A new love...and an old flame.

So while in VB, I stopped by Trader Joe's a couple times and stocked up on Barbara's Bakery Puffins because I had read so much about them in the blogs I follow. I am a cereal girl (I can eat cereal any time of the day), so I knew the 4 boxes I picked up would not go to waste.

The Puffins are 100% natural...I'm gonna make my kids eat this stuff for breakfasts and snacks too!
And they're not skimpy...oh, and they are ono!

I noticed that Publix carried them as well, and not for much more than in VB, so I can replenish my stock when I run out. :)

So I've decided to take up running again...its been a month since I've run and this time, I'm taking my runs outdoors. I am typically a treadmill runner mainly because pushing a double jogger on a daily basis is brutal...oh, who am I kidding?! I don't run outside because I am scared of what others think of me. There. I said it. I'm scared they're going to be thinking, "Oh check out the fat girl running," or "Look, she's going to have a heart attack." :P Stupid right? Anyway, running on a treadmill is b o r i n g. I think that's the main reason I can't go longer than 30 minutes. So I am challenging myself to take the runs outside...with the weather cooling down, and Noah in school 5x a week, I only have to put Caleb in the single jogger, outdoor runs should be feasible. Oh and I totally stole my Garmin 350 back from BD. :p LOL. Poor guy. I gave it to him a couple months ago because I wasn't using it, now I'm taking it back. :) Of course he doesn't mind...or at least that's what he told me. :)
The trend in the Blogoshere has been to name one's Garmin, so this time around I think I'll do that...any suggestions?! :)

I have a confession.

Babydaddy got me the Garmin Forerunner 305 for Mother's Day after I moaned and groaned for months about not being able to see my progress on my outdoor runs and how it was a great training tool, and blah blah blah. Really, I wanted the cool new techy gadgety thing because I thought it would make me look like a runner. Well, I have managed to use it less than 10 times; really, I've used it like 4 times. Seriously. I finally told Babydaddy to take it because he is more of a runner than I am (by 1000%) and does all his running outdoors. He took it on an inaugural run yesterday on base and was superstoked with it. I'm glad its going to a good home. I know Babydaddy will make great use of all its functions...he's totally motivated to up his mileage now. :)

Now that Garmin, Sr. has gone to someone who could treat it better than I ever could, I would still like a running watch that tracks my heartrate, as well as my mileage when I do start running outdoors again (its too hot in FL right now!). I don't need the GPS function, just something that could give me a fairly accurate estimate of miles ran, and something that doesn't break the bank so I won't feel guilty if I only use it several times a week. I researched and found that Garmin makes a heart rate monitor that tracks mileage with a footpod, so it could be used indoors and outdoors...that and its less than $80! The Garmin Forerunner 50 seems to be right up my alley. The reviews state that calibrating the foot pod could be annoying as well as a tad bit inaccurate, but I won't fuss over a .1 mile inaccuracy. Its all good to me. I like how I can it wear indoors and outdoors and that it tracks heart rate, calories, and distance. I don't need all the other high-tech stuff. I haven't purchased it yet, but I just might...$75 is too good to pass up!

You knew I wouldn't be able to resist!

Look at what the UPS man brought me! :) My new PINK Asics Gel Kayanos came in today and I can't wait to put some miles on them. :) Woohoo!

Roadrunner Sports

Roadrunnersports.com has the pink Asics Gel Kayano 15s on sale for $122.21 until June 1st. Pair that with the $20 off $75 or more coupon code PEB90128 (good until June 1st) AND free shipping, you can get quite the deal. So if you're in the market from some new running shoes, click on over to Roadrunner Sports. :)

PINK Kayanos?!

O M G. I covet.

I am a convert.

I wore a running skirt and ran in it for the first time today! I've had the Hind PE skort for awhile now, but have been scared to wear it...plus when I first tried it on (back in January, at the start of my weightloss and fitness journey) it was not pretty. :P

Well, this morning, on a whim, I pulled it out, put it on and didn't think it looked awful. It was actually really comfortable! And running in it...this might sound funny...but I felt powerful, and feminine, and I loved the swish movements of the skirt. I am definitely a convert.

I searched online for another one of these wonderful skorts and found one...a blue one for under $13! Of course, I snatched it up... :)

FYI, Sierra Trading Post has lots of nice Moving Comfort skirts and Skirt Sports skirts for a fraction of the price elsewhere, so I suggest you get thee to Sierra Trading Post for some online shopping! :)

Gear...reviews.

So in my running quest, I have tried out some new products to make my runs more "comfortable." This post will be dedicated to the review of those products...

Skullcandy Smokin' Earbuds...

I had to say good-bye to my Philips over-the-ear headphones because they were slipping out of my ears during my runs...I think it may have had to do with the excessive sweating I was doing...or maybe my ears lost weight?! :P Whatever the case, I needed something new. I looked at the Bose earbuds but couldn't bring myself to spend more on earbuds than on my iPod shuffle, plus I personally think NO earphones can be SO great that they need to be priced at a $100. So I picked up some Skullcandy Smokin' Earbuds on sale at TJMaxx...I think I spent less than $10 on them?! Anyhow, they came with 3 different sized buds and the smallest ones worked for me...they're awesome! I've been wearing them while training and during my 5K and they didn't come out once. Wonderful product. :)

Apple iPod Shuffle, 2nd generation

I had been using an iPod Nano 3rd generation and felt it was a little bulky while I was running. I couldn't figure out a way to wear it comfortablly while still being able to adjust the controls AND run at the same time. Although I loved being able to dump my songs into playlists, and I loved the big screen of the Nano, I needed something less bulky while running, so Mike and I each picked up a Shuffle; not the newest version, but the 2nd generation Shuffle, the one that clips onto your shirt or pants. I loooooooooooove it! Its so little, and it can clip onto my pants and I don't even know its there. Its a great, no-frills MP3 player, and very convenient for cardio exercise.

Bondi Bands

I will admit, I haven't worn these yet to run in, but I have tried them on, and I don't think these will stay secure on my head! They're made of a silky (polyester?) material that just feels like they slip right off as soon as I break into a run. Maybe I'll try them on an easy run, but for now, I am not a big fan. :P

SPIbelt (Small Personal Item belt)

Ok...I adore this product! I wore it during my 5K so that I could keep my Blackberry with me and I didn't feel it AT ALL. I think this item is a must-have for all runners. :)

Bondi Bands.

I have heard great things about these suckers and decided to put an order in for some. They're a little pricey for a headband ($8) but after some Googling, I found 2 coupons that are redeemable through their online store...

BUY 3 Get 1 FREE, coupon code: ONE
FIVE for $25, coupon code: FIVE
Enter coupon code in "Enter Redeem Code" box on the payment page during checkout
They also have a GET FIT 2009 special going on right now too, so check that out.

Bondi Bands

Its no Garmin...

but it gets the job done! AND it was soooooooooooo super affordable, how could I pass it up?

What am I talking about? The Reebok Precision Trainer XT Heart Rate Monitor
with Chest Strap. I got the recommendation from the dailymile.com and liked how it synced up wirelessly with Polar-enabled cardio machines at the gym. I was wondering how the super- fast- girl- that- can- run- for- hours had her heartrate up on the treadmill while she was running...she must have a nifty gadget with the same specification. :) Like I said, its no Garmin, but I'm still quite excited about it. :)

Reebok Precision Trainer XT Heart Rate Monitor
with Chest Strap Specifications

*Fast, easy, and accurate heart rate monitor
*Transmitter belt is used to count your heartbeat and transmit the data to the watch or other compatible device
*Works with all Polar compatible exercise equipment
*Most treadmills and stationary bikes that utilize wireless heart rate technology are able to pick up the signals from the chest strap and monitor your heart rate without the watch
*Heart rate transmitter and watch have a maximum transmission range of about 62.5 centimeters or 25 inches
*You can wear the watch on your wrist, strap it to a bike, or exercise machine
*User profiles help you keep track of your fitness index, calorie count, and fat burn
*Intelligent training program enables you to complete exercise cycles effectively, the program will monitor your heart rate and allow you to check the calories consumed and the percentage of fat burned
*Time/Date (12 or 24hr)
*Alarm
*Calorie Couter
*% of Max HR
*User Menu
*Personal Profile
*Chronograph
*Hi/Low Alarms
*Timer
*Memory
*Bike Mount
*Water Resistant to 30m

Gel Kayanos, where have you been all my life?!

There isn't a better shoe out there...if you have normal arches, overpronate, and need a stability shoe, spend the extra money and get the Asics Gel Kayanos. I have been wearing Brooks Adrenaline GTSs for 5 years now and I feel cheated! My feet could have been feeling this great, and I could have saved my shins a lot of pain if I had just gone with the Kayanos.

After wearing the Kayanos on my Friday and Saturday runs, the Adrenalines feel like a basic, no frills shoe. A good shoe, but a basic shoe. In comparison the Kayanos are just all-around cushier with a wider toe box; much more luxurious.

My feet have fallen in love...again. :)

Wishlist: running related.

This is merely a wishlist. I probably won't get 95% of what's on this list, but I figure I'd post what I've been coveting... :)

SPIbelt. Its kinda like a fanny-pack, but not?! Its great for those who run outdoors...it can hold your carkeys, cell phone, cash, and other essentials.



Garmin Forerunner 305. I didn't know the wonders of this beauty until KCB mentioned it...and now I totally want one. This nifty little gadget tracks calories burned, heartrate, pace, and gets you back home if you've lost your way.




BOB Ironman Duallie Double Stroller.This one I will probably never get, but a girl can dream right?

Must-haves: running related.

As a newbie to running I have discovered that there are a few things that I have come to rely on to make my runs more comfortable. I'm sure I'll add to this list as I progress more and more into this newfound hobby of mine, but as of now, my running comfort items include:


Ipod Nano 3rd Generation. I cannot run without this thing...music gets me movin'! :)




Philips over the ear hook earbuds. I have been using these for years. In the past 5 years I have replaced them once (I just replaced them last month!)...and at $10 a pop, they're pretty cost efficient. I have tried other headphones and I always come back to these.



Must stay hydrated! :) I have moved away using disposable water bottles and love these 32 oz. wide-mouth Nalgene bottles because they're huge...I don't need to refill while I'm at the gym.



Nike Perfect Fit capri pants. I love their fit, and I swear they make me run longer. :) Love them so much I have 2 pair.




Champion shiny sports bra. Its not really shiny, but very supportive. For high-impact sports such as running, they really hold the girls in place. :)

I'm cheating on my beloved. Its just not working anymore.

I have had a love affair with Brooks Adrenaline GTS running shoes for 5 years now. I got fitted at Running Etc in Norfolk in 2004 after I had started the Couch to 5K and had knee problems from the pretty New Balances I had purchased based purely on their looks rather than their function. I've gone through a couple models in the Brooks line and have always gone back to my Adrenaline GTSs. They have never given me any problems, my feet loved them. I have noticed that lately though, my shins have been hurting...not sure if its because of the extra weight I'm carrying around nowadays, or because I've been running more, or because I just need a new shoe. Whatever the case, I knew that I needed extra cushioning around my heel...and an all-around "cushier" shoe. I went to an expert who suggested the Asics Gel Kayano 14. They feel like clouds...seriously. I'm excited to take these shoes to the streets and try them out. :)

Gear.

My husband is the best. He came home from work today with some new running glasses and a watch for me! Woohoo! Here are some pics of the cool new toys I got...

Oakley Half-Jackets...they fit nice and snug around the nose; perfect for running. I guess Mike felt sorry for me when he saw me running in my Vera Bradley sunglasses yesterday. LOL.

Timex Ironman Triathalon 50-Lap Sleek digital watch. Its a no-frills running watch with 2 interval timers, 3 alarms, and a training log that stores workouts. No GPS or HRM, but I didn't want anything fancy (not yet anyway), plus I think Mike was tired of me taking his watch on my runs.

My loving hubby is so motivating...he's always coming home with new stuff for my new "hobby." :)