workout gear i love

Today I'm coming at you with some of my favorite workout gear.  First thing to know?  It is nothing fancy.  That is for sure.  The majority of the time I'm wearing stuff from Target.

The purple top is a Nike, and I swore it was called a combat or something, but I'm having a hard time finding it online.  I think it is very similar to this one.  I like it because it is tight fitting, but doesn't ride up on me.  I usually have issues with tighter shirts riding up, but this one gets the job done.  I also really like the top I wore for the half marathon.  It has thumb holes :o).  It is from Target.

So far, my favorite capris are from Target.  I believe they are these ones.  They are a great length, lightweight, and have a drawstring waist.  I DO NOT wear shorts.  At all.  I'll pass on my legs rubbing together for an hour or more.  That just isn't pretty.  I also have a pair of Nike capris that I like, but they don't have a drawstring waist, so I am constantly pulling at them.  I've purchased a pair of long running tights from Target, but haven't worn them yet.  I've been to chicken too brave the cold :o).

My sports bras are also from Target.  I have several, all in very absurd neon colors.  When it comes to socks, I LOVE my balega hidden comfort socks.  My mom had them several years ago and I stole a couple.  After a while I had a hard time finding them in stores, so I had to resort to Amazon.  They are so comfortable.  You can find them here.

Finding good shoes was definitely tough for me.  I need a stability shoe, I don't know what all my issues are, but my feet apparently do crazy things while I run.  But everything people showed me always felt too clunky or slipped off my heels.  Oh yeah, apparently I have narrow heels too.  Thankfully I did manage to find a pair that worked.  I am currently in the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11.  I was sad that the colors weren't all that fun (red isn't really my thing :o), but they fit so I sucked it up.  It looks like there is a GTS 12 in hot pink, maybe I'll have to give that a try... Honestly?  I'd love some insane crazy colored shoes.  Like full on bright pink or turquoise or something. 

I simply can't wear ear buds.  I've tried several kinds, including ones that have a piece that wraps around the ear.  But they never stay in.  If you know of the magic pair, let me know.  Until then, I wear really awesome giant discs clipped to my ears.  They usually work pretty well, except for the last time I went for a run of course.  I love running to music, so it really stinks that I have such a hard time with headphones.  You can find these puppies here.

Since I'm not super cool :o) I'm still rockin' my iphone 3GS.  Most of the good arm bands are made for the 4, and now probably the 4S.  So I ended up with this tuneband that I found on Amazon.  It gets the job done, but I'd like a little more protection for my phone.  Plus it isn't the most comfortable thing all the time.  And I get mildly annoyed that I have to switch out cases when I want to go for a run.  But that is just me being a little lazy.  Unfortunately I currently seem to have misplaced the thing.

When I realized I would need to carry some fuel, along with maybe an ID and some other items, I decided to pick up a spibelt.  It is a great little pouch that expands to fit a surprising amount of stuff (that is my phone in there in the picture).  The fit is pretty comfortable, and I was impressed at how little it bounced around.  I could see it being useful on short or long runs.  Generally if I'm not bringing fuel though, I don't take it.  I can slide my ID behind my phone and tie my key to my shoelace or the drawstring on my pants.

Speaking of fuel, I tried a few things close to my half marathon.  I never tested out a gel, I was pretty sure the consistency would make me gag.  I thought shot bloks were hard to chew and didn't really like the texture.  I didn't mind jelly bean sport beans, and I liked the honey stinger pink lemonade chews.  They were definitely my favorite.  When it came down to it, I couldn't figure out how to successfully eat and run, and opted not to take in any fuel during the half marathon.  Maybe not the best idea or smartest move, but I did survive without it.

I bet there are a lot of great products and running 'toys' I haven't come across yet but for now this stuff is definitely getting me by!  Oh, and Ryann sort of participated in this photo shoot... obviously...

On another note, was there anyone else out there doing the Pile on the Miles challenge over at Run Eat Repeat?  It's week number two!  I'm feeling good, 11.5 miles this week and still four days to add in some more!  And no, that is not all running.  I wish, but my will power to run straight for long distances is already fading.  Must find something to train for!  Anyone in the KC area want to do the Great Santa 5K on December 4th?  :o)

Please link up your health and fitness related posts, I'd love to read them!