My Running Essentuals

Lately I have seen a lot of posts going around about everyone's running essentials, so I thought I would make a list of my own.

 

{1}

Garmin Forerunner 10

I have this little gadget in green, of course! I love how this tracks my distance, alerts me when I am behind my goal pace, and I can upload all the information to the Garmin site and track my progress.

 

{2}

Polar Heart Rate Monitor F4

I have used a heart rate monitor for many years for all my fitness. I replaced my FT7 with this F4 recently because I was having issues with my FT7. I like being able to track my heart rate and know how many calories I burn. It also lets me know if I am pushing myself too far.

 

{3}
VSX Y Back top

I fine these tanks to be so light weight, I can barely notice them when I run. I like how breathable they are and non clingy.

 

{4}

SPI Belt and Nathan's Water belt

For long runs I gotta use my Nathan's water belt. It hold 16 oz of water, my keys, and cards. For 5Ks I love the SPI belt, it holds all I need and is pretty comfortable. I like to wear the zipper pouch on my back.

 

{5}

Good shoes

For me that's these bad boys my Brooks Ravenna 4's. I highly suggest going to your local running store and getting fitted for running shoes. They can analyze your gate and determine which shoe style works best for you.

{6}
Nuun

I love Nuun, all Nuun that I have tried so far and I probably have about 8 flavors. Nuun is a tablet you put in your water to give you electrolytes when you work out. I do not run or workout without Nuun. It has zero sugar and is easy on my stomach so I never feel sick.
 

 

What running/fitness item can you not live without?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Weekly Workout Wrap Up

 

This week I was pretty active despite finding out La Fitness cancelled my Monday and Thursday spin classes at 6:45pm, there was not even a sign Monday indicating... How rude!

 

Monday August 12- Ran 3.1 miles on the treadmill at the gym.

 

Tuesday August 13- Walked around the neighborhood with Justin, so nice out.

 

Wednesday August 14- 5.2 on the treadmill while watching Big Brother. Was only planning on

running 3 but felt good and kept going. Plus Big Brother was interesting.

 

Thursday August 15- Another walk around the neighborhood, I had to work late.

 

Friday August 16- Rest- Shopping day with mom.

 

Saturday August 17- 3.1 miles at the Rally for Autism 5k, read my race recap.

 

Sunday August 18- Knee hurt a bit today so another rest day.

 

How were you active this week?

 

 



Rally for Autism 5k Race Recap

Great tech shirt

 

Saturday I ran the Rally for Autism 5k at Independence Grove in Libertyville. I heard about the race through work where a few of my managers were encouraging co workers to race or volunteer. Thursday I went and picked up my packet outside of the Runners Edge in Libertyville. Pick up was easy and the people were so nice. I got the great shirt above (so glad it was not white! It's navy) and an Autism canvas bag full of materials.

 

Saturday I only had to get up at 7am, thankfully, because I only live 15 minutes away. I was a little worried because my knee was bothering me from Wednesdays treadmill run, but it felt great at the race! Parking was great and they had police directing people inside the park, very convenient. As soon as I parked I went through my pre race routine: apply body glide to legs, take chomps, drink lots of water, pin bib, take pre race photo, and lock up my stuff.

Ready to run!

Got my bib ready.

Beautiful day and gorgeous park

Near visitors center

Yes nice porta potties in the shot

 

The event had lots to do! There were games and a bounce house for kids, local vendors were there giving things away, and there was plenty of food. We lined up for the run at 8:55 and it started promptly at 9am. I found a lady with a similar pace to me and followed her pretty much the entire run expect for the end when I got my burst of speed and sprinted past her. The course was very nice, lots of people directing the way and cheering you on. There were 2 water stations on the course and lots of water at the end. It was warm out but since the course is not shaded it got pretty hot. I finished in 34:36 which bet my race PR by 2 minutes! I could not believe it. After the race was over they had the times printed out with in a few minutes, which was really nice. I also ran into a few more of my co workers and chatted with them for a bit. One of the coolest sponsors was our local grocery store Marianos, they gave out a pedometer and I got a box of Chex.

 

This race was for such a good cause, it was nice to see all the families and the kids out there walking/running provide support. Everything was so well organized and laid out, I was so impressed. I highly recommend this race and will be participating in it again next year.

Added another bib to the wall, total is 4 now and counting!

 

 

What local runs were you highly impressed with? Are there any specific causes you like to run for?

 

 

 



Weekend WrapUp- Food and Family

 

We had a nice weekend this weekend, relax and nice. Friday after work I went to the Grayslake pool with the neighbors. I can't wait to buy a pass next year, hopefully the weather will be better. Justin and I did our weekly errands, we bought new phones for the house. I even saw my friend Lauren from the library at Best Buy.

 

Saturday Justin and I went and worked out for a bit. I did 3.2 miles on the treadmill and then lifted weights.

 

We went to TGI Fridays for dinner, which was very good.

We had this yummy pretzel and cheese appetizer

Justin had a burger and I had steak, mozzarella salad, and broccoli

Afterwards we had this yummy brownie and ice cream dessert. I forgot to take a before picture but we certainly enjoyed it!

 

Sunday was low key too. We went to Half Price books in Palatine, I got two weight watchers cook books and some magazines. We also went to Sonic where I got a pretzel dog and a pineapple drink that was excellent! Afterwards we went to mom and dads to hang out and have dinner. It was brats, beans, and a weight watcher side I made.

 

Although the weekend seemed to fly by, it was certainly enjoyable. What did you do?

 

 

 



Weekend Wrap Up- Burgers and Tacos- Lots of Pics!

This weekend was a pretty quiet one, which is just fine with us! Saturday we did some odds and ends around the house. We had this one light that was hard to reach burn out so Justin replaced that. We folded laundry and picked up the house. For dinner we went to a local favorite, Bulldogs in downtown Grayslake. This was Justin's belated birthday dinner.

One of the specials was the A-Rod and I just had to get it. In case he won't be around much longer :)

This is just the burgers, they have so many to choose from!

Justin enjoying the atmosphere while we wait for food

Yes I am wearing a sweatshirt and t-shirt in July, it was 60 degrees!

Justin looking at a flyer

They have a cute little dinner feel

Lots of local Grayslake support!

We were at the Elvis table

The small Garlic fries and Hillbilly fries

Double D for Justin

Bring on the Double D

Well hello A-Rod

After dinner we went and got Guido some kitty treats as he does not like Tobi's and some cat grass. Then we did some produce shopping at Garden Fresh Market.

 

Someone found his grass in the bag

Yup this just happened, we go Gelato! Made in Chicago too!

And the cats are out!

 

Sunday I decided to go outside for a run since it was only 67 outside. I got about 2.7 miles then was pretty much done.

 

I then went to GNC to pick up some Chia seeds and some protein drinks. Afterward we just hung out some more, Justin was working. For dinner we made Tacos, a black bean side, refried beans, and rice.

 

Love me some Sprechers!

 We watched Sharknado which was so bad it was good!

 

Then I finally got around to make the Paula Deen cookies we got months ago. Boy are they good!

Boy did this weekend fly by! How did you spend the weekend?