Run Jen Run’s Friday Five 5.5.17

What’s up everyone?

I’m back for the fourth installment of #FridayFive where I will be sharing 5 things I’m currently loving…

Anejo Mexican Bistro

Because today is Cinco de Mayo! Its authentic Mexican flavors with a Cape Cod spin easily puts Anejo at the top of my list for best restaurant in Falmouth.  Make sure to order the tableside guac and save room for the fried ice cream!

Physical Therapy

Injuries suck.  Not running sucks.  I’m going crazy but physical therapy works.  Slow progress is frustrating but progress is progress and I’m happy to be getting stronger and a little more pain-free every day.

How Bad Do You Want It by Matt Fitzgerald

It’s been awhile since I read a really good book but my coworker Eric brought this in for me and I’m hooked.  I’ve always struggled with the mental aspect of running and I’ve often let it get the best of me.  This book uses real examples from elite athletes to help readers find and develop their own mental toughness.  From the introduction…  

“Not all endurance athletes are head cases, but given the nature of the sports in which they participate, all endurance athletes face psychological challenges, and all such challenged are either directly or indirectly related to perception of effort.  If racing wasn’t as hard as hell, athletes would not experience moments of self-doubt, or pre-race apprehension, or post-race regret, or mental burnout, or intimidation.  Even most training errors, such as overtraining, originate in the fear of suffering.”

The Spring #ShokzBox

Duh!  BibRave and AfterShokz put together the Spring #ShokzBox filled with the hottest running gear from Orange Mud, Knuckle Lights, Buff and Brilliant Reflective and I’m obsessed.  I got a sneak peak through an opportunity from BibRave and I’m looking forward to spreading the love and gifting it to my dad.  Priced at $199 (a $285 value), the Spring #ShokzBox is only available from 5/1-5/14 and quantities are limited.  Check it out here: http://shokzbox.aftershokz.com/

Marshawn Lynch

Oh. Em. Gee.  I can’t get enough!  Arguably one of my favorite players ever in the NFL, Beast Mode is also the ugliest dude in the NFL but I LOVE HIM.  I am so excited to see him in an Raiders uniform because he is really really really from Oakland doe.

From @NFL

That’s all for today.  Check back on the first Friday of every month for 5 more of my favorite things!

Run Jen Run’s Friday Five 4.7.17

What’s up everyone?

I’m back for the third installment of #FridayFive where I will be sharing 5 things I’m currently loving…

 

Cycling Shoes

After four years of teaching spin and convincing my students to buy them, I finally got my own pair of clip in cycling shoes!  It took a little while to get the hang of clipping in and out but I am loving the feel and the difference they made for my ride.  Think: stronger, faster, more power!

Side Steps with Resistance Bands

Many problems in running come from the hips so it’s important to include some good hip, glute and core work to keep your hips stable and strong.  There are many exercises you can do with resistance bands but the side steps are a killer.  Perform it two ways: standing up tall and in a squat position.

 

#NormaTecAndChill

This should be no surprise.  The NormaTec became my favorite recovery technique throughout Miami Marathon training.  Its unique dynamic compression starts in the feet and works its way up massaging your entire leg leaving you feeling fresh after just 20 minutes.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Sport Active Set

I received the Eagle Creek Pack-It Sport Active Set to test and review for BibRave.  The set comes with a Fitness Locker and a Shoe Locker “to contain all your post-workout sweaty gear and keep it separate from all your clean stuff.”  This is one of those things that I never knew I was missing until I owned it.  I always bring so much stuff back and forth to work since I am teaching classes, showering after class, running after work, swimming etc. and this keeps everything organized.  With the BibRave discount, I am hoping to buy more so I can color code by activity…
Stay tuned for the full review coming soon!

The BibRave Podcast

Do you listen to podcasts?  I don’t.  Well I didn’t until BibRave started one.  It’s been cool to hear the voices behind BibRave and get to know Julia, Tim and sometimes Jessica.  I’ll admit – at first I wasn’t sure what all the hype was but as of late it’s become my normal Friday afternoon listening while I get my housework done.  What podcasts do you listen to?  They sure make chores a little more enjoyable… if only Tim and Julia could hear me when I talk back to them…

That’s all for today.  Check back on the first Friday of every month for 5 more of my favorite things!

Run Jen Run's Friday Five 3.3.17

What’s up everyone?

I’m back for the second installment of #FridayFive where I will be sharing 5 things I’m currently loving…

Balega

So I mentioned a few Weekly Roundups ago that I was selected as a 2017 brand ambassador for Balega.  Balega has always been my go to sock brand but I always ended up buying from the Hidden Comfort line.  Our Impi welcome package was filled with 8 different pairs of socks—and I am falling more and more in love with the brand with each and every pair of socks I try on.  From the pretty colors of the Hidden Contour and Enduro No Show to the warmth of the Blister Resist No Show (shown in pic), each sock has a new purpose for me and I love them all!

New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v2

The Zante v2 is my current favorite running shoe and they carried me 26.2 miles through the streets of Miami.  Mega comfort—they are supportive enough for a long run but so lightweight that they make a great racing shoe.  The v3 just dropped and I can’t wait to try them next.

Rock Tape

Do you get injured a lot like I do?  Have you ever used Rock Tape?  There are many uses for Rock Tape including support and assisting movement along with increasing the blood flow to the area to decrease pain and swelling.  There are also a lot of great YouTube videos on how to apply it if you aren’t lucky enough to be surrounded by Physical Therapists all day like I am.  Give it a try.  It’s seriously a miracle workout.

Fitbit

I’ve had my Fitbit for so long I was starting to get sick of it.  I had plans to retire it after Miami Marathon training but now I am totally obsessed with it.  So what happened?  Two of my coworkers got a Fitbit and I am way too competitive to sit back and let them talk about their stats.  We’ve been counting calories, upping our water intake and challenging each other to the Weekend Warrior and Work Week Hustles.

TRX Suspended Lunges

I love this advanced TRX exercise that is great for runners!  It challenges your balance while strengthening the quads, glutes and hamstrings.

That’s all for this month.  Check back on the first Friday of every month for 5 more of my favorite things!

Run Jen Run’s Friday Five 2.3.17

What’s up everyone? 

It’s my first ever #FridayFive blog post where I will be sharing 5 things I’m currently loving…

Miami Marathon

I’m totally riding on marathon high right now and the Miami Marathon will forever hold a special place in my heart. I ran a 20 minute PR, qualified for Boston and had an unforgettable race weekend experience with Kristen and her family.  Great race, beautiful course and I totally recommend adding it your race bucket list.

Sarah Marie Design Studio Marathoner Sweatshirt

This was actually a Christmas present from my parents. I was a marathoner before Miami but I wouldn’t let myself wear this until I got to that Miami Marathon finish line. Sarah Marie Design Studio makes some awesome products and this sweatshirt is super soft and cozy.

Legend Compression Leg Sleeves

Have I told you lately that I love compression? Pants, sleeves, socks—you name it, I got it. I’ve been testing the Legend Compression brand for BibRave and love the bright blue color I was sent along with the comfort and ease of pulling the sleeves on and off.

I’d Rather Be With My Dog Vintage Pom Beanie

This isn’t my first “I’d Rather Be With My Dog” item but it’s one of my favorites. I believe pom poms are a must on winter hats and a portion of every purchase is donated to help find a cure for canine cancer!

Stunt Puppy Stunt Runner

A hands-free leash is a game changer when running with your dog! Not only do I now have two free hands to take pictures and carry 💩 bags, I am not compromising my own running form. I was originally worried that Georgie’s strength would pull me off my feet but I actually feel more in control with the leash strapped around my waist. The Stunt Runner also features a traffic loop to hold G close when we cross the street or approach other dogs.

Check back on the first Friday of every month for 5 more of my favorite things!