This week’s Tuesday Topic is:  Share your favorite running item(s) you’ve tried this year.  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

So some of these items are not new but they’re still some of my favorite to use for running.

KT Performance+ by KT Tape Anti Chafing Stick – I bought this after I ran out of the one I was using before (and I wan’t too crazy about it).  It is easy to apply, does not stain, and there is no smell.  

SportSuds Laundry Detergent – I know I have written about this before but seriously I LOVE this detergent for my running clothes.  I’ve been using it for over a year and my clothes do not smell at all. 

Smartwool Women’s PhD Run Ultra Light – I wear both these and Balega socks.  I am not too crazy about extra cushion so these thin socks are perfect.  They’re moisture-wicking and odor-neutralizing so I find myself wearing them 2 or 3 times before they go in the hamper.  

Oiselle Pocket Jogger Shorts –  I mostly wear these during a long run.  But now I love them even more because the pockets hold my two small water bottles. 

Any you used any of these items?

This week’s Tuesday Topic is:  Share your home gym.  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

OK, so I don’t really have a home gym.  The only exercise equipment I have in my living room is my Peloton bike.  It isn’t a big room and I know it is a little messy and crowded.  My nephew was in town and that is why I have a mattress in the living room.  He left on Sunday but the mattress is still there.  I know.  I know.  I need to move it and I will.  🙂

However, let me tell what my ideal gym would be like.  Besides the Peloton bike I would add the following:

🟣 Peloton Tread-I know I can get a different treadmill but I really want this one.  Not sure exactly which one from the two.  Thoughts?

🟣 Yoga mat

🟣 Dumbbells

🟣 Rowing machine-This one is not a must have but would be nice.

🟣 Kettlebell

🟣 Jump rope–I bought this one after Wendy mentioned it in a post.

🟣 Medicine ball

What else do I need?  One of the first things I will do when I buy a house is to set up a home gym.  Cannot wait!

This week’s Tuesday Topic is:  Benefits of running solo.  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

As most of you know I am a solo runner.  I have been doing it for a few years and am used to it.  Just like there are benefits of running with a group, there are also benefits of running solo.  Reading along to find out those benefits.

🏃🏽‍♀️ No one is waiting for you.  Running late?  No problem.  Want to skip the workout?  No problem either.

🏃🏽‍♀️Time alone.  I know I am an introvert but also enjoy being in a group.  However, just like some runners want that time to talk and catch up with others, I look forward to that time alone.  I like starting my day with a run.  During this time I am lost in my own thoughts.  I think about my life, the things that I have to do, things that are going on, etc.  Or sometimes I listen to music.  Last year with everything that was going on, I looked forward to this time alone.  

🏃🏽‍♀️ Your own workout/pace.  I have a coach and have specific workouts/paces for them.  Even without a coach, you decide how far to run, how fast, when to stop, route, etc.    

🏃🏽‍♀️ Just get up and run.  There is no need to make plans to meet someone at a specific time and location.  I love being able to get out and start my run.  Again, best way to start the day!

This week’s Tuesday Topic is:  Benefits of running with a group.  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

I’ve been running on my own for the past couple of years.  I like it and will write about it next week.  However, I’ve run with a group as well.  There are benefits for both.  This week I will write about running with a group.

BENEFITS OF RUNNING WITH A GROUP:

➡️ Motivate each other.  I ran with CARA while training for my first marathon.  The runners and pace leaders were wonderful.  I remember a couple of runners in my group were also training for their first marathon.  We all motivated and encouraged each other.  I also remember that during the marathon my feet were hurting a lot and I wanted to quit.  Two runners that I trained with and were also running the marathon with me told me not to quit and to keep going.  I did not quit.  Glad I listened to them.  🙂

➡️ Accountability.  When you know others will be waiting for you at your set location, you will not be tempted to miss/skip your run.  I have paced several training groups and it was very important for me to show up because I knew others were counting on me to be there.  

➡️ Safety.  If anything were to happen to you, at least you will have someone to make sure you’re OK.  One time I was running with a friend and I fell.  Luckily it wasn’t serious and she helped me get up and made sure I was OK.  Then I think I cried and then laughed.  She laughed with me too.     

➡️ Social networking.  When you run with a group you meet other individuals with the same interests.  You will make new friends.  There will be fun events to go to and more fun things to do.  I love reading Darlene’s posts because she always does many fun things with her running friends.   

Do you prefer to run with a group or solo?

This week’s Tuesday Topic is:  Funniest fitness myths you’ve heard.  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

We’ve heard them all.  Sometimes they’re good enough to convince us and other times we roll our yes.  I used to believe them but now I roll my eyes and/or laugh.  Read along to find out a few of the fitness myths that make me laugh!

🤣 Carbs are bad for you.  OK, so maybe too much might be.  My doctor once told me I was pre-diabetic and I blamed it on the carbs.  It could have been the sugar too.  However, carbs are needed in order to train and recover effectively.  I love carbs!  Remember my mashed potatoes and wine dinner?  

🤣 You cannot run if you’re sick.  It depends on the symptoms.  If the symptoms are above the neck (sneezing, runny nose, etc) then it is OK to run as long as you feel good.  However, if they’re in or below the neck (sore throat, diarrhea, body aches, chills, etc), then skip the run.  Kim and I wrote about this topic a few weeks ago.

🤣 If you are not sore after a workout then you did not work out hard enough.  During the week a few of my workouts are hard workouts.  My heart rate goes up and I hit paces that I don’t see all of the time.  Afterwards I am not sore but I do feel tired but also good! 

🤣 Running is bad for your knees.  I am sure you have heard this one many times.  My knees have hurt a few times but the doctor never told me running was bad for them.  In my case it was due to weak glutes and hips.  Clamshells, bridges, and lunges are a few exercises that he recommended I do to strengthen them.