Running Gear: 2013

Alex Meyer running 14 Comments

Happy Wednesday! How’s your morning (or afternoon, or evening, depending on when you’re reading this) going? Normally on Wednesdays, I participate in What I Ate Wednesday. But you know what? I didn’t eat too many exciting things this week. I had the same dinner three nights in a row. And then take-out. Woohoo!

Although, on Friday, I did have some pretty freaking tasty soup that my mom made. It was called Crazy Bean Soup, but I affectionately termed it KUH-RAZY Bean Soup, because I liked it so much. If I can wrangle that one out of her hands, I’ll share it with you all, as well.

Anyways.

Now that we’re kicking of training for my first half of the year, I thought it would be fun to share with you my current running essentials. I’ve gotten into a bit of a groove with what I like, finally, and I want to share! Especially since I know that all you other runners love some new gear ideas, right?

This is in no way a sponsored post – although if you happen to find it and I’m wearing your brand, I wouldn’t hate to represent any of you. You hear that, Brooks Running?

1. My first Nike T-Shirt
   Although I’ve oooo’ed and aaaah’d over several Nike shirts, I’ve never bit the bullet to pay the money for them. I love the designs, but I usually don’t fork over the cash. Fran, whom I met on Twitter and blogs at From Fran to Flash, Instagrammed picking up this shirt at her local Nike Outlet. I immediately claimed my jealousy as I had blogged about that very shirt; and she very generously offered to mail me one! Can you believe how nice she is? So this is definitely my favorite new shirt for races this year. I love a good running joke .
2. Brooks PureFlow 2 Running Shoes
   I went and got ‘fitted’ for these once my first pair of shoes finally bit the dust in December. I was running in Asics, which worked great for me, but weren’t necessarily the best shoes for my particular feet. I went to Kyle’s Bike’s in Ankeny, Iowa, which carries a slew of gear for triathletes (which is how the running comes in). Bill put me on a treadmill and watched me run, and then took a look at the treads on my old shoes. Then, he pulled out one pair at a time so I could try on his recommendation, and give it a go on the treadmill. I was pretty torn between these and some Saucony ones which were equally as light, but decided these just felt a little bit better. They’re so LIGHT compared to my Asics. Holy cow! I feel like I’m flying, and can’t wait to see how they help improve my time.
3. Yurbuds
   Ever since hearing (get it? ‘hearing’?) about these ear buds, I wanted some badly. Lucky for me, when I got a KLUTCHclub Best-of Box to review, they were inside! I love them just as much as I thought I would, and would easily purchase a pair if I lost these. They fit so comfortably, but also tightly, and I never have to mess with them like I did my old Skullcandy over-ear buds. I love them! I know I said that already. But I really, really do.
4. EnergyBits
   I first tried a sample of EnergyBits back in November, when I ran the Living History Farms Off Roach Race. I really liked the feeling of sustained energy I got. It’s really not even an ‘energy’ boost, as much as it just helps you maintain. Does that make sense? I didn’t purchase a full bag until this past month, but I’m loving completing my workouts with them. Even when I’m tired at the end of the day, they help me to push through and get a great workout or run in. I really want to write a full-out review soon for you to explain the full benefits that EnergyBits offer, so keep a look out!
5. Sporty Sunglasses
   I haven’t had a ‘real’ pair of sports sunglasses since I started racing. I just really hadn’t gotten around to getting any. Although I knew I was tempting fate by continuing to run in my ‘nice’ sunglasses (I mean, they’re from Target, after all), I wore them anyway. My eyes are super sensitive to the sun, so I really needed to. My awesome boyfriend bought me a pair of sports ones for our anniversary, and they’re great! They hug my head, don’t slip, and protect my eyes really well. I know they’ll be great for races this year.