Thursday, September 29, 2011

Recent Running Related Purchases

I've been on the hunt for good quality running apparel. I'm spending about two to three hours a day working out and I want to find stuff that is durable and cute. I wrote down a list of items that I'll be needing for my upcoming races (yes, I do buy "race outfits" for my longer distance races). For the Baltimore, I wanted to wear a running skirt and a tank, as the weather will allow for it. For the Disney races (the half and the full), I wanted crops or longer length tights and long sleeved shirts. I also need some day to day training shorts, sports bras, etc. 

While in Naples visiting PJ, we swung by the local Lululemon to look for some running crops. I also like Lululemon's stuff because sometimes I'm in a hurry and will go to class in my running attire. They're clothing is really cute and easily transitions from workouts to day-to-day activities.
  • I decided to buy the Run Inspire Crop in Black. They're a little pricey but they fit perfectly (their size 4, which is equivalent to an XS was the perfect length and wasn't too tight). I plan on wearing the crops for the Full Marathon portion of the Goofy and would like to train in them frequently prior to the race. I've also compared the material of this running crop to others, and this is the perfect material. I really don't like running in heavy cotton-based items.
  • I also found the cutest hot pink running skirt- the Run Speed Skirt. I also got the skirt in a size 4, as it was a little longer than the size 2. I plan on wearing the skirt for the Baltimore Half.
  • I also found the perfect black tank that can easily be used for running AND yoga. I got the Cool Racer Back* Mesh Panel in a size 2 (equivalent to an XXS). The tank top is a little on the long side, but still looks cute with the pink running skirt. I plan on wearing the tank for the Baltimore Half. I did try on the sports bras at Lululemon and unfortunately, I think most of them were made with yoga and not running in mind. I like complete non-movement while running.
Over the past weekend, there was a huge sale at the Gap. I ended up buying a pair of running shorts for $9. They're super cute and the perfect length for my 5'1" frame. I wore them during a run this week and I loved them. They don't rub and don't show too much sweat. I'm very surprised that I liked them as much as I did. I would have posted a link, but unfortunately they're not on the website. (side note- they were a bit loose around the legs but the XS is the smallest size)


As I go wearing my new items, I'll make sure to post reviews and pictures :) 


Happy Running!

Updates

Wow! Its been more than three weeks since I last post. Let's just say that the semester swung into full gear immediately. Taking 16 credits (two of those classes require 25+ page papers) was not a great idea, but I love to be busy and productive. Training has also been amazing.

Updates
I have completed every run, but two in the past couple weeks. I have also added yoga and spinning to my workout schedules four times a week. That means that on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (or Thursday) and Friday I am running for at least an hour followed by a yoga/ spinning class. I've been doing this for almost three weeks and I have noticed a significant difference. My recovery time is much faster (to the point that I'm no longer sore after long runs) and my endurance has improved. I really love yoga and with the amount of stress I've built up, the yoga has helped manage the stress.

I have my next 5k this Saturday in Frederick benefiting the Frederick Bar Association. This will be my last 5k prior to the Baltimore Half Marathon.  I'm hoping to improve my last 5k time.

Hopefully I can blog some more this upcoming week with some updates as to the new running clothes I've bought (my old stuff is huge on me), the importance of a strong support system while in law school and in training, and the days leading up to the Baltimore Half. I plan on enjoying the next two weeks of training, as after the Baltimore Half training for the Goofy revs up (can't wait for back to back long runs). 


Monday, September 5, 2011

Second Week of Baltimore Half Marathon Training

Another successful week of Baltimore Half Marathon training! I completed all my runs, even with all the craziness of starting school. I also signed up for a 5K in Frederick, MD for next Sunday. I want to gauge my time improvements and a 5K may be the best way to do so. I'm hoping to complete the 5k in under 28 minutes. Ideally, I would like to complete the 5K in 27 minutes. 

This upcoming week I plan on adding a spin class on Wednesday and Thursday morning. The campus' gym includes fitness classes in our tuition, so I might as well put my tuition money to good use :) 

For my current training plan click here!