New Gear: Asics Cumulus 18s and Old Navy Compression Shorts

07. July 2016 · 2 comments · Categories: running, running gear · Tags: , , , ,

Hi there.

We’re in the midst of a heatwave here in NY and NJ. Temps in the 90s will be hanging around until Sunday when I think we’ll get a break. I love my 2015 Subaru Forester but I have to say that the air conditioning leaves a lot to be desired. #firstworldproblems

But today’s sky was filled with so many puffy clouds. I love to take pics of them and then draw little animal characters out of them.

IMG_4172 IMG_4173

So on Monday I did exactly what I set out to do. I ran a few miles and then hit up Road Runner Sports for my new Asics Cumulus 18s.

4 miles for the 4th of July

4 miles for the 4th of July

Asics Cumulus 18s

Asics Cumulus 18s

It was love at first feel. I ended up getting a half size larger than normal at the suggestion of the woman helping me. I normally get a size 8 but I went with the 8.5 and after tonight’s run I am sure I made the right decision. I guess in the summer your feet can expand. The 8s always fit but sometimes they felt a little snug in the summer.

IMG_4206

IMG_4210

86 degrees at 9:20pm!

IMG_4212I’ve never had such loud colored laces before and I have to say I am digging them. I felt more visible while running after dark and something about dayglow orange just makes me happy. I ended up getting them for $95 which is about $25 less than suggested retail price so that makes me happy too.IMG_4201

Speaking of great prices, I popped into Old Navy on a whim and scored these nice long compression shorts for just $15!IMG_4223

a better close up of the detail black on black pattern

a better close up of the detail black on black pattern

They have a small pocket on the waist that I like and they feel really comfy. I hope they’ll hold up for a while.

And now I’m foam rolling and icing and Duncan is enjoying the couch.

Couch surfer

Couch surfer

Foam rolling

Foam rolling

What is your favorite sneaker to run in? Is it hot where you are at the moment? Do you ever score cheap running gear?

Related posts:

  1. Hey hey hey today was the Queens 10k
  2. 60 degrees in December
  3. testing out new shoes and a twisted knee in my sleep

Friday Favorites

22. April 2016 · 3 comments · Categories: labradoodle, running, running gear, Uncategorized · Tags: , , ,

Sometimes I just can’t be creative with my post titles. So, here are some Friday Favorites:

  1. Inspirational: You must read about these 7 inspirational Boston Marathon stories. That Jeff Bauman and his wife…..they are my heroes!
  2. Happy Chicken: I ran 4 miles Wednesday and was so happy about my decision to chicken out of my NJ Marathon goals because I was struggling so much that I most definitely would have been grouchy had I been trying to keep a certain pace. I think I ran too soon after a big meal and after today’s run I also think the seasonal allergies are getting to me.wed-run
  3. Capris: Yep, I ran again yesterday.
    Testing out the Saucony Bullet capris

    Testing out the Saucony Bullet capris

    The sole purpose was to give my new running capris a test. I went ahead with the Saucony Bullet capri recco (Thanks Steph!) and they fit great! They didn’t budge one bit. And I LOVE the side mesh pockets that are big enough to hold my iPhone 6 and fuel. I might be able to lose the spi-belt for races if I wear these. The only issue is that I sweat so much. I’ll have to get a waterproof case for my phone. In the 3 miles I ran with it the camera lens got all wet since it’s the only part of the side of the phone facing my thigh that isn’t protected by the case. But the phone stayed put and I didn’t even feel it. I picked the pattern over solid because I saw a review that said if you sweat a lot it will look like you peed yourself. LOL. I have to say the pattern does a great job of masking that.

    Photo on 4-21-16 at 5.08 PM

    This big iPhone 6 fits in the pocket.

    Photo on 4-21-16 at 5.09 PM

    Ta-dah!

  4. Freshly Groomed: Duncan went to the groomer and upon returning home exhausted he grabbed his corn on the cob toy and proceeded to take it to bed for an afternoon siesta. I love how he picked a color coordinating toy.

    sleeps with yellow things

    sleeps with yellow things

  5. Seeing Duncan’s Pal: Before the groomer we walked at the park and bumped into Chance, the boxer, Duncan’s pal. We haven’t seen Chance in at least 6 months and I think his tongue grew a few inches.

    This is Chance and his ridiculous tongue

    This is Chance and his ridiculous tongue

  6. Talking About Running: I was interviewed for a podcast series this week and it should be out next week. I’ll share all the details as soon as I get them. Stay tuned! Spoiler alert: I admit to wanting to run another 5 half marathons in 5 days in 5 states like I did at the Center of the Nation Series.
  7. Honeysuckles: They’re starting to come out—earlier than usual—but I’m not complaining.IMG_2538
  8. Sunsets: Especially when the create a glowing doodle tail.
    he's glowing

    he’s glowing

    What are your Friday Favorites?

Related posts:

  1. a day in the life and another night with those fireflies
  2. 60 degrees in December
  3. testing out new shoes and a twisted knee in my sleep

Long runs and long legs

16. April 2016 · 6 comments · Categories: running, running gear, Uncategorized · Tags: , , ,

I ran 10 miles yesterday afternoon.

FullSizeRender Sometimes it just makes sense to get the long run out of the way on a Friday so the weekend can be uninterrupted. I’m lucky to have the flexibility in my schedule right now. And today while Mr. SOTSS is getting his long run in, I’ll be chilling back at the house with his 10-year old. Teamwork!

I didn’t have it in me to do a long run in the neighborhood again so I took it to the beach and ran along the pretty trails alongside the ocean and through other parts of the national park area.

I love living on a coast.

I love living on a coast.

quiet, secret trails

quiet, secret trails

The weather was gorgeous. Bright blue skies and about 59 degrees. I started out a little too fast for a long run but it caught up with me. I did however bust out my fastest mile in the last mile for the win!splits

And here’s a great shot AND an outtake from my timer-camera pit-stop about midway into the run.

successful timer-camera action (and when do i retire this shirt? I've been wearing it for 3 years now! I get so attached to my marathon finisher's shirts)

successful timer-camera action (and when do i retire this shirt? I’ve been wearing it for 3 years now! I get so attached to my marathon finisher’s shirts)

Unsuccessful timer-camera shot. LOL!

Unsuccessful timer-camera shot. LOL!

And no, unfortunately (or fortunately) I’m not the one with the long legs….Duncan is:IMG_2429

I need your help.

My running capris are getting really worn and I’m going to have to replace them soon. The ones in the pics above are not made anymore. They were the Brooks Essential Capri. Who’s got suggestions for good running capris?

  1. They need to stay up,
  2. not unravel along the seams,
  3. have a zipper pocket in the back,
  4. be closer to compression gear but not that tight and not come too far below my knee.

What’s the weather like by you this weekend? Ever do your long run on a Friday?

Related posts:

  1. Bring on the Rain and a Hamstrain
  2. My goals for the NYC Marathon
  3. Ragnar Napa CHECK! Sleeping is overrated

A fresh start and some song lyrics

22. November 2015 · 5 comments · Categories: running, running gear, sweet treats, Uncategorized · Tags: , , , , , ,

After the NYC Marathon 3 weeks ago I tossed my iPod and earbuds (with the missing ear piece) and Garmin into a drawer. Luckily for me there was enough battery power left in both because yesterday I WENT FOR A RUN! No set pace or distance to follow. Only requirements were to enjoy my tunes and feel the sunshine and brisk air on my face.

garmin-3miles

dorky pose to start the run

dorky running pose

When I came back I stretched my back and hamstrings which have been very tight lately.

Always keeping me company

Always keeping me company

There’s this song I’ve been obsessed with lately. Heard it on yesterday’s run. It’s called Catch and Release by Matt Simons. The lyrics sort of remind me of my connection to running. My special place to “release what builds up throughout the day”. Ironically trying to draft this post has created so much stress thanks to some weird “http error” stuff when trying to upload images I’m headed back out shortly for another run and hoping that I get to hear the song again. =) #prayingtotheshufflegods

 

Oh, and remember i mentioned that my Keurig died? Well I have a new one thanks to my awesome sister.

2.0!

2.0!

And remember my struggle with those Brooks Ghosts that I sadly had to return? Well last night Mr. SOTSS and I went outlet mall shopping and there was an Asics outlet and they had the Asics Cumulus 16’s…..in my size!!!!! I literally couldn’t even find them online anymore (well I had ordered one pair in a different color scheme but they were too small even though they said there were size 8 so I had to return them). I’m so stoked. This will give me a good 6 months before I’ll need to find a new model to work with my particular and wonky feet.

newkicks

Best feeling in the world to be reunited with my favorite kicks

old next to the new! I can thank the Beat the Blerch trail half marathon for the old ones looking so ratty

old next to the new! I can thank the Beat the Blerch trail half marathon for the old ones looking so ratty

I felt like Cinderella trying on her glass slipper. Fit like a glove. The night got even better when we came home to watch a movie and indulge in some decadence via ice cream, cookies and vino.

Best ice cream flavor I've tried in a while. And I went with Sterling merlot. I went to their vineyard in Napa a few years back and was feeling nostalgic =)

Best ice cream flavor I’ve tried in a while. And I went with Sterling merlot. I went to their vineyard in Napa a few years back and was feeling nostalgic =)

OK, well I’m off now to go for another run with no requirements. YIPPEEE! LOVE THE OFF SEASON!!!

Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend. And big shout out to Mr. SOTSS’ two daughters who are minutes away from starting their Girls on the Run 5k. Good luck girls! Have a great run!!!!

Related posts:

  1. 60 degrees in December
  2. testing out new shoes and a twisted knee in my sleep
  3. Traffic and podcasts and one weekday run
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