GoodLife Eats Favorite Running Products
Here are some of my very favorite products for running and exercise!
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed that I’ve been running lately. A lot. I started out the year really well with my 2012 fitness goals, but with the move, a few cases of strep throat and a really hot summer I got a bit off track.
This sweaty, red faced runner just ran 3.5 miles beating her time by 2 minutes.
Excuse me while I mop up a puddle of sweat now.
I reassessed my goals and started running again at the beginning of September with plans for a Thanksgiving Day 5K with my sister (who is moving to COLORADO!) this November. I didn’t want to just run a 5K, I wanted to be ready and do a good job.
With those goals in mind, I began running 3-5 time a week. At first I was just working on building up enough endurance to run a 2 mile route near my house without walking.
After a few weeks of this routine after dropping the kids off at school, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was able to achieve that first goal. Now I am running a new route that totals 3.5 miles.
It feels great to accomplish something like that but more than anything, I have realized that exercise is incredibly important to my personal happiness.
It’s not that I crave the run. It is still hard work for me. But I crave the way the run makes me feel more positive about my day and the happiness those accomplishments bring. I’m not in this to lose weight, but rather to feel happier, healthier and stronger – both mentally and physically.
With all of that in mind, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite products that I personally use and enjoy for exercise.
My Favorite Running Gear
Looking to take up running or just want some recommendations for some of the best tried and true gear out there? Here are my very favorite products!
Knockout by Victoria Sport Front-Close Sport Bra
This is hands down my favorite sports bra for running! I love that it zips in the front making it easy to take it on and off and it can handle the high impact of running.
I have tried on several different sports bras and this is the one I am happiest with.
Blendtec Total Classic Original Blender with FourSide Jar
I love to make post run smoothies so I can refuel my body after exercise. A combo of coconut milk, blueberries, strawberries, spinach and vanilla protein powder is one of my favorites. Browse the Drinks Archive for more smoothie recipes to try
TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller
This roller is great for rolling out tight legs after a run. I also love to use it to roll out my back when my back feels tight or needs to be popped.
The Stick Marathon Stick, Therapeutic Body Massage Stick
This stick is perfect for massaging tight calves. I use it before and after a run for the best results! It definitely helps to minimize post run pain.
Calf Compression Sleeves
I can get shin splits pretty easily if I run on concrete too frequently. I try to do most of my running on dirty trails, but sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate and the trails are too wet. I like to wear these compression sleeves during runs, especially when on concrete, and sometimes wear them after runs around the house if I have sore shins.
Deep Blue Rub Lotion
Deep Blue Rub Lotion is my very favorite lotion for post run soreness. It is a is a topical cream formulated with Deep Blue Soothing Blend of Wintergreen, Camphor, Peppermint, Ylang Ylang, Helichrysum, Blue Tansy, Blue Chamomile, and Osmanthus in a base of moisturizing emollients that leave your skin feeling soft and not greasy.
AirPods
Music is always a must when I'm running! My husband got me a pair of AirPods for my birthday and I can't believe how much I love them! No more cords that tangle up in my arms while I'm running. I love that they actually stay in my ears really well and how quickly they charge!
Apple Watch
I love to track my mileage, pace, and heart rate while I'm running. This watch does it all and more. I really like that it saves all of my past workouts so I can compare one run to another.
Blender Bottle, 28 oz
Blender Bottles are great for when I want to whip up a quick protein shake. My favorite is to combine coconut milk and Orgain Vanilla Protein.
HydroFlask Insulated Water Bottle
I mostly drink water throughout the day and I love my HydroFlask for staying hydrated and for keeping the water cold. I don't carry these while I run, too heavy, but I use them all day long at home and out running errands so I can stay hydrated before and after exercise. Love that they are BPA-Free, reusable, and keep the water so cold!
Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Powder, Vanilla Bean
I mentioned that I love protein shakes for a quick snack. Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Powder is my favorite. I'm not vegan or vegetarian, but I like that this is free of all the common allergens while also being non-GMO, no sugar added, and soy-free. Plus, it tastes great. Add it with coconut milk for a shake or blend it in a smoothie. It tastes great in this Chocolate Almond Banana Smoothie!
Women's Workout Running Shorts with Zipper Pocket
I like to take my phone with me on runs so I don't miss any important calls, and so I can make calls if there ever was an emergency. My favorite shorts are a pair very similar to these that have a zipper pocket in the back that my phone fits in so I don't have to worry about trying to carry it. (I couldn't find the exact pair because mine are older)
Waistband Running Belt Phone Holder
I don't have this particular item, but I know several people who use it and this is another great option for carrying your phone, keys, money, or anything else you need on a run.
Epsoak Epsom Salt
I love to soak in epsom salt baths if I am feeling sore after exercise. This is my favorite brand of epsom salts and it is a great deal!
Brooks Women's Glycerin
I am a big fan of Brooks Running Shoes. I'm currently running in the Glycerin model and I love how comfortable they are!
Oakley Unisex Valve Polarized
I can't run on a sunny day without sunglasses because I hate the feeling of the bright sun shining right in my eyes and having to squint. These are comfortable and perfect for running because they stay securely on my face.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
I like to add collagen peptides to my protein shakes and smoothies for extra benefits. Collagen is best known for how it improves hair, skin, and nails, but it is also beneficial to join, ligament, and tendon health!
This particular collagen from Vital Proteins is so easy to use and easily dissolves in hot or cold liquids. You can also add it to baked goods!
Due North Foot Rubz Foot Massage Ball
This foot massage ball is great for any kind of foot soreness after running!
What are your favorite exercise products? And of course feel free to share your favorite motivational music as well!
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I have personally purchased all of these items and love them!
Gail says
I never leave home without my fitbit. It keeps of my miles, steps, calories and flights of stairs.
It keeps me motivated to exercise.
Ginger Riggins says
congrats on the running. I started running in January and am happy to announce the completion of my first ever 10K last Saturday! One hour and one minute! My must haves are a stick of gum, sunglasses, sports bra, and a good pair of shoes. I’m due for another pair soon! Hitting the road again today to shoot for a half marathon in March! I hope! 🙂
Cindy S. says
Yeah!!! Good for you. I hope you enjoy many years of the benefits of running. I live in CO, too, and got bitten by the triathlon bug years ago and in the off-tri season I like to do running events to stay motivated. I love my Newton sneakers (their home office and main store is located in Downtown Boulder). I also never run without my Ultimate Direction hand-held water bottle. The strap wraps around your hand and makes carrying it effortless. There is a little zip pocket big enough for a key fob and a Gu. Keep us posted on your running!!! Great job!