Tuesday, June 13, 2017

10 Must-Have Items for Summer Running!

"Summer running, had me a blast....summer running, happened so fast...
Found a race, crazy 'ole me, tried to train, hot as can be...
Summer days, runnin' away, oh training for those fall rites..."

Ok, so I kind of paraphrased this from Grease. But seriously, who doesn't struggle with training in the summer? I recently wrote a post about training in the heat. This time around, I'm sharing some of my favorite summer running gear. Living in a place where we have extremes of every season, it never fails, come summer, that I always need a reminder what I like to use on my hot weather runs.

This week, we're in the blast furnace of summer and I pulled out all my favorites! I've got some new gear this year too. Some of the things I've listed are affiliate links. Which means cash in my pockets for water or snacks if you purchase them.


"Tell me more, tell me more,
Do you get very far..."

Fuel:
Tailwind Nutrition
Guys, you know I'm a Tailwind Trailblazer and it's no secret how much I love this stuff. Everyone asks me about Tailwind--here's how I use it. This is also how Tailwind recommends we use it. I drink 8-12 ounces before I head out for my long run and about 30-45 minutes in, I start sipping. Since I'm doing 4:1 run/walk intervals, I sip every time I stop to walk, trying to consume one 20-24 ounce bottle per hour. When I was running without the intervals, I also sipped every 4-5 minutes. I don't use any other fuel or gels. Tailwind gives me all the energy and hydration I need. If you want to try it, send me a message, and I'll send you some!

BottleBand
Out of all the handhelds I own, my favorite way to carry my Tailwind is using my 24 ounce bottle with a drink koozie around it and secured to my hand with a Bottleband. I recently saw Bottlebands at Whole Foods, which means they've gone mainstream. They have empowering messages on the bands too, which makes them more powerful, I think!

Bottleband with Tailwind
 Clothing:
Inknburn skirts
It's no secret that I've been loving this fun, creative gear! I particularly like the skirts. These skirts are not only fashionable, they are functional. They have peek-a-boo shorts underneath, which contrast with the fabric of the skirt. The shorts are long enough to prevent chub rub. There are pockets on both legs, which are perfect for stashing my essentials like Tailwind packets, wipes, etc. Truly these are the best running skirts I've ever worn. Oh, and this week only Inknburn is having a 25% off sale on everything on the website! The sale ends June 19, so don't wait.

Kristina and me in our INB at Big Sur. My pockets are filled and you can't even tell!
Socks:
Injinji 
I can't believe it, but I've fallen for the funny toe socks. Who am I? Tailwind sent me a pair and they have become my go-to for hot summer runs. They keep my toes happy in their own little houses. No blisters, no toenail issues, nada. I just ordered a bunch.


Shades:
Goodr Sunglasses
I don't usually run with sunglasses but when I do, it's with these fun, functional, lightweight glasses. For $25, you can't beat it. I gifted my sons with some for Christmas and they love them. I do too.

ok, not Goodr, but pretty darned close. 
Waist pack:
Spibelt
I bought my first SPIbelt at the Walt Disney World Half Marathon I ran 6 years ago. Since I don't like things around my waist, I sit it low on my hips and it stays put. I carry my iPhone and other accessories in there. I never leave home without it.

Skin care:
Triple Paste
Have you ever experienced, um, epic chafing anyone? TMI, right? All I can say is if Triple Paste is good enough for a baby's butt, it's good enough for mine.

Bodyglide
Like a deodorant stick, it glides on wherever you don't want to chafe. Examples include between your thighs or under your arms. Works great.

Wipes (no brand preference)
I don't ever want to be in this situation again. Live and learn. Now I carry pocket packs of wipes. I found mine in the travel section in the pharmacy at Target. They fit great in those Inknburn skirt pockets!

"Summer days, drifting away,
But oh oh those summer rites...."



Tell me more, tell me more! What is your go-to gear to get through those summer runs?

I'm linking up with Marcia, Erika, and Patti for Tuesdays on the Run as well as Debbie, Susie, Rachel, and Lora for Coaches' Corner!





77 comments :

  1. I like Injinji socks in the summer too! And that Bottleband is a great idea. I need to start remembering body glide again now that its warming up...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've tried so many handheld water bottles, but I just go back to the basics with the Bottleband. It just works great for me.

      Delete
  2. Totally agree with all of the items on your list, especially Body Glide! I can't even start a run in the summer heat without applying body glide. It's like my insurance policy against chafing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do like the Body Glide in those areas that rub. Nothing else works as well.

      Delete
  3. Triple paste - that's genius! Never thought of using that for chafing even though I have tubs of it sitting around me house.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It does leave white stains but I like the protection so much that I can live with it.

      Delete
  4. I may have some Injinjis for you in the "blogger prize closet". I wore them and liked them and then I stopped. Who knows why? Wow summer sure showed up here while I was gone!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would never have considered them before, but the Injinis keep my toes really happy. Who knew?

      Delete
  5. Toe socks, huh? I haven't tried them. If I'm thinking ahead I'll stash a wet washcloth in the freezer and then bring along in a cooler to use after a hot run or ride.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have yet to even buy body glide...I guess maybe that's because I am still running in capris and not shorts? I just hate the chub rub I get with shorts! I'm with you and I struggle to run in the summer. I'm not a morning person and now I'm forced to wake up before the sun so I can run before it gets too hot. Yuck!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That chub rub is why I don't wear running shorts any more. I'll wear biking shorts and those skirts with the long liners. But I don't want my thighs rubbing together ever again!

      Delete
  7. I tried Injinjis but they were too complex for me to put on so early in the morning, LOL. Grease is one of my all time favorite movies and I love how you adapted that song for this post! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was kind of embarrassed at my version of Summer Running, but hey, a runner's gotta do...

      Delete
  8. I just ordered my first of Injinis. Can't wait to try them.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wipes in a Spi Belt. ALWAYS wipes.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I don't think you missed a thing! I wear sunglasses year round, these baby blues can't take the brightness. I wear a fuel belt, I'm too prone to tripping over my own feet to carry a handheld!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't wear a fuel belt. I loathe things bumping or sloshing on my waist. I've tried them all.

      Delete
  11. When I tried trailwind a few years back and found it really salty. Maybe I need to try it again bc everyone seems to love it

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is salty! But when you're out there in the heat of summer, it's really tolerable.

      Delete
  12. So... I live in a place where there really isn't summertime heat. My wardrobe is pretty similar year round. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That makes things really easy! I have to remind myself with every change of seasons what I need to use.

      Delete
  13. I think I need to get one of those InkBurn skirts! And I loved your tribute to Grease :-) and you already have me hooked on Tailwind. I take it on the bike all the time now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love those skirts, which makes me think I need to buy another one....

      Delete
  14. I love my Spibelt, too! I've had mine for about six years too and it's still in great shape -- despite taking a beating during my runs and races!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great lineup! Definitely going to check some of these out! I don't run without a Nathan handheld bottle and usually have sunski sunnies on!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll have to check those sunski sunnies out! I don't know about them.

      Delete
  16. What great gear! I'm ALWAYS in my trucker hat and have a Nathan handheld, too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't gotten on board with the trucker hats--but I sure see a lot of fun ones on IG!

      Delete
  17. I still haven't found a carry-along hydration method that works for me. Guess I'll just stick with my mail box method for now! :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm still wearing capris at home when I do strength training, but it's all about shorts and running skirts. Luckily I have compression shorts long enough to prevent chafing on my legs, but I still need Body Glide for my torso.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I finally got clearance to run again so I ordered an Inknburn skirt to celebrate! Now to decide which size...
    Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Yes, all the body glide and TONS of sunscreen.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Definitely need the water, the sunglasses and the least amount of clothing as possible. If someone could just carry around an air con aimed at me the whole time, I'd be all set.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wouldn't that be great? Maybe a person with a fan running in front of us?

      Delete
  22. I love reading what other people use. Of everything you listed, I think the only thing I have the same is a spibelt! I should try those skirts, they're super cute and look really comfortable.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I own a few different skirts, but the INB ones are my favorite.

      Delete
  23. I use a lot of these things too! Though I also add a buff from RunningSkirts Keep it Chill line. The fabric is treated with xylitol, which gets cool when wet. You can douse it with water and the fabric will be cool for a long time. Wear it around your neck and it's a lifesaver. It also protects the back of my neck from the sun. And whenever possible, I'll put ice in the buff and that will be doubly cool.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Great list! The Tailwind sounds very interesting...I should test it out sometime as I'd love to have a one-stop shop for fuel. I borrowed a SPIbelt during Ragnar and it worked really well, so I'm thinking about buying one...

    ReplyDelete
  25. You've convinced me to try Tailwind again.

    Are you an INB ambassador? You should be.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I applied for next year...we'll see. I do love their stuff. Can you have too much?

      Delete
  26. I read this yesterday...but must have forgotten to comment. OOPS. Anyways, I wish I could do the Tailwind, but it's just too much hydration for me (if that's even possible).And I wish my belt would "stay low" instead of creeping up to my waist ...but EVERY belt does that on me (so I know I'm the problem LOL).

    ReplyDelete
  27. Injinji socks are the best! I love those suckers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm a little late to the toe socks party but yes! They are great, especially in the hot weather.

      Delete
  28. I started using Tailwind because of you and I just love it! And, oh my gosh yes, wipes in the SPIbelt...'nuf said! I tried Injini socks years ago...maybe I need to re-visit them.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Happy to see so many of MY must haves included in this post! I especially love the injini socks...my favorite to run in by far!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I've started making myself wear a visor, and of all the ones I've tried, I'm pretty happy with headsweats...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't wear a visor but I probably should. Either that or visit your husband for some facial repairs...

      Delete
  31. I have a pair of Injinji socks but haven't worn them in awhile. They feel weird on my toes but I purchased them a while back because I started getting blisters around my toes.
    I always wear a hat and even wear one when I pool run!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't even think they feel weird anymore. My toes are really happy in them.

      Delete
  32. I carry a liter bottle of water in my hand when I run, and especially in hot weather with either condensation from the bottle or me sweating, it tends to slip. I think I might be heading to Whole Foods for a Bottle Band today! I've been running with a SpiBelt for the past few years, but have been having trouble with it riding up lately. I'm not sure if the elastic is wearing and maybe it's just time to get a new one, but I've made the transition to a Spydergrip (small backpack for my phone and essentials), and so far, so good!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just love the Bottleband. I've spent so much money on water bottles, but this one works the best for me. Especially now with RA, my hands are all weird about how I position them, and the Bottleband is the only thing that doesn't make them unhappy.

      Delete
  33. We have different brand allegiances, but I love running in a skirt as well. They are so much more comfortable (especially as I've gotten older) than shorts. I even carry my phone in the pockets, which makes it so easy. I use a Nathan Hydration small handheld. I really need a bigger bottle, but the small size feels so much better for my arthritis. I just plan my route to pass water fountains or use the Hydration belt if I must (I don't really like things around my waist either).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was just commenting to Linda right above you about how so many bottle aggravate my hands now. The Bottleband lets me carry 24 ounces but my hands don't get unhappy. Yet.

      Delete
  34. I got to have my trail toes!!!! I need to look at Ink Burn- you look so cute in yours!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Great list! I just bought a pair of Goodr sunglasses and I love them!!!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Great list!
    Socks always are and sunscreen especially since we are going to be getting into the 115's next week is very high on my list right now!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Haha! Maybe that's why I have my music turned up so loud?

    ReplyDelete