Summer Daily Run Essentials

I started getting into running this January when I was training for the Washington DC Rock & Roll Half Marathon. There were so many issues I was having on my runs since I wasn’t too familiar with the sport! Through lots of trial and error I have found some holy grails products. These products helped me solve things ranging from a running hangover to chaffing.

Products:

• Bodyglide: For my friends with larger thighs running during the summer in shorts means chaffing season. I use this on my thighs before I leave my house to prevent that from happening! BodyGlide Skin Glide Anti-Friction Cream, 1.60oz (USA Sale Only)
• Bluetooth Headphones: Being able to run cordless has been so nice! Depending on the day I switch between my Jabra Headphones & my Apple Headphones. Jabra Elite 75t Earbuds – True Wireless Earbuds with Charging Case, Titanium Black – Bluetooth Earbuds with a More Comfortable, Secure Fit, Long Battery Life and Great Sound Quality OR Apple AirPods with Wired Charging Case
• Elite Sports Bra: As someone with a large chest, a good sports bra is hard to find. This is the only bra I will run in and I own 7 of them! I know that it is a bit pricey, but every season the seasonal colors go on sale! https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-sports-bras/Enlite-Bra/_/prod8555508?color=0001
• Flipbelt: If you take anything away from this post, it is that you should buy this belt! I use it to carry everything with me on my runs and walks. I place my phone, keys, gels, and a small water bottle in it. This is the best running belt I have used! FlipBelt Level Terrain Waist Pouch, Medium, Black
• Handheld Water Bottle: Running in the summer is HARD. I can’t run more than 2 miles without drinking water! Per recommendation from my local running store, I decided to buy a handheld water bottle. I thought I would be annoyed with having something in my hand, but this is super nice because you do not need to grip the bottle. Nathan Insulated Handheld Flask. SpeedShot-Plus. GRIP .ime Electrolyte Enhanced Drink Tablets(3-Pack of 10 Tablets) Black Sport Band
• Huma Gel: These are the only running gels I am able to stomach on a run! I only take them on runs that are going to be longer than an hour, so I am able to refuel. My favorite flavors are strawberry, lemonade, and apples and cinnamon. Huma Chia Energy Gel, Variety Pack, 12 Gels – Premier Sports Nutrition for Endurance Exercise – 8 Flavors.
• Brooks Running Shoes: Running shoes that fit your stride are essential!! I highly recommend going to your local running store and getting fitted for the perfect shoe. They told me that I needed a stability shoe and recommended the Brooks Adrenaline. I love them so much, that I’ve bought three pairs! https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/adrenaline-gts-20-womens-road-running-shoe/120296.html
• Foam Roller: Your recovery is just as important as your run. Incorporating foam rolling into my stretching routine changed the game for me. It decreased how sore I was feeling the next day. Before foam rolling, I could not run two days back to back, because my body would be so sore the next day. TriggerPoint Grid Foam Roller with Free Online Instructional Videos, Original (13-Inch), Black
• Nuun: Hydration before and after your run is just as important as during your run. After my daily runs I pop one of the Nuun tabs into my bottle of water! This has helped me replenish my electrolytes and has much less sugar than Gatorade! My favorite flavors are Strawberry Lemonade, Lemon Lime, and Wild Berry. Nuun Lemon Lime Electrolyte Enhanced Drink Tablets(3-Pack of 10 Tablets)
• Apple Watch: I love this watch for so many reasons. I am such a numbers person that I like seeing my data from runs and watching how it changes over time. My favorite things to pay attention to are the distance, average mile pace, and the running mile pace! Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS, 38mm) – Space Gray Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band