps. Not me, not anyone else, but you.  Trust me, its amazing how running has built up more than my leg muscles.  How P90x has given me more than upper body strength. I don't put all the credit on those, I know God loves me perfectly.  My confidence, my belief in myself, my strength, all has grown as I keep on pushing myself in running and working out, and also knowing that I'm perfectly loved. Its a mental thing as much as it is physical.  Its being proud of something that you know is for you and by you. Its a-ma-zing.

So to those people who messaged over the weekend, go you! I'm surprised at the amount of messages.  Were the planets aligned this weekend that people wanted to "start" their workout regimen? Is it the impending onslaught of holidays, a.k.a. food time?  I'm not sure but for those of you guys, yay! Keep going.  Get those running shoes, get those weights and bands. Or just get yourself and get out there and just do it!

Runner Girl Issues

Happy Sunday everyone!

I'm in the process of organizing my room and just putting all my running gear together and I realized something

There is my white board & cork board filled with randomness. I'll also make a post about my schedule. I could use some help ironing out the details. Anyway, look at the cork board. Something very girly- and even more so for runners.

HAIR TIE galore! And of course my head bands. Don't think you can ever have too much. Girls are always lending out and borrowing hair ties and forgetting to return them. We wash them, loose em, put em down somewhere, use them to fix random things and maybe theres a hair tie heaven somewhere. But when we really need em, we seldom find them! Its even more of a necessity for runners!  And in true catherun fashion, in different colors to match whatever shoes or clothes I wear!

Haha. Once I'm done with everything I should be able to take a picture of all my running gear, which is quickly accumulating! Including all the cinch bags from all the events! Haha. I never thought I'll own more than one cinch bag, but now I have three just from events. SoyJoy, MuscleMilk, & Dodge R&R! LOLs!

Here is another one of my growing "collections,"

Woot! Really bright sports bras!!! And once again, in different colors. The new one "blue" one is actually more teal.  These ones are from Target and for less than $20 (sports bras are damn expensive! The ones from Nike are $40 for the cheapest ones.) they do the job. I do double up tho. My boobs hurt easily. One day, I'll splurge for a Nike one, but seriously, C9 works pretty well!

And heres another one!

TECH TEES!!!  I love tech tees! I don't prefer to wear cotton tees anymore when I run. I like that they keep you dry and its just such a useful thing to receive from races.  The top one is pink, the lighting in my room is dismal and I don't have Adobe Photoshop on my laptop.  So I have pink, maroon, & red! I wore that Pasadena tech tee so much i have sleeve tans from it! But its all good! The Nor-Cal tech tee is really big on me even if they were gender specific sizing but its good when I need something more loose to run in.

I think thats it, I should really go back to cleaning! Haha.

catherun's First Epic Shoe Review!!!

My name is Catherine, also known as Catherun, and I love shoes.

Its a fact. I've always been a shoe person. I am the Imelda of this household. Its also a fact, most of those shoes didn't cost me more than $15.Even my first pair of running shoes were some Asics, that I ended up hating, that I found at Ross. I hated them so much, didn't do anything for them. Plus they weren't pretty.  It wasn't until I started running for serious that I started to see shoes as an investment and I started to drop the money on them. So really, don't be afraid to spend money on shoes or any other gear like tech tees, shorts, dry wick socks, etc. The way I see it, gear is expensive, but so is health care.

Anyway, that aside, lets keep a few things in consideration.

First, each person is different in terms of their gait, I can write a whole other blog in the differences of their gait and stride. You can click on that Wiki link for a simple explanation. I would recommend you find your gait.  If you guys have a local Road Runners store, they will actually do a video analysis of your foot strike, and a balance test, and all that jazz to determine what shoe will work best for you. With that said, I went through the entire proces at Road Runners and I loved it but it didn't seem like the guy knew his running- he was a swimmer- and I didn't agree, or like, my results.  I know I have a high arch and I know I supinate.  They recommended that I get some stability shoes.  However, I wanted a more barefoot feel a.k.a. neutral- and again, I can write another blog entry on the pros and cons of all the different types [neutral, stability, stability plus, etc.] of shoes.  So while I did go through the entire process at Road Runners, I didnt' listen to them. Instead, I learned to correct my form enough to be able to run in neutral shoes without any pain or discomfort. Which, I believe, in the long run (get it?!) will just benefit me.

Second, I'm a loyalist. You can ask all my friends, I'm a pretty loyal person. If I'm you're friend, I'm a friend for life. With that said, you're going to notice that I have pledged my allegiance to a certain brand when it comes to my shoes.  Am I biased? I sure am. But aside from working well with my feet, I want my kicks to look nice. After all, I'm going to be tore up from the floor up after running 13.1 miles, at least my kicks look nice! These are my swag and I want them to be awesome. That means no clunky shoes for me, which eliminates most shoes like Asics & Brooks. That is one of the reasons I corrected my form instead of settling for stability shoes, because I want some awesome looking gear it just so happens that this certain brand, always has fly looking kicks! I say this because you're going to get a lot of people saying that these aren't "real" running shoes. I've been told my shoes suck all the time, but honestly, they work for me and I think your shoes doesn't look fly! And I'm just letting you know that the aesthetic of the shoe plays a part in my decision.

Third, shop around! Like I said, I haven't spent that over $15 on shoes until I started running. With that said, save two of my running shoes, I paid way below retail for my running shoes.  This doesn't compromise their worth, I just saved more! I'll link up where I buy, and where you can get more info, about the shoes after each review.  I personally buy from runningwarehouse.com and if you "Like" them on Facebook, they put up deals all the time! I also buy from Finish Line. Why Finish Line? They carry Nike product and have a loyalty program which I put into getting more shoes below retail price. As much as I'm loyal to that certain brand, I also love to save money.

Fourth, and most importantly, the shoes will not do the work for you.  This goes back to point number two, you make the runner, not the shoe.  What I love about running is that it is for me, by me. How amazing is that?  If you choose to run in minimalist, neutral, support, stability, stability plus, or whatever else have you, the shoes don't run for you. YOU are putting in the work. So while its important to have good shoes to prevent injury, whats more important is that you put in the work in both actually running, correcting your form, and any other thing that is going to benefit you, your health, & your running.  Whatever your goal is, be it to get rid of weight, stay fit, become a better runner, finish a 5k, a 10k, a half or a full marathon, it is for you, by you. Keep at it! I'm cheering for you!!!

With that said...

Grab some water and popcorn! Its time for

catherun's First Epic Shoe Review!!!
(which will be the next 5 posts)

Nike Free Run+ 2

Finish Line, $90

Nike Free Run+ 2 are probably one of the most popular shoes out there right now. And for good reason! There is a whole bunch of technology that goes into the Free Run+ which is why I linked you to Nike's website. They say it better than I ever could. 

What I love about the Free Run is that they are like walking on clouds.  They are very comfy and very supportive for neutral shoes. Like I said, I have high arches and the arch support in these are awesome, but within reason, you'll see later on. The grooves on the bottom really do make them flexible and if you were like me who corrected their landing (from a heel striker to midfoot!) these shoes will help to correc that and strengthen your feet.  It also doesn't hurt that they look awesome!

What I don't love about them is that they aren't very good for long distances.  When I got them, I was running 3 miles a day. I ran a 5k, 3.1 miles, in them and it was good.  Then I started to bump my miles and when I started hitting 5/6 miles in my runs, the Free Run+ 2 felt clunky and the arch suppor that I loved in shorter runs were becoming too "pushy" in longer runs.

I got these pair middle of April 2011 and I've put about 75-100 running miles on them. They are still holding up and the threads on the bottom are still good.Now, I use these shoes for everyday wear and shorter runs. I would reccomend these shoes to anyone who is starting to run, who is looking to strenghten their feet, & correct their landing. Just know that if you choose to run daily or increase your miles, you will need to get a different pair of shoes. Some people can pull off running a full marathon in Frees, but majority of people can't or won't.

As of now, I believe Free Run+ 2 still retail for full price, which I believe is $90.  If you guys find the first generation Free Run, the only difference is the upper and its all cosmetics. The sole, which is actually the heart of the Free Run+ are the same.  I'm sure those will be hard to find but will be a lot cheaper.

Puma FAAS 300

puma.com, $60

Puma FAAS 300 were my 2nd pair of running shoes! And in keeping with my theme, these are also neutral runners.  I linked the website again for those who are interested in technical information [heel to toe drops, etc] about each shoe. I don't want to throw that information out there because I tend to go into information overload when I'm beginning at something.  That overload just fuels my indecisiveness and sometimes I quit before I start.  So, yeah, technical specs are in the link.

The FAAS family of shoes is epic. Like I mentioned, I like things that look nice. I'm a visually driven person, which is why I'm in photography & design, and when things are just filled with swag, I'm drawn to them.  I also assume that if people know about Puma's FAAS line, that they run.  I haven't met anyone who isn't a runner who was rockin a shoe from the FAAS line.  The FAAS are endorsed by Usain Bolt himself and I'm sure hes paid a lot of money to do so, but him being pretty darn fast and all, I'm sure he holds a tad bit of merit.

What I love about the FAAS is obviously their looks. I love the color ways! I love how bright they are, how breathable the shoe is, and the over all design. Its very swag! As far as how it handles the road. its a very minimalist and neutral shoe.  It offers very little, almost none, arch support and you can feel everything through the shoe. Every twig, rock, pebble, or acorn.  I ran a 5k in them and I thought they would be too minimalistic and I would have to return them, but I actually loved them.  Even tho I can feel everything, and this isn't even the most minimalist shoes FAAS offers, and it had little arch support, they were incredibly smooth for the runs. I love how the shoe also hugs the heel of my feet. It just fits snug and awesome.

What I don't love about them? I can feel everything through them. Haha. Its just something that takes getting used to. I seriously thought small pebbles were in my shoes at times during my run. I wish there was a little bit more arch support, but I think the minimalist support is what makes this FAAS 300.  I tried on the 500 and they felt like the Nike Free Run+ 2 . The FAAS 250 is even more minimalistic than the 300s.  So the 300 is the happy medium between the two. When I tried on the 250, I might as well have been running on flip flops. Pointless to the point where I'll pick up my flip flops and run barefoot.

I would recommend these shoes for people who know what they are doing. Which is why I haven't logged more than 25 miles on these shoes. I only use them for short runs, 3-5 miles. I wouldn't recommend them for people starting out because if you don't take the time to correct your landing, gait, and over all running form, you can do more harm than good in these shoes.  They offer very little support. Like I said, I took time to make my feet stronger and correct my form while I was still using my Free Run. I personally love them for my short runs and I might be rocking these or my Frees for a 5k this Saturday!

Nike Lunarglide +2

runingwarehouse.com, $60

Nike Lunarglide+ 2 were the third pair of running shoes I bought.  I stepped out of neutral shoes and into the world of neutral/stability. I got these when I started to amp up my miles and I know neither my Free Run or FAAS 300 could hang. I bought these pretty late in the game, right before the Lunarglide+ 3 were released. Right now, as you can see from the link, they are on clearance for $80. I got mine for $60. 

Lunarglide+ 2 is a good shoe.  I've put a solid 100 miles on these shoes and I love them to pieces.  However, this is one of those instances where I would suggest that you splurge for the latest model.

Lunarglides are beloved among runners.  The first generation was awesome! People were stocking up on them- once you find a shoe that works for you and you know that running is now part of your lifestyle, you're going to want to stock up on the specific type and size of shoe. So when they announced that there was going to be a second generation, people were STOKED. Then it was actually released and then people weren't so stoked.  Lunarglide+ 2, while still good, was a bit of a let down from the first generation.

What I love about this shoe? With all that said, I still love my Lunarglie+ 2. Besides being black and pink. I love how they are still pretty neutral but still provide that stability for longer runs. After a while when I'm tired, my form starts to suffer and this provides just the right amount of support for those times without being clunky! Its also very breathable! I swear I can feel the wind through the fabric of these shoes, but they still are very durable! I also love the Flywire technology that helps tighten/support your arch.

What I don't love about this shoe?  I don't own the first generation Lunarglide but knowing that this were sub-par to the first generation always has me thinking "What if?" when I run with these shoes.  Thats about it. I have issues with this shoe when I run high miles, like tingly foot, but I think thats more issues with my feet.

I wouldn't recommend this because a)they are getting harder to find so its unlikely you will find this shoe in a color and size you like and need. And they have the Lunarglide+ 3 out, which I coincidentally own!

Saucony ProGrid Kinvara 2

runningwarehouse.com $50

Saucony ProGrid Kinvara 2 were the 4th pair of running shoes I bought. These are back to the neutral & minimalist running category of shoes.  I'll admit, I bought these because they were on sale. These are the latest versions and retail for $90 but I was able to score them for $50, and really for free since someone gifted me with them! Thanks! Like I said, more specs can be found in the link.

Even though these were really an impulse gift/purchase for me, and pardon their dustiness, I thought I cleaned them well after my trail run, I fell in love with these shoes.  First, I like the way they look and I'm in love with the black & grey colorway.  The first run I did in them was a 6 miler and I fell in love with them. IN LOVE.

What I love about these shoes? They are minimalist but they are self supporting. They have enough support for not so short but not too long runs, I would say any where from 4-7 you should be okay.  I love how they aren't bulky and how breathable the upper is. They are so comfortable for minimalist shoes and they don't have that too much arch support issue the Free Runs have when I do longer runs.

What I don't love about these shoes?  I feel like they are going to fall apart. I know Kinvaras are lightweight and have a general rep of not lasting as much miles as other shoes, but I feel like these shoes are delicate flowers. As you can tell, I ran trails in them, and I don't think I'll do that again.  The breathability of the upper is good but not when it comes to trails. My socks were brown-ish and I could feel dust/sand between my toes while I was running. But that really isn't the shoe's fault as it was mine.  They still held up in the trail but I wouldn't use them for trails again to make sure they last longer.

I would recommend these again like the FAAS 300 for people who generally know what they are doing. if you're willing to work to correct your running form, these shoes are GOLD. I seriously fell in love with the Kinvara after mile 1. I would use this for anywhere from 3 miles to maybe 7 miles. I can't run too long in plain minimalist/neutral shoes, which is I why I made my latest purchase...

Nike Lunarglide+ 3

Finish Line, $80

Nike Lunarglide+ 3 is my latest purchase! A lot of you guys has been asking me what shoes I recommend for running and I always throw down the Lunarglide+ 3.  I have tried the Lunarglide+ 3 on a treadmill at the Nike store and I loved them. But for some reason, I put off buying them. I was seriously about to pull the trigger and just buy them but something kept on nagging me to not get them just yet. Maybe it was because this would have been my 5th pair of running shoes. Whatever reason, I didnt' buy them.

Then something magical happened.

Nike released this color way. End of story, end of self control

Black and pink = BEAST MODE. 

The funny thing is, these are actually released for men's! They have a similar color way for women's that you'll see if you clicked the link above. It was blue, black, pink, and I wouldn't have mind getting that. That was the pair I was going to get. But for some crazy reason I held out and bam! Black & pink!

What I love about them? The Lunarglide+ 3 are loaded with swag! In any colorway you choose, the over all design and aesthetic, lets not even get into purpose, just the look of the shoe is awesome.  Nike has some good brains in their design & engineering department. The mid-foot strap in the shoe actually not only wraps the side of your mid-foot but around your midfoot. I love tying my shoes snug and tight for that reason of snug-ness and the extra support it provides, and the strap just adds to that snug. I also love the arch support which is is just enough. Not too much, not to little, but just right. the shoe is also still very breathable while still providing enough support in the arch and heel area.

What I don't love about them? This colorway, in my size, was so freakin' hard to find. I haven't ran the road or any long runs on them, so I'll do another review after I do that, but so far, so freakin good!

I recommend this shoe for anyone.  It helps that the Lunarglide+ 3 adjust to your feet. So if you don't want to get analyze or are uncomfortable about having your running feet videod and then played back in slow motion, I would just go with the very swag filled Lunarglides+ 3. You'll look good and your feet will be happy too!

Training Run 08/31/11

I "ran," or really pity walked 4 miles today.

I'm never going to do plyometrics the day before I plan to do a long run. You know what, scratch that, I'm never going to do plyometrics ever.

It hurts. It feels like I rode a horse for 24 hours straight. Its insane. Its painful. My inner hammies and glutes and everything is in so much pain.  Its a good pain tho and if this is how ___ feels like, I'm looking forward to it.

So, lets not talk about my measly run, Nike+ isn't broadcasting it over Twitter so that sucks, but whatever.  They probably know how much it sucked and was like "PASS!"

Instead lets talk about yesterday.

Yesterday, I realized that I:

hit 100 miles!!! Ever since I got my Nike+ GPS!!! So my yearly total is WAY over 100  miles! My goal? Try to get 200 miles more (so lofty, realistically another 100) by the end of the year!

Yesterday, I also went shopping!

Oh wait, not for that... Haha. I just found it weird that this car was parked by the dumpster.

I went shopping at Sport Chalet which is having an additional 50% off their clearance items! I saw these:

Lunarglide+2 in Sharks color! Sharks the hockey team, not the one that swims around in the ocean. Haha. I wanted them but decided against it.  They were $40 after the sale but to be honest, the Lunarglide+3 are way better than the 2s.  Like a-lot. Its sorta not worth having two pairs of the 2.

But I did walk away with this:

A new pair of Nike Running Tempo shorts!!! Tempo shorts are like the "holy grail" of Nike running shorts. I like em a lot. But I also like my Nike Pacer shorts alot. The pacers are a little lower rise and have two pockets. One in the back like the Tempos and a "secure" one in the front. Its pretty cool. Whats even cooler? I scored these for $10!! Retail price? $32!!! I scored all my shorts from Sport Chalet sales all at $10!!! Isn't that neat? Oh wait, whats even neater?! I had to size down! SIZE DOWN!!! What the f'ck is that?! I'm now on mediums. For shorts at least. I doubt my super calves can fit in a medium =| I hate my calves. I like to poke em and say "shrink."

Anyway, that was my day yesterday.

I'm not as down as I was. But maybe cuz I'm on an endorphin kick right now. But I really need to hit that 10 miler this week and hopefully a 13 next week then taper the last week, which isn't really tapering at all because that last week is the actual event.

::shrieks::

PS. This:

while healthy, is not proper dinner the night before a long run.  It just didn't work. Not enough carbs. And even for the whole day, not enough carbs. I had cheese and toast with greek yogurt for breakfast, 1/3 of a protein bar that I didn't finish at all (I have no clue where the other 2/3 of it went), a piece of bread when I got home, then that for dinner and another yogurt.  I was watching a video of when I was PTFO drunk on my 25th birthday and I said "I don't like carbs cuz running and carbs don't mix." or was it "I like carbs cuz running and carbs mix?" but whatever it was, I'll watch the video again, I really need to carb up. I can't be afraid of that.  I'm still dropping weight which is good tho. But right now shouldn't be a time to obsess over that.

Running Swag

I feel like doing a random post of what I use on my runs. By no means are these endorsements.  These things work for me, and if they work for you, great, if not, then great! This are just the things I use.

Nike Free Run+ 2

Prior to getting these shoes, I've been running in a pair of Asics that I found at Ross.  They were not doing anything for me.  They were something that I picked up way before I knew anything about running. I would use them for my runs and my shins would be hurting and my ankle would hurting and pretty much everything would be hurting. They were way too bulky and I just hated them.  I consider the Free Run+ my very first pair of "real" running shoes.  I love them so much. They fit so comfy and they have just the minimalistic support that I like. Not too much like the Asics I had.  They don't hurt when I run in them, but when I push past 6 miles, I can usually feel pain. I'm in no way blaming the shoes because its possible that my body is just in pain.  But so far, my favorite pair of shoes to date!

Puma Faas 300

I picked these up because they were recommended by a friend. I originally wanted the 500s but when I tried the 500 on, I wasn't convinced. It felt too much for a minimalist running shoe but too little for support. I'm already indecisive, I don't need indecisive shoes! I haven't used these at all. I'm really getting used to my Free Run+. I'm going to use these as soon as I can get rid of some of the pain in my left knee so I can't blame the shoes for them. I love them on tho. They are comfy and I feel barefoot in them.  Just as a disclosure, I love being barefoot! Even when I was younger, I would never wear slippers. I still walk around barefoot outside. I'm not into the whole "minimalistic" movement thing because I haven't even done my research on that. I just like the whole being barefoot thing. 

Under Armour Tank

I picked these up on sale at Sport Chalet for $7.00!!! A steal for Under Armour! I get hot and sweat easily and I really, really love these cooling stuff from Under Armour. They work well and its white which helps repeal heat.  But at 90 degree weather, it kinda doesn't make a difference, but hey, I have a white UA tank for $7 and it works!

Nike Pacer Shorts

 I love, love, love these shorts!!! I also got this at a Sport Chalet sale for $10 each.  They still retail for full price, $32, at the Nike website.  Pacer shorts have built in underwear, but I still wear my own =], and two interior pockets. I love those damn pockets when I don't feel like carrying anything. There is one in front, and one in the back. They barely hold my phone but they can hold a small (non iTouch) mp3 player, GU, and keys if you want. The lining is also moisture wicking (dri-fit) and with this weather, we don't need sweat building up in our legs! The moisture wicking part works and it keeps me comfy in my long runs. Another important thing for me is that THEY DON'T RIDE UP! I have a pair of Target brand shorts that I used/still use before I got the pacers and they ride up all the time. The first time I ran with these, I kept on "pulling them down" but I didn't have to! Comfy shorts, not too long, not too short, don't ride up, what more could you ask for?! Well, I do want to try the ones with the built in compression, but thats for another time! I can't justify paying $40 for shorts right now.

Body Glove Sunglasses

This was from Ross that I've had for a while. They were intended for water sports. They have rubber lining on the side pieces that prevent them from slipping, but since I haven't been near water in a while, I use them for my runs! They work well without being the typical over-size, bug-eye sunglasses I wear when I'm not running and I like red & black. The rubber lining helps prevent them from moving around too much when I run (or play in the beach) and thats always a plus.

Nathan Quick Draw Plus Water Bottle

Yes, I spent $17.99 on a water bottle -_- The thing with this is, I dehydrate easily. I sweat easily and profusely on a normal basis, imagine when I'm running and putting in work. Its like Niagara. This bottle doesn't require for you to open or "pull up" on the tip of the bottle to drink from. Just drink. It also has a small pocket where I can fit my debit card, license, phone, and GU.  There is also a spot for an ID. As a road runner, I get worried sometimes when I don't carry my ID, so having this ID tab built in is something like a peace of mind that cost me $17.99.  The thing is, I've taken this with me on my runs and I have to switch hands because my hand gets sore carrying this. I only fill it up 8 ounces (this carries 22 ounces I believe) so its not that heavy but my hand still gets tired. My right hand since thats my dominant hand.

Nike+ Sportswatch GPS

This little diddydiddy showed up, I would map my runs prior and sometimes I'll forget where to turn and would miss turns and it was just a disaster. I still have some issues with the watch- no stop watch function and no alarm function, please fix it with a software u pdate- but so far so good. I love how intuitive it is and how it looks. The CSR I spoke with accidentally let it slip that they are releasing a new color, I'm not sure what, but I'm content with the black and green/yellow thing. But yes, I love this and its money well spent. This actually makes me excited to run.

Not picture is my elastic wrist thing with a whistle attached and my Sansa mp3 player. I can't find my whistle right now (OH NO!) and my mp3 player is charging!

But yes, these are my running swag and quasi review of them.

Training Day 3

I woke up at 6 am with full intent to be out of the house and on the road by 6:30.

6:10 am, I was back under my blanket, sleeping.

I ran at 8 instead. I was so sleepy and cold.

I was really excited running today because I got my Nike+ Sportswatch GPS! Besides with the issue that I received an obviously previously opened product and drove out an hour to exchanged it because I didn't want to wait till Monday and have double charges on my card (!) and I wanted to use it! But Nike isn't done hearing from me. The original product I got was whacked. It was already charged and everything. I paid a lot of money for that, should be at least right the first time.

Anyway, its not the cheapest GPS watch but its the most stylish! The CSR I spoke to accidentally let it slip that theres a new color coming out (!) but I'm pretty good with the black and the green. Its neutral and the neon green helps me see better, or I think it does.

I did three miles today and I did okay. I was sprinting/walking. I should really try to maintain a proper and constant pace as opposed to run and walk run and walk, which works, but I want to develop endurance. I know all about the walk run method training plan, but I really want to build endurance and improve my heart's ability to pump blood! VO2 lets do it!

 TIME      AVG. PACE
1- 15:19     15'17"/mi
2- 13:39     13'37"/mi
3- 14:46     14'42"/mi

Those were the data for my laps (per mile) I actually run/walked more than three, but since I share my route online I start/end each run not where I live. Paranoid? Maybe. Haha.

The first mile, I actually got lost. I took a turn too early and went up a street only to find it was actually a court (it was ____ Place, not ____ Court) so I had to back track and stuff. The second mile, was mostly flat and I ran it on the asphalt and was easier on my left patella that is still tracking. It hurts when I sleep, more on that later.  So that was my fastest mile and easiest and I got overzealous and got a side stitch! I haven't had one of those in awhile.

I think I got a side stitch because I brought my water bottle with me and I was drinking while running, which I don't normally do but I felt that I had to because I didn't eat or drink before hand. I didn't want to waste a GU, I only take those if its 3+ miles so I didn't take one. So I was drinking while running, especially in the beginning.

About my tracking patella on my left leg. I have a neoprene compression brace and KT tape. I love love love my neoprene brace but its really bulky. I wear it when I can and I know I should be wearing it all the time but its pretty bulky and makes my leg weird under my jeans. So I have KT tape that I still haven't applied, but will prolly do it in the morning. I hope I do it right and that it helps! I'm glad to have friends who are kinesiology majors!

I also ran with my new Nike Pacer shorts which I got at Sport Chalet! Sport Chalet is having an additional 50% off their clearance items till 4th of July! These shorts retail for $32+ tax and i got them for $10! I'm about to get more. I love the shorts because they have an inner lining and they don't ride! It is HARD to find shorts that have linings and don't ride up when you run.  They are also dri fit and I stayed dry!

Anyway, so excited. I'm still using my Free Run and so far so good. I was worried before that I wouldn't last in them, but too early to say since I'm only on day 3 of the training, but I think I should be okay. I haven't used my FAAS at all, but I think I'll give them a try since they match my, PINK!, Pacer shorts, & my, PINK!, Nathan Bottle! I don't like running the with the bottle tho, its just heavy on the hand and its hard to maintain a nice arm swing.

I'm also sunburnt! I burn so easily its pretty sad, but note to self, sunblock!

Anyway, that was my long recap for my short run today! I can't wait to kick some pavement! I'm really excited. I'm thinking about doing the other half- besides the NorCal Half- that the same company hosts.  If I do it, I get another medal for doing both! Haha! That one is in October 23, so I'll see how I feel.



#sexyback11 followers! I'm not weighing myself weekly because I just started carb cycling. And at first weight will fluctuate and I don't want to get discouraged ;-) But soon my sexy pals! Very soon!