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in Coaches Corner, Running Gear and Accessories, Tuesdays on the Run, Wild Workout Wednesday · April 25, 2017

Fitness Stuff I’m Loving Lately

Usually I do a round-up of running gear and accessories for each season, but I feel like spring is all over the place. I have been using stuff from winter, summer, and fall! I’ll plan to do a summer post, but for now I wanted to share some other fitness stuff that I have come across lately.

Looking for some new fitness gear? Here are some fitness products that I've been loving lately! #fitness #stridebox

Fitness Stuff I’m Loving Lately

StrideBox

I have been receiving a complimentary StrideBox each month, which I really enjoy! This month had the following items:

Picky Bars Energy Bar (Chai and Catch Me)
Glukos Energy Gummies (Orange)
Vega Sports Recovery Accelerator
Heka Energy Drink
Vikis Granola
EO Deodorant Wipe
Hot/Cold Pack

Stridebox

So far I have used the hot/cold pack (as an ice pack), and I’ve tried the Picky Bar and Granola. All get two thumbs up! I’ll be sharing some of the other products with Rob, who is marathon training, since I’m not running right now. Whenever I get any kind of wipes I nonchalantly leave them with his running gear…

Run & 10 DVD

As I said yesterday, I also bought the Runner’s World Run & 10 DVD. (I think they changed the name to 10-Minute Cross Training for Runners? It looks like the same one I have with a different cover…) I love that this has quick 10 minute workouts that cover all the stuff I include in my routine already. It’s nice when you want to do a core workout to not have to think about what to do!

Run and 10 DVD

Kinetic Revolution’s 30 Day Challenge

I also subscribed to Kinetic Revolution’s 30 Day Challenge. I’ve followed James Dunne for a while, and recently listened to Tina’s interview with him on her new podcast, Running For Real. I decided to try this challenge to help keep me focused on my return to running.

Lululemon Capris

I also got these new crops (Pace Rival Crop 22″) from Lululemon using a gift card I had from Christmas. Lately I have been wearing capris for all of my workouts, so I felt like I could use another pair. I think these will be perfect for running, yoga, and biking.

lululemon capris

Sandals

This one isn’t directly fitness related, but it does help me to have happy feet which is really important! So I tried Birkenstocks a few weeks ago, and then I also tried a pair of these White Mountain Crawford sandals. I find them to be just as comfortable as Birkenstocks, but significantly less expensive. I also think they are just a little dressier so I may be able to wear them to work once in a while (depending on the day).

white mountain sandals

Yoga Mat

I also got a new yoga mat that folds up! When I bring my stuff for yoga to work, I don’t really want to walk around with a rolled up yoga mat, so this one can go into my bag. I needed a new one anyway so it was a good investment.

yoga mat

You may also like:
Behind The Scenes Of The Blog
Workouts, Thanksgiving, and a Cold
September StrideBox Review
My Running Shoe Journey This Summer: Back to Where I Started
April Fitness Runfessions
Back Into the Swing of Things
Weekly Workouts 12/7-12/13: Lots Of Short Runs
Month in Review: April 2017
Throwbacks and Thinking Out Loud

What fitness gear have you been loving lately?
Have you ever tried StrideBox?
What are your favorite non-running shoes?

The links to Amazon products in this post are affiliate links. Thank you for your support!

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Previous Post: « Back Into the Swing of Things
Next Post: April Fitness Runfessions »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kristina Running says

    April 25, 2017 at 5:29 am

    Oh nice yoga mat! I didn’t realize there were foldable ones, I may need to get one too!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 25, 2017 at 6:58 pm

      Isn’t a foldable yoga mat a great idea?! I feel like they are much easier to transport if you need to carry it around.

  2. meredith (The Cookie ChRUNicles) says

    April 25, 2017 at 5:40 am

    I have the pace rival! I like them and could use another pair lol.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 25, 2017 at 7:01 pm

      I have been pretty much living in these kinds of pants so I feel like they were a pretty good investment.

  3. Nicole says

    April 25, 2017 at 6:11 am

    Those leggings look so comfy!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 25, 2017 at 7:01 pm

      They are really great!

  4. Susie @ Suzlyfe says

    April 25, 2017 at 6:46 am

    Cute sandlals! I have Target birkenstocks–I love them!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 25, 2017 at 7:01 pm

      Ooh, I will need to check out the Target ones next time Im there!

  5. Marcia says

    April 25, 2017 at 7:20 am

    I love Lulu capris but I find that some of mine end up bagging in the crotch when I run, leading to chafing. Live and learn. Adore them for the gym though. Those sandals are cute! A folding yoga mat is totally thinking out of the box! Love it!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 25, 2017 at 7:02 pm

      These have been ok for short runs but not sure how they would do for a long run! But they will definitely be great for the gym and yoga.

  6. Kimberly G says

    April 25, 2017 at 7:30 am

    I’ve been loving StrideBox too. I think this past month was their best box yet!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 25, 2017 at 7:02 pm

      Agreed! I just wish I was running more so I could try all the fun fueling stuff!

  7. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    April 25, 2017 at 8:18 am

    I love my Birkenstocks. Yes, they were pricey but I had a gift card and I got them on Amazon, so in the end, it wasn’t so bad. I might have to get a new pair!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 25, 2017 at 7:03 pm

      I also think they are worth the cost! But I figure since i just bought one pair I should probably wait a little while before spending that much again.

  8. Laura @ This Runner's Recipes says

    April 25, 2017 at 8:39 am

    I love my Birkenstocks – pricey but well worth the cost since I wear them all the time. I really enjoyed Tina’s podcast with James Dunne also!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 25, 2017 at 7:03 pm

      They are definitely worth the cost! Especially if you get alot of use out of them.

  9. Suzy says

    April 25, 2017 at 9:22 am

    I love those sandals. I love my Birks!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 25, 2017 at 7:04 pm

      Im so glad you shared how much your like them! It definitely helped me to decide that they were worth a try.

  10. Deano says

    April 25, 2017 at 9:45 am

    I haven’t long had my Apple watch so that’s still my new toy and fitness gadget. I love it so far although there are loads of features I still haven’t used yet, ha!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 25, 2017 at 7:05 pm

      Ive had my Garmin for 4 months and there are still features I haven’t figured out! I guess it can take awhile.

  11. Rachel says

    April 25, 2017 at 11:58 am

    We are totally on the same wavelength lately. I am LOVING StrideBox, and the picky bar was amazing… And, I’ve been thinking about the Kinetic Revolution challenge to help my IT issues. Hope it works for you!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 25, 2017 at 7:06 pm

      I think the challenge is worth a try! Ive actually done the hip mobility exercises 4 days in a row now. I like how he gives really specific exercises for each day and they don’t take long.

  12. Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness says

    April 25, 2017 at 12:09 pm

    I always like to find a new fuel or running snack for each season. I like when Clif bar comes out with their “seasonal” flavors!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 25, 2017 at 7:06 pm

      I dont think Ive ever tried a seasonal clif bar! Im intrigued!

  13. Lesley says

    April 25, 2017 at 12:36 pm

    I haven’t really been looking for non-running shoes, but summer is coming up, and I’ll need sandals. I wear my sandals out each season, so I need to start over every spring. Once my spring 10k is done, I won’t have to worry about all the Rocktape, and maybe let my feet see the light of day.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 25, 2017 at 7:07 pm

      Spring is a great time to invest in some supportive sandals for the warmer weather!

  14. Kimberly Hatting says

    April 25, 2017 at 3:36 pm

    Favorite non-running shoes? Gosh…is it bad that I love my sparkly sandals? or my Cheetah print flats? Or my Oofos? I just cannot bring myself to even consider Birks, though. I don’t care how comfy they are, I just can’t get past how they look LOL (I know, #mybad)

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 25, 2017 at 7:08 pm

      Haha the Birkenstocks have actually grown on me! I really like my Rainbow flip flops but I figure I shouldn’t wear flip flops with all my foot issues.

  15. Susan says

    April 25, 2017 at 7:59 pm

    Super cute sandals! In the winter I live in my Haflinger clogs and my Born and NorthFace boots! In the summer I have some Simple slides but probably need to invest in some better sandals. Especially considering all the TLC I am giving my foot in rehab right now!!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 26, 2017 at 4:43 am

      Summer is a tricky time of year for our feet!

  16. Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says

    April 26, 2017 at 7:36 am

    I wear my Birkenstocks a lot because they offer so much arch support and feel good on my PF. I’ve not seen this other brand thanks for the heads up I will check them out

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 26, 2017 at 5:41 pm

      I would say the the arch isn’t as high as the Birkenstocks, but they still seem pretty supportive to me.

  17. lacey@fairytalesandfitness says

    April 26, 2017 at 7:40 am

    I have tried stride box in the past and I thought there was a lot of supplements and protein powders in it that I never ended up using. Maybe they have changed things up a bit and I should give it another try.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 26, 2017 at 5:42 pm

      Theres a few things I haven’t used because Im not running much, but I think I would use them if I was. It works out because I just let me husband try those out:)

  18. Annmarie says

    April 26, 2017 at 8:54 am

    I love Stridebox! Great items this month – it’s been a while since I have used Vega products, I can’t wait to put the accelerator to use!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 26, 2017 at 5:43 pm

      It definitely had a great selection of products this month!

  19. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says

    April 26, 2017 at 10:07 am

    I have the StrideBox too and I love it! I haven’t tried the granola yet so I appreciate the thumbs up! I haven’t started thinking about sandal season yet…all I keep thinking about is the endless rain we’ve had lately!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 26, 2017 at 5:43 pm

      Oh I know! I still havent worn my sandals as much as I would like. They mostly get used around the house!

  20. Nicole @ Fitful Focus says

    April 26, 2017 at 11:21 am

    That StrideBox looks awesome, and I love those sandals! Thanks for linking up with us 🙂

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 26, 2017 at 5:43 pm

      There were alot of great things in there!

  21. Janalyn says

    April 26, 2017 at 6:12 pm

    I really want those sandals and the capris! they were cute!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 27, 2017 at 4:35 am

      They’re both cute and comfortable!

  22. Sam @ See Sam Run says

    April 26, 2017 at 7:19 pm

    I love my Birks! They’re pricey but they last forever!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 27, 2017 at 4:36 am

      I definitely think they are worth the cost!

  23. Elle says

    April 26, 2017 at 8:47 pm

    Love that yiga mat. Great idea!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 27, 2017 at 4:37 am

      Right? I didnt even realize they made mats like this.

  24. Sarah @ BucketListTummy says

    April 26, 2017 at 9:56 pm

    I love comfy sandals, especially after a long run. Stride Box seems so cool, I need to check it out!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 27, 2017 at 4:37 am

      Stridebox is a great way to try alot of different products!

  25. Laura says

    April 27, 2017 at 9:16 am

    Ooh, I have to check out those sandals! I’ve been looking for something easier on my feet/legs for the summer. Great shares! I’ve been getting the Stride box too and enjoying it!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 27, 2017 at 5:34 pm

      I really think the sandals will work out well this summer and I like that they’re not very expensive!

  26. Laura Bowers says

    April 27, 2017 at 1:03 pm

    I’ve had my eye on StrideBox, and now I need to look into the Kinetic Revolution challenge after recovering from an injury! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 27, 2017 at 5:35 pm

      Definitely check out the challenge! I hope your injury recovery is going well!

  27. Katie Shepherd says

    April 27, 2017 at 1:46 pm

    I’ve never gotten a Stridebox but everything they put in looks great! I would love to try the DVD!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 27, 2017 at 5:35 pm

      Both are really great!

  28. Mary Beth Jackson says

    April 27, 2017 at 2:19 pm

    Now I could use a fold up yoga mat- very cool! If I am not in my running shoes these days I have on my Oofos and I LOVE them :-)!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 27, 2017 at 5:35 pm

      One of these days I need to try Oofos, I have heard all good things about them!

  29. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    April 28, 2017 at 4:42 am

    I love the color of those capris. You can’t ever have enough workout clothing, can you? 🙂

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 28, 2017 at 5:31 am

      Exactly! Thats is what I always tell myself:)

  30. Toni says

    April 28, 2017 at 10:23 am

    Great stuff! I need to check out stridebox!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 28, 2017 at 7:27 pm

      It always has such great products!

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Life Is What Happens When You're Busy Running Marathons

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Would it even be race week if I wasn’t a ball of n Would it even be race week if I wasn’t a ball of nerves and not able to sleep? This is my first big marathon in 10 years, my first time traveling to a race in 10 years, and my first time spending the night away from my kids. And of course I’m tapering so I can’t run off the nerves 🙃 #marathontraining #taper #richmondmarathon
Looked like fall, felt like summer 🍁 I was definit Looked like fall, felt like summer 🍁 I was definitely overdressed for this run but it was nice to not wear gloves or a headband! This was the run I needed a week before my marathon. After last week’s disaster of a long run it felt great to just run an easy 10 miles. (And these days 10 miles feels like nothing). I think I figured out the fueling and shoes 🤞so nothing left to do but take it easy, carb load, and get in the right mindset! Is it unseasonably warm where you are?

#running #marathontraining #longrun
Yesterday’s long run was not what I wanted it to b Yesterday’s long run was not what I wanted it to be. The plan was to take the day off from work, head to the trail where I could run 10 uninterrupted miles at MP (16 total) and practice my race day fueling while wearing my race day shoes.

What actually happened? All week I was stressed about this run and the condition of the trail. We had lots of rain on Thursday, and Friday was forecasted to be very windy. I tried to get in the best mindset possible, reminding myself that I won’t be able to control the conditions on race day. Meanwhile, I haven’t been sleeping well thanks to my 2 year old waking up every night, and my watch has been basically telling me that I’m losing all my fitness and need a week of recovery.

While I started the run feeling pretty good, after 11 miles (7 at MP) my stomach turned and I almost got sick on the side of the trail. I just couldn’t recover from that. The best I could do was run the rest of the miles easy, and needed some walk breaks. On top of that, my shoe kept rubbing my foot on top and I stopped twice to retie it. This has never happened before and now I’m questioning what shoes I should wear for the race. The trail was also in rough condition with several trees blocking it, lots of wet leaves, and rocks/sticks that I had to look out for.

I just can’t believe how bad I felt for the last 5 miles of this run and I can’t pinpoint the cause. Am I overdoing it with the fueling and can’t handle it on harder effort runs? Was it something I ate recently? The hard part is there’s no time to really try something different before the race, as all I have left is a 10 mile easy run next weekend.

I’m trying to remember that one bad run does not take away from all the good runs this training cycle. I’m using today to reset and move on so I can make the most of my last 2 weeks of training. It’s not the way I wanted my last big long run to go, but I suppose it was good practice for pushing through even when I felt pretty awful.

Who else has had a terrible long run close to your race?

#running #marathontraining #longrun
Spent almost every step of this 21 mile run questi Spent almost every step of this 21 mile run questioning my life choices. Like waking up at 3am to run 12 miles on the treadmill and 9 outside. This was a crazy week with a kid that wasn’t sleeping great and fighting a cold and super busy days at work. My legs were just tired the whole time today. It was really hard to run outside after so many treadmill miles and my pace was much slower than inside.

I reminded myself that this is peak week. It’s supposed to feel hard. If it was easy everyone would do it. I ran 53 miles this week and am not injured. The weather is perfect. I’ve gotten in every planned run of this training cycle so far.  I get to do this. 

And I managed to finish strong with my last 3 miles the fastest of the (outside) run. I owe that to a solid fueling plan and taking all my gels even when I really didn’t want to.

3 weeks to go until race day!

#running #marathontraining #longrun
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