Runners Tell All is a monthly linkup hosted by Sunshine to the Square Inch and The Lady Okie that occurs on the 21st of every month. Our goal is to build a community where we can encourage and inspire each other on our running journeys. Each month we offer two co-host options. This allows for us to connect with you, advertise your blog and it also helps fund the monthly giveaways. March's prompt is your favorite running gear and or product. Next month's theme is a bad race or training and what you learned from it. For more details or if you want to be a sponsor please click here.
Favorite Running Gear / Products
Garmin Forerunner - Everyone told me that this would change my running life. "blah, blah, blah", I thought... until I started marathon training. I also gasped when I saw the price! $200? for a watch? Here is what I did. I found it on a different website other than Garmin (seriously, don't buy from Garmin - they are so expensive) and then I asked my family for an early birthday gift so I could have it in time to run my marathon in June.
Why is it great? It tracks my miles, my pace, calories burned and it even has a heart monitor I can wear. It also links up to my computer and tracks all my runs. It shows me each mile - where I was fast and where I thought I was going to croak over dead. I highly recommend the Garmin Forerunner.
I Fitness Belt - If I thought a watch was lame you better believe I thought a 'running fanny pack' was lamer. I had no idea those things existed until my running buddy introduced me to it and talked me into buying one at an expo. There is a slot for an ID and room for your phone / iPod. It goes under my clothes and you can't even tell I'm wearing it. It stays in place, which is a must. I will warn you - one time I put my ID, camera, GU and phone in it. It fit but it bounced ... for 13.1 miles. I had a massive bruise in an area that no one wants a bruise in. It was bad. So, learn from me and don't overpack it.
Sparkle Athletic - I was first introduced to this skirt from Melody and I love it! I have worn it on many races and have talked my friends into buying it too. My running friends in Korea each purchased a skirt and we did a race together. The skirts are light weight and don't stick to you. Plus, it really is fun to run and sparkle. If you don't want to buy a skirt they have a 'traveling skirt program'. It's fun!
What are your favorite running gear / products?
Also - I'm currently on vacation and won't be back until April 1st. My computer won't be coming with me however I'm looking forward to reading your posts when I get back! Thanks in advance for linking up and for making Runners Tell All so awesome!
Giveaway
Today we are giving away a $30 giftcard to Lululemon. The giveaway is open internationally so enter away!
Sponsors
Link-up Rules
- You must leave a comment on the person’s blog who linked up directly before you. This is not a linkup for the sake of linking up. This is a linkup to build community and spread the love and encouragement to your fellow runners!
- Only link up posts related to our running prompt. Do not share links to unrelated running posts or to your blog’s homepage, or we will have to delete your link.
- Please link back to either Beka or Amanda in your post so others can come here and join in! Or grab the button below and add it to your post.
I love the sparkle gear!
ReplyDeleteI knew it, the Garmin Envy starts here! The bum bag looks like a neat solution to staying safe and accessible on longer runs too. Love that purple sparkle skirt!
ReplyDeleteYes! I love my Garmin so much. It's so worth it.
ReplyDeleteI just asked about the Garmin in my post today-- I'm glad you shared how much you love it :) Also, I think I need a sparkly skirt now too! :)
ReplyDeleteGIRL. I HAVE A DOUBLE-POUCH iFITNESS BELT. IT IS LIFECHANGING. SERIOUSLY.
ReplyDeletealso, most of the girls I run with are sparkle-skirt afficianados - it's so fun to run with them even through sometimes they blind me :P
I've never tried the belts before, but they are very popular! Maybe I should give them a shot. I just got a watch that I am starting to learn how to use. I am excited about it because I think it will be great for long runs and races.
ReplyDeleteI need to check out that belt. I have one that is basically just a tubular piece of fabric that goes around my waist. Sometimes it stays perfectly, sometimes I have to pull it down every 2 minutes. Seems like something with a clip closure might be better. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI've never ran in a skirt although I REALLY want to for the Brewers Mini-Marathon in September. Those look freaking adorable. That particular Garmin model is THE BEST. I wish I had one of my own! I got to use it for coaching XC this past fall and I fell pretty smitten with it. Thanks for hosting and I emailed you re: sponsorship for this fall!
ReplyDeleteEver since running my first half, I've been considering getting some kind of belt, but I've been so afraid that it would be uncomfortable! Maybe I'll have to give this one a try. :)
ReplyDeleteThose are some of my favorite things too!
ReplyDeleteSince I haven't run more than a half, I haven't really invested in any gear. I can usually run that far without even holding a water bottle. But now that I'm going to start training for my marathon - I'm on the lookout for the kind of gear I'll need. This linkup came at the perfect time! I don't know if I can justify paying $200 for a watch, though, especially when my phone can do the same thing!
ReplyDeleteI loooooove my Garmin Forerunner. It really has changed my life too. I used to use the mapmyrun app on my iphone, but it was always losing satellite signal, and never seemed to be quite accurate. Not to mention it just completely quit on me during my first half marathon. Fail! Thanks for posting the linkup and offering the Lulu gift card!
ReplyDeleteThose skirts are so cute! I would love to have one!
ReplyDeleteMy first half is coming up the first weekend in May and I have been thinking about how I want to carry my phone for picture snapping, music listening, and mile tracking as well as other little things like ID and fuel, so I will have to look into that pouch. I definitely don't want anything that I'm too aware of though.
those sparkle skirts are such a great thing to add to a race - makes you easy to identify, too!
ReplyDeleteI really like the Garmin Forerunner. I don't have one, but it's definitely something to look into. I love that you can track all of those things while you're running. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI really don't go on runs long enough to merit a belt but I totally love the idea of the belts that have a tiny water bottle attached. I think rowing for three years altered my taste in workout clothes (neon spandex all day, every day) so now I think "embarrassing" clothes are actually totally awesome. Fanny packs? Yes please!
ReplyDeleteYep, I love my Garmin too, it's just totally revolutionary! Those skirts sound pretty fun, and also perfect for the Colour Run. May have to track one down...
ReplyDeletexx
I have to invest in a Garmin watch because I love to know my stats but my phone is killing me! Also, those skirts made my day! :)
ReplyDeleteI really need to invest in a Garmin watch, I think it's time I embraced it now I'm doing longer races. I also like the idea of one of those belts, though I'm always worried they'll start bouncing up and down as I run. But maybe I should try them...
ReplyDeleteBeka, I am pumped you mention your running watch! I am looking at garmin products for my next one since my Fit Bit Force was recalled, and honestly I had lost the love I once had for it haha.
ReplyDeleteAND I'm likely going to have to get a sparkle skirt immediately. Thank you for introducing me!!
Just like I thought running "fanny packs" were lame. Now I can't imagine not running with one on. And Garmins rock!
ReplyDeleteThese tutu's are AMAZING! :) :)
ReplyDeleteI never, ever thought I'd invest any amount of money into a fanny pack, but now that the weather is getting warmer, my hoodie pocket isn't going to work much longer!
ReplyDeleteif i'm outside running...a fanny pack is a MUST!
ReplyDeleteYes yes yes to the Garmin FR!! IT has totally changed my life too! And love the skirt, very cute :)
ReplyDeleteI have packing issues when I travel and it totally extends to my running belt - where I think I will NEED it if I don't bring it! So my belt is usually pretty full - phone, ipod, keys and debit card. One time, my running buddy forgot her belt so I put her phone in there with all my stuff as well. The key to the no bounce (or almost no bounce depending on how full it REALLY is) that I found for me is that I snap it on and then turn it around so that it's resting in the small of my back underneath my shirt. I can feel it for a bit at the start but then after that I usually forget it's there unless I need to grab something. Hope that helps! :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't moved up to a Garmin yet, but a running watch is right up there on my must-haves. I can't run without data LOL
I will HAVE to get one of those CUTE tutus!!
ReplyDeleteHi Beka,
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting the Runners Tell All link up. It's so fun! The link up has given me a lot of great gear recommendations and it has introduced me to your blog (which I love). Also, I think I might need to invest in an I Fitness Belt. I like that it is small-ish, but big enough to hold stuff that bounces out of pockets when running. Thanks, thanks, and THANKS!
In all my years of running--I have never heard of sparkle athletics! Cannot wait to check them out!
ReplyDeleteMe too! I can't remember if they ship internationally or if someone shipped it over to me? Either way, I highly recommend getting one at some point.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I say save up for a Garmin - it's worth it. I actually need to go charge mine now.... Yes, the pouch does help with safety. I can't imagine running without my phone anymore.
ReplyDeleteI agree!
ReplyDeleteI think everyone needs a sparkle skirt! If you have anymore questions about the Garmin I'd be happy to answer what I can.
ReplyDeleteha ha! I never thought about those skirts being blinding. There is this guy who runs a 10k race every year and he juggles during the run. Seriously, he drives me nuts. I mean I'm trying just to suck in air and make through and he is juggling ... so, I'm gonna have to wear that skirt and run by him on the race.... ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you love the belt too! I had the water bottle attachment and it's handy for long runs!
The watches are great for races and long runs! They are motivating. I highly recommend the belts. If you go to a running convention they usually have several vendors where you can try them on.
ReplyDeleteThe fitness belt does have a clip in the back. I have had mine for several years and still love it.
ReplyDeleteYou should check into the traveling skirt for that race. It's a pretty cheap way to run in those skirts if you don't want to buy one. I hope you get to purchase your own Garmin some day. They are worth it. Also - I'll check my e-mail if I haven't already written you back. I just got back from Hawaii this morning and I'm still a little bit out of it.
ReplyDeleteI had the same fear. If you go to the running conventions when you pick up your packet they usually have several different booths and you can try them on. I seriously can't feel mine. It's also not very visible even with a shirt over it.
ReplyDeleteAwesome!
ReplyDeleteI know phones can do that too. However, something to think about is if you are taking your phone I'd recommend taking another iPod or something for music backup. Your phone might die out on you if you track miles + have music for 26 miles. I don't even know if you listen to music or not but I do so I knew my phone would die out. However, I 100% understand not wanting to dish out that kind of money. If my family hadn't purchased it as a gift I'm not sure I would have been willing to pay that either.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see what gear you end up with so you'll have to keep us posted.
Oh that would agitate me to no end if it quit in the middle of a run! However, for some reason my Gramin won't download my first marathon. I can't figure it out or what I did wrong. I do have my time though so it's ok.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up!
The pouch would be perfect for that. I seriously can't feel it when I'm running.
ReplyDeleteYay for you for running your first 1/2 marathon! I'm looking forward to reading about it.
I never thought about the easy to identify part with the skirts but I should! That's a good idea. For my marathon I bought zebra tights and wore a neon pink shirt so my family could find me; I stuck out like a sore thumb. =)
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to track everything. I also like seeing it all on the internet in graph form where it is simplified for me. =)
ReplyDeleteFirst off, rowing is tough stuff! We have to do that at crossfit and I'd rather run before I row. I didn't include it in my blog post but the belt has attachable water bottles. I have one but don't use it too much. It doesn't move on me either and if I train for a marathon again I'd probably put it to good use again.
ReplyDeleteThat would be fun to wear a sparkle skirt for the colour run! I wonder if the color would wash out of the skirt though? I'm glad you love your Garmin too =)
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy your Garmin - they are the best! I'm glad you love the skirts =)
ReplyDeleteA garmin is great for distance running. Also, at a running conventions when you get your race packet, they have several booths with different types of belts. You can try them on and see how they fit. I have never had mine move on me. I love it.
ReplyDeletePlease let me know if you get a sparkle skirt! They are wonderful! If you have questions about the Garmin I'd be happy to share what I know. =)
ReplyDeleteRunning fanny packs are one of the best inventions ever =) !
ReplyDeleteThanks =)
ReplyDeleteI never thought I'd invest in one either but it has paid off. I also like that I can have my phone with me for safety reasons.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I'm not the only one! Fanny packs rock (running fanny packs that is...)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you love your Garmin too =)
ReplyDeleteI never thought about putting the belt in the small of my back. If I ever get overloaded I'll try that out. I never want a bruise like I had after that 1/2 marathon.
ReplyDeleteHave you thought about attaching your key to your shoes? Also, lots of running gear has a small pocket for a key / debit card. That might eliminate some of the bounce.
I hope you get a Garmin - they really are great.
You should! =)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for linking up. I'm probably never going to forget your "Why I started Running Post". It was super fun and entertaining.
ReplyDeleteI hope you find lots of new running gear and thanks for reading my blog! It makes my day when people tell me that!
I hope you do check them out! They are great.
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