Gear {on the cheap}

I have two favorite places to buy my running gear: Ross (or TJMaxx or any place similar) and RunningWarehouse.com.

RunningWarehouse.com is amazing for a couple reasons. #1 – FREE TWO DAY SHIPPING. This alone is fabulous. Not only is the shipping free, but it’s two day shipping. #2 Free return shipping. I never buy clothing online unless it’s free shipping to and from (or there is a local store where I can return it). RunningWarehouse has me covered. And #3 is a very recent addition but very important 90 Day No Sweat Return Policy. This new policy saved me on a recent pair of shorts I bought. I ran in them twice and spent the entire time pulling them down bc they kept riding up. When they introduced their policy, they backdated it for any purchases in the 90 days prior to the announcement. I e-mailed them and they sent me a UPS free return label and I sent the shorts back. I simply asked for store credit because I know I’ll make another purchase sometime soon anyways. I always look through their clearance gear and find great priced sale items. I told Andy if he bought the garmin off of my birthday wish list to buy it from Running Warehouse. I love them!

My other favorite place is the discount stores like Ross or TJMaxx.  My mom took me for some early birthday shopping and I loaded up on running gear at Ross the other weekend. Everything she bought me was name brand and under $10 – except for one pair of shorts that were $12.99 (and they were the 2 in 1 compression shorts plus regular shorts). The only downside is no returns if you run in something and it doesn’t fit right (unlike RunningWarehouse).

Life(Run) Changer

On Saturday morning I happened upon my 5^th grade teacher, an ultra-runner, speaking in the park to a group on women starting training for a Women’s 4 miler. I stuck around to hear what she had to say and to say hi. She talked a lot about foot care – and beyond just picking the right shoes. One thing she talked about was the importance of not wearing plain cotton socks (dang, I just bought a 12 pack from Costco). This information wasn’t new to me, but she really went on to explain and stress the importance of keeping your feet dry during runs.

Later that day while out shopping, I saw some dry-max socks at Tarje and decided to give them a try. Let me just say, they’ve changed my life already. I gave them a whirl the next morning for my 6 mile run followed by a hike and they were amazing. My feet were actually dry and the socks were extremely comfy. The moment I put them on, I could feel the extra padding. I feared their thickness may be too hot, but they weren’t at all. I bought an inexpensive 4 pack, so I’m sure it can only get better if I upgrade to some nicer brands – but for now, I’m happy… and wanting another pack!

Birthday Wish List

My birthday (July 17) wish list (even tho babe doesn't even read my blog):

Jaybird Freedom Headphones

Because I'm so tired of the wire running from my arm getting tangled.

 

Race Bib Holder

Yeah, so I only have one bib, but this will motivate me to get more!

Forerunner 305 

I love the NikePlus watch but it seems everyone uses this one AND the Nike Plus one works just like my Nike Plus app so maybe I'd like something different.

Nuun

Because I totally want to try these! I drink so much water and this is a healthy way to change it up!

Sport I-20 Armband

This is the most practical and necessary thing on the list! My current one doesn't protect my phone from my sweat and has zero pockets.