Winter Running Favorites

I think everyone has written this post but figured why not give my two cents! I have invested in the pieces and am running 30ish miles a week outside and loving it so why not share what has benefited me?! I have not wussed out from any weather conditions yet and am actually embracing winter to the fullest.

Case and point.

First I will say that I have come to love a new to me brand. Just like I had an epiphany finally trying Lululemon last year and falling in love with shorts/tanks/sports bras; the same happened for winter running with Athleta. 

It all began with the hunt for tights that had side pockets. The speed tight from lulu had poor reviews (which I thought I would wind up with since I am obsessed with the speed track short) but I wasn't sold on shelling out that money for a product that people were trashing the quality and sustainability of. 

Which lead me to Athleta. The only issue that I have with them is that their clothing sizes kind of throw me off. I find their tights are bigger and some tops smaller - where the necessity to figure out which is which is kind of annoying. Luckily the quality of their items and the fact that they deliver on performance outweigh that. 

Powerlift Tight 2.0 - these are WARM (I have both black and gray below). I've only actually worn them a couple times because winter has been fairly mild - but they should be of use in Iceland in a couple weeks as well! Fleece, wicking, zip pocket, wore them in a snow storm and they did splendidly. Note these are snugger though but I was still good with a medium.

Rock Springs Vest - not bulky, zoned insulation, great side pockets and wind resistent equals a great piece. I don't like to run in jackets and vests are my jam - I have gotten a LOT of use out of this one! I sized up to a large for some extra room.

Fastest Track top - have bought a bunch of these in both long and SHOCK short sleeve. The material is so lush and it is made with "stink proof" technology (which seriously works! I gave it a very good go with two runs before washing to test and it was fine - and I am a sweaty person)

Run With Me Ear Warmer II - lulu did have to make an appearance! Love this headband.

Run With Me Gloves - tech friendly, they have a snap so you don't love one and keep the pair together, plus my hands always feel "itchy" in gloves when running and do not in these 

So there you have it, head to toe, the gear that is keeping me warm for 5 runs a week this winter! Bonus - end of season is happening so especially the Athleta stuff, is on sale. I have to stop myself from purchasing anything new! 

Treat Yourself Tuesday #4

In an effort to post something OTHER than just training updates...I thought I would link up with Becky yet again for another TYT!!! 

I have been making a VERY serious effort to put a lot more money in savings a lot less money into ME. I have two of my best friends weddings this fall, one of which I am a bridesmaid and practically every weekend have a baby shower, baptism, wedding shower, engagement...you get the picture. So a lot of money has been being spent (obviously all for good!) but still am managing to treat myself :) 

I think one of the best was heading back home to my parents. They are back from Florida for the summer (hello #snowbirds...) and have a house on the Jersey shore where we spent our summers and then one in Warren, NJ. I went back to Warren for some R&R and it was so needed! And seriously...I hadn't been there in almost 2 years (usually at the beach house when they are home) and isn't this just GORGEOUS!

Obviously there has also been some major World Cup fever going on - and I spent as much time as possible enjoying it! With some adult beverages to go along #obviously. I love the game (former soccer player) and also love getting behind the USA! Soccer was big at my college (University of Maryland) and we have a great representation on the national level so a lot of pride all around. 

I also had the UNFORTUNATE necessity of having to spend another impromptu evening away from home...which resulted in needing to purchase some workout gear. I must say I am really a fan of Old Navy for their active gear. Especially their tanks with built in bras! Love the back of the gray tank - yes that is a bra attached (and yes I get that only flies for us ladies with not huge chests). 

But the prize this week has to be my new pair of Nike shorts (this short is my favorite I think I own 5-6 pairs). Umm that pattern. Swoon. I went to pick up my 5K race bib and couldn't help myself! These are everything. And here's hoping they make me run fast.

And since it is hotter than hot and humid outside, I have heard watermelon juice is fantastic for recover (oh and DELICIOUS) so I have been guzzling this stuff - and its not too much of a burden that Juice Press delivers for free. #willrunforjuice

Overall a great week! Cheers to treating yourself!!!!

Letting Loose

3 day weekend FTW! (which I didn't know about until Thurday night, which makes it even more special).

And thus far it has been quite the fun little weekend!

Friday night had a fun time catching up with a friend I hadn't seen in a while at one of my favorite places right around the corner from me: Zack's. It is a really cute little place just a few blocks from me and has been a stand by for casual dates/meet ups.

Saturday let myself sleep in (9am rebel here) and then it was off for a quick few miles.

My new Mizuno Wave Creation's (13's again not upgrading until the next round) FINALLY arrived at Fleet Feet so it felt good to have a fresh pair and logging some miles on them before the marathon. I am in love with this shoe. But man they get pricey and I go through them so quick even though I only use them for longish runs (usually over an hour). I have several other sneaks I use depending on workout type.

We are going to own 26.2 like a boss.

Easy peasy.

Then I had something that changed my life. And no, this is not dramatic.



Breakfast of champions. And yes laziness is putting the pb straight on the banana. The banana was delicious but the real star is below...

This is a gift from the God's. Mind blown. Amazing.

I have seen this around and do not know why I didn't buy it earlier. Oh wait, I do know. I have NO control with nut butters and this sounded too good to be true. And the verdict is it is amazeballs. I am drooling thinking about it.

It was then off for another Zog's football game! I am so happy that I joined up with this team. First they are awesome and second it's a lot of fun! Still not 100% sure what I am doing other than running around a lot; but I am good at running around so hey it's something!

Gorgeous day and beautiful new turf field. So fancy.

After our game, we headed out to the bar - mind you it was noon - and it was all down hill from that point on.

The next (few) hours were spent playing flip cup, beer pong and cornhole - and having a dance party.

Note to self: a banana is not going to be the best food choice to drink on. Eat more next time.

I also love that Zogs makes me feel like I am in college once again. Helping adults make bad decisions!

Woo!

It was a lot of fun to go out and be social, the team is a lot of fun and it's all about balance right? I have been so strict with myself during this training cycle but at this point I still have a few runs but I'm just ready for the marathon and they are all run easy.

Now I am going to spend a lot of time resting and relaxing.

Or going out to watch football...I mean it is a 3 day weekend after all!

Happy long weekend...to those that have it!