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!