Holiday Shopping Guide: Recovery Stocking Stuffers

Every athlete at any level risks their body every time they train.  Even with proper form, technique, and awareness, the threat of strains, pulls, fatigue, and overuse lingers daily.  Why not help your favorite athlete heal faster and recover better with some great holiday stocking stuffers?!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

PainCakes - The recovery that sticks!  This awesome little ice pack is self-adhesive and reusable, so you can slap it on your sore spots to get relief, then stick it back in the freezer to have it ready for next time!  No wraps, covers, or frustration necessary.  Great for ANY athlete!

SLS3 Compression Sleeves - Though some people actually wear compression socks or sleeves during their runs, I've found them to be absolutely ideal for recovery post-run.  Graduated compression gently squeezes the blood vessels to allow better flow of nutrients to muscles, allowing for faster rebuilding after putting your fibers to the test.  PLUS, right now you can take 40% off your order with code FITNYX40 through 1/31/17!

Telic Recovery Footwear - After pounding the pavement for miles upon miles, your feet can get more than a little sore, and the constant impact can throw much of your body out of whack too.  With Telic shoes or flip flops, tired feet and legs are more comfortably supported and harsh footstep impacts are reduced.  The heat-activated material conforms to the shape of your foot while you wear them, giving you a perfect fit every time.  Use promo code AMANDAN5 to get $5 off your order!

Massages - Nothing says "recovery" like a massage!  Treat your loved ones' sore muscles to a good rub-down with a gift card to a local massage parlor or a relaxing spa day.  A card makes a great stocking stuffer, OR you can get a little mini-massager (like the foot massagers below) to wrap up with a card or a pre-paid package.

IdealLean BCAA Mix - Whether it's cardio or strength work, post-workout muscle soreness is a very real problem.  Working out hard actually tears your muscles, and it's the rebuilding process that makes them stronger.  Speed up that rebuilding time and provide your athlete with more of the essential branched-chain amino acids that are vital to muscle recovery with one of IdealLean's delicious BCAA blends.  These powders mix easily into water for a refreshing and powerful post-workout beverage!  IdealLean is running tons of holiday specials, and you can even get 10% off your order with code anyx10!

Recovery is a GREAT way to show you care!  Support your favorite runner/lifter/yogi with gifts that will keep them doing the things they love longer and safer - that's a happy holiday all around!

Marathoners are a Nuisance!

This post was originally going to be a Friday Five a few months ago, but I put it in my back pocket for a while.  Suddenly, my last Wednesday before the Marine Corps Marathon, the Wednesday Word pops up as nuisance and it became the perfect time to post!  So here are the five people I have annoyed the most with almost a year's worth of blathering on about running my first marathon!

5. Puppy

Yes, my dog.  This poor pup has had two giant puppy earfuls of marathon talk almost every single day since last December when I decided I was probably going to try running one this year.  You might think the dog doesn't know what I'm saying, but my Kaalia is smart and I swear she understands every word I say.  That's why she tries to squirm away when I start telling her how nervous I am for my long run or how excited I am for the crowds or when I start tearing up while I'm scrolling through the MCM Facebook page at night.  She's probably even more annoyed when I pull her back into a tight "you're stuck listening to this" hug...

4. Dad

Originally I thought my dad would end up at the top of this list, but he's dodged a pretty big bullet by jumping into the deep end of going back to school.  If he weren't hiding in the library all the time, he'd probably be much higher.  On the other hand, prattling on about my training runs and shoving my Map My Run data in his face when he's trying to study probably could make up the difference...

3. Coworkers

This is probably 50-50, since my full time work as a race manager kinda means everyone should be used to race talk by now.  A couple of my fellow managers are runners as well, so they are a little more understanding of the whole mental and physical process and I try to keep my marathon talk limited to those people.  That still leaves about half the office of non-runners who are probably getting tired of hearing "oof, I have a long run this afternoon after we finish working" or "ugh I'm soooo sore from my 20 miler last night" both in the office or at our weekend events...

2. Boyfriend

Bless his heart; my boyfriend has dealt with my incessant marathon focus more than almost anyone.  Half of my training runs (including my first true long run) start and end at his place, so he gets the full brunt of my post-run crazy.  He's patient and encouraging, though, and helps me recover when I'm hurting (even if it means holding me down in the ice bath while I cry and scream about getting frostbite).  He's believed in me from the start, and while his constant harping on my admittedly pretty awful diet can sometimes get annoying, I guarantee I'm far more obnoxious about all this than he'll ever be.  Someone once told me "if you're still in a relationship at the end of marathon training, you're not training right", but I believe my boyfriend's infinite patience and support has pretty solidly stomped that to pieces...

1. Mom

My boyfriend gets a lot of marathon rambling, but no one gets more of it than my mom.  I talk incessantly about training when I'm home, AND I call her after races and training runs that aren't around the house, AND I call when I'm trying to figure out what I should do for different training problems.  She's been sick of marathon talk since probably, oh, April?  When I found out I got in to MCM?  But she's still driving me all the way out to DC, spending the whole weekend there supporting me, and doing her best to encourage me all along the way.  I can't really blame her for getting glassy-eyed when I launch into another analysis of my most recent run or a one-sided discussion about whether I should do my training run in the rain or wait until morning and hope it's drier.  Gonna have to find some way to make it up to her after the race, maybe moving out will be a nice little gift..?

"Oh no, she's gonna start talking about running again..."

As always, the Wednesday Word is hosted by Deb Runs!  Check out the linkup, visit some other bloggers to hear what they consider to be a nuisance, and share what annoys YOU in the comments below!  Thanks for stopping by!

My MCM Recovery Toolkit

The Marine Corps Marathon is right around the corner.  My training mileage has been covered, my taper week starts Monday, and all too soon, I'll be at the starting line itching to get going.  And a few hours later, I'll be at the finish line (hopefully), dying for anything that will make my legs and body feel better!  Fortunately, this year has been a big one for recovery education, and I have pulled together a great kit for keeping my muscles in top shape no matter what distance my feet have just run.

5. Stretching Straps

When you're cursed with a limited range of motion (raises hand), even basic stretching can be very difficult.  Supplementing my reach and ability to hold a stretch for long enough has been crucial in achieving even the smallest gains in flexibility.  Fortunately, there are plenty of products for just such an occasion!  I've found the most success with my YogaEvo straps, which offer some elasticity and plenty of loops for holding on to the strap.  Though it's still a tough battle, I'm making some progress with flexibility, which is a big factor in injury prevention.

4. Calf Compression Sleeves

One of my most noticeable opportunities for better recovery has always been my calves.  The agony I suffered after anything longer than a few miles definitely needed to be addressed quickly, especially with distances increasing rapidly.  I started wearing compression sleeves after my runs to increase circulation and drainage, and immediately noticed results.  Couple the compression with some legs-up-the-wall and you'll be back on your feet and ready to run the very next day, even if you ran hard!

3. Foot Massagers

Do I even have to tell you that massage feels good?  We all know it, unfortunately we're not always able to pay for professional massage, or even convince a friend or SO to give us a quick foot rub after a race (mostly because, well, feet are icky, especially runner feet).  I solved this problem with a great Amazon find: a pair of small foot massagers that I can just plop on the floor and roll over whenever I need it.  Having two has been nice, because the bigger one is great for all-over relaxation, while the smaller knobby one has let me focus on the spots that need deeper attention.  After 20+ miles, my tootsies need some love!

2. Foam Rollers

If you're in the fitness industry, you've probably heard all about foam rolling by now.  Much like my little foot massagers, foam rollers are designed to help you give your tired aching muscles a little release without the scheduling and payment plans of visiting a masseuse.  There are dozens of roller styles on the market, and I've tried many of them.  I can't honestly say I have an overall favorite, as each style offers different hardnesses and benefits.  By keeping a diverse range on hand, I'm able to self-treat just about any muscle ache quickly and thoroughly.

1. Telic Recovery Footwear

Massage and stretching go a very long way in keeping me running, but the most beneficial product I've added to my toolkit this year has by far been the Telic footwear that has barely left my feet for months now.  Telics redistribute your weight across the soles of your feet, rather than leaving all the pressure on the same hotspots you're pounding into a pulp when you run.  Now that I have Telics in both flip-flop and closed-toed styles, I pretty much always have my feet relaxing in comfort and support rather than trying to stuff them into shoes that are not optimized for recovery.  I might go back to heeled booties or regular walking shoes eventually, but certainly not until I've completed my biggest running goals!

What's in your recovery toolkit?  What recovery strategies have kept you moving through marathon (or any race) training?  Have you ended up with recovery products that have become your every-day solutions?

Gear Up! Tried and True Marathon Training Solutions

Anyone who has ever trained for a marathon can tell you there's way too much gear involved!  A pair of shoes and some comfy running clothes are just the beginning.  Fuel, hydration, tracking, ways to carry it all...  And let's not even get into recovery gear (yet - that's next week's post)!  It's been hit-or-miss all summer trying to find the right items to keep me moving, but I think I've finally found the best gear solutions for both training and race day!

5. RunLites Gloves

These have come in handy more recently as the days have gotten shorter.  Running in the dark is dangerous, especially on long runs when you're more likely to be less vigilant or running through less familiar areas.  My RunLites give me plenty of vision in the dark hours, without giving me a headache like my head lamp does.  And because they're fingerless, they're not overwhelmingly hot or sweaty on my hands.  Functional and comfortable, they're pretty much a necessity for dark runs!

4. JournalMenu Planner

Tracking progress is so important for seeing results and weaknesses (and opportunities for improvement).  I've always used Map My Run for distance, time, and splits, but I don't really ever use the data in any way.  When I got my hands on a custom JournalMenu, though, I was finally able to connect my recorded data with other important observations and notes, which made both good and bad patterns much more noticeable.  By keeping a record of my runs, the gear I use on/around those runs, my cross training, and my nutrition (along with any unexpected side effects), I have been able to make some important tweaks and excel past my goals all along the way.

3. Clif Shot Razz

For a long time, I preferred the Clif Shot Blok chewables as my running fuel, but somewhere along the marathon training line I found myself having difficulty chewing and swallowing them while out on the run.  Thankfully, the Shot gels are equally delicious and digestible, while also being easier for me to consume while I'm out on my route.  As a big raspberry fan, the Razz flavor is by far my favorite, and I have a huge stockpile of them ready for long runs and race day.

T1. Hydrus Performance Hydration Concentrate

There's no way I would have made it through my summer mileage without an effective hydration solution.  Though I've found several hydration options that more or less meet my needs, Hydrus has by far been the most effective for the vast majority of situations.  With the liquid-concentrate "bubble" technology, Hydrus works faster and more efficiently to bring much needed electrolytes into my body while also dragging an increased amount of water with it.  I am quite certain that without this Miracle Water, it would have been practically impossible for me to stick to my training.  You better believe it'll be with me for the final 26.2!

T1. Goldberg Gear Hydration Belt

Honestly, Hydrus probably should be #1, but I've ruled it a tie - because no matter how great Hydrus IS, it's totally ineffective if I don't HAVE it.  Without a comfortable hydration transportation system, many of those intensely hot summer runs couldn't have happened.  Filling the bottles with the right product was one hurdle, but finding a way to take the bottle with me was something that worried me.  I've tried a few different hydration belts, and considered handhelds or backpack options; however, the only real solution I found was my Goldberg Gear belt.  It sits properly, accommodates various sizes of bottle while keeping them easily accessible, has a decently spacious pouch for additional fuel, and features fully adjustable elastic around the band.  So it's a tie since these two products have worked so perfectly together!

Don't forget to stop by the Friday Five linkup hosted by the DC Trifecta!  What gear/fuel has helped you go further/faster/stronger?  Do you have go-to items for dealing with specific types of challenges such as intense heat or cold?

Friday Five: My MCM Running Outfit

There are four Fridays before I tackle my first full marathon - so every week, I'll be posting a Friday Five that is related to my final preparations for the Marine Corps Marathon.  This week, I'm putting together my race day outfit.  Because why even bother running if you're not gonna be comfortable and look goooooooood while you do it?!

5. Puma Performance Socks

Dirty runner confession: I only own two pairs of good running socks, so I don't really wash them after every run for fear that I'll lose one in the wash and be without my good socks.  I found my Puma socks at a TJ Maxx in Chicago for like $3 for two pairs, and I haven't looked back.  They fit great, they're moisture wicking, they don't slip down into the shoe - what more can I ask for?  I've run every mile in either the pink or green pair, and I can't imagine tackling MCM without them.  In fact, I might just wear one pink and one green so I have every step of experience with me on race day...

4. Saucony Shoes

These are still pretty new, and I'm not 100% sure they're quite right for me, but if I can survive my long runs in them, they're good enough for MCM.  With a good amount of cushion and my custom inserts (that surprisingly fit perfectly when I took them out of my old shoes), there's no reason not to wear them apart from a little extra knee soreness that is probably more likely due to the mileage increase and atmosphere pressure changes I've experienced in the past few weeks.  I'm confident these shoes will take me where I need to go.

3. Champion Racerback Sports Bra

Finding spaghetti strap, racerback-style sports bras is getting harder and harder, so fortunately my trust ol' Champion bras are still in top shape.  Though a little over a year ago I would have pegged a different bra as my go-to, the past few months have solidified the Champion style's place as my race day support option.  Comfortable, secure, breathable, and funky-fun in bright tie-dye colors, I'll be "strapped in" and stable the whole way.

2. Hylete Icon Tri-Blend Tank

My choice of a tank top for race day might necessitate a throwaway top layer, but I'm guessing a few miles in I'll be very happy in my decision.  I've actually PRed in this particular tank many times, including a 5k PR this year and not one but TWO half marathon PRs over the course of this year!  Yes, my first marathon will be an automatic PR, but that doesn't mean I can't wear the lucky top and get that first time down as far as possible, right?

1. Gypsy Runner Two-Pocket Shorts

After months of raving about how amazing these shorts are, it's finally time to use them for their true purpose: to keep me stocked and fueled through 26.2 miles through the heart of our nation's capital.  Not only are they cool, comfortable, and chafe-resistant - the two pocket design means I can maximize my fueling options without worrying about where to stuff all the gels and chews.  And the biggest benefit?  They look FANTASTIC, nabbing me dozens of mid-course compliments every time I race in them!  If that's not a great motivator to keep going on race day, I don't know what is!

And of course, the post-race outfit is going to look something like this with my MCM shirt - and the not-yet-pictured FINISHER MEDAL I plan to earn:

What does your go-to race day outfit look like?  Do you have certain pieces of gear you'll never run without?  How about "lucky" items?

Farewell to Summer!

Awwww summer is over!  Though my runs were sweltering, the other activities I filled my time with were incredible and I can't help but admit that this has probably been the best summer of my life.  For this week's Friday Five, here are some of the most fun things I got to do over the past few months!

5. Indian's Games

Though I only got to see a few games live this year (and that's a lot more than usual), I'm including watching games at home with my family in this one.  Going to the game is always fun, especially when my mom treats me to a turn in the club seats and alllllllll the amazing food that goes with being in the club, but my family is just the right amount of batty to make sitting at home watching games just as much fun!  Some of the conversations that have come up while the local ballclub is on the screen have been comedic gold, and I'm really hoping the trend continues into October as our first-place Indians make a playoff run!

4. Half Marathons

Yup, running makes the list even though there have been some days when the heat and/or humidity were brutal.  The bulk of my six-in-six half marathons were in the hot months, including my current PR race, and I have to admit that the travel for some of the events as well as the races themselves were interesting highlights for me over the course of the season.  Don't get me wrong - I'm definitely looking forward to running in the cooler fall weather!  I just think this year I've developed a better appreciation for more aspects of summer running than I had previously.

3. Cedar Point

I used to love going to amusement parks every summer, riding all the roller coasters, and having a blast.  But in the past decade, I haven't had a chance to go.  So when this summer came 'round and I ended up at Cedar Point not just once, but three times, I had lots of catching up to do!  I've now ridden every coaster in the park, including all the newer ones that I had missed over the years, plus I've had a chance to enjoy the Soak City water park next door as well.  Turns out, I'll have yet another opportunity to visit the Point this year, but it'll be even more special since it'll be Halloweekends - an event I've wanted to attend for years and years, so I'm pretty juiced I'll finally get my chance!  That makes this one a two-fer: something I'll miss about summer AND something I'm looking forward to for fall!

2. Concerts

Despite my sound sensitivity, I'm a huge fan of live music and have a long list of bands I'd love to see in concert.  Many of them are broken up or deceased, yet that hasn't stopped me from seeing live performances via tribute bands!  This year I've seen Zoso (Led Zeppelin), Satisfaction (Rolling Stones), a little Limelight (Rush), Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd)...  A tie for my favorite performances pits Several Species, another Floyd tribute band that I saw in the incredible setting of Nelson's Ledges, against a non-specific tribute group called Classics Live that I saw perform David Bowie's album "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" along with other Bowie hits.  I've rocked out and danced my heart out all over town, all summer long.  Can't beat it - until next year when I get season tickets for the Rockin' on the River series that wasn't on my radar early enough this year!

1. Festivals

Summer just wouldn't be summer without a healthy smattering of festivals and fairs, now would it?  My family has always spent time every summer popping in on every local or community festival we could find, usually in search of the best fair foods.  Quick note here: elephant ears are WAY better than funnel cake, no they are NOT "basically the same thing" and anyone who thinks funnel cakes are better has obviously never even HAD an elephant ear.  Moving on.  This year was no different, and I made sure to get all over town to check out fairs everywhere.  There was a music festival in Painesville, the Cleveland Air Show, several local church festivals, the Cuyahoga County Fair, and of course the Great Geauga County Fair which is always my favorite.  I stopped by my old buddies, the Flying Wallendas (you know, the world-famous aerial acrobatics family), for another great Circus Incredible show and snapped what might become our annual yoga photo afterwards (coming soon to Instagram).  There was a lot more going on at the fair but there's really only one video I can show here to emphasize how cool it was:

I kept busy this summer, between work and constantly exciting activities!  Fall is upon us, and for a while I thought it might be a relatively uneventful season, but there are plenty more races, concerts, day trips, and more on the schedule to keep the momentum going!

What were some of your summer highlights, and what are you looking forward to this fall?

August Runfession

This month, I started sticking to an actual training schedule and getting more mentally prepared for this whole "I'm running a marathon in two months" thing that's been looming over my head - and with the increased preparations, I have discovered some things I should probably runfess this month!  So here goes, my Friday Five Runfessions for my first true marathon training month...

Hosted by Marcia's Healthy Slice

I runfess that I am atrocious at keeping up with laundry.  Just terrible.  And it's worse when I'm running and cross training more frequently, because I only have a limited amount of "preferred" workout clothes, so the smelly pile gets to a certain point before I'm diving back in to find the GOOD pair of shorts to wear for my long run.  Wanna hear something really gross?  I wore shorts the other day that were still soaked from sweat (not rain, just sweat) from the race I'd run a week prior.  The shorts had been in a plastic bag in my backseat marinating for days, but they were the "good ones" and I needed them for the long run, so I held my breath and pulled them on.  It was bad.  I should be embarrassed, but they're the good shorts and this is a runfession, so...  Yeah.

I runfess that I hate morning runs - but I love them at the same time.  I'm writing this fresh off my second day in a row of waking up a little earlier and getting in a few miles before work, and I just can't see myself learning to make a habit of it.  My life has been plagued with insomnia and difficulty falling asleep even when I'm exhausted, so when I finally DO fall asleep, I want to cling to every last second of it.  Getting up to run (which then means showering and probably having wet hair all day) is completely unappealing.  But then, when I actually wake up and run, the rest of my day feels so good!  I'm more alert, feel better about myself, and more relaxed because I'm not worrying about fitting my run in after work when I want to do other things.  Supposedly, there's a way to "train" your body to be a morning person.  We'll see how that goes once I have my own place and can dictate my morning routine without bumping into my parents the whole time.  (Yup, that's just an excuse to not start right away.  Pass me my pillow, please.)

I runfess that I am starting to actually like hill training!  It's surprising me to say this, but after a few weeks of tackling a particularly nasty big hill in the local Metropark, I think I'm enjoying the challenge of running up that beast.  Seeing results in my split times at my usual RPE helps me look at the elevation work in a more positive light.  Sure, it's awful to be pushing step by step up the steepest grade incline within 20 miles of home, but when you get to the top (and especially when you get to go back to the bottom), it's soooooo worth it!

I runfess that I am pushing through some little muscle and joint niggles that I probably shouldn't be.  My mileage is increasing, and I'm noticing a couple of consistent points of pain or strain that could end up causing problems.  But I'm also finally "on a roll" with training, and feeling good overall, so rather than cutting back, I am instead trying to improve my recovery game even more.  I've also switched my running strategy for the long runs, and have made friends with that old running adage "go slower to go faster."  By incorporating a run-walk strategy into my training, I'm already seeing a reduction in muscle strain.  With my six-in-six half marathon goal almost complete, and the Marine Corps Marathon shortly after my sixth half, there just isn't time to go backwards, but hopefully I am making the right adjustments to keep me healthy.

And finally...  I runfess that I'm a little scared about this marathon thing.  I don't like admitting that I'm scared, but with only two months to go before I attempt 26.2, the nerves are twitching and I'm getting apprehensive.  Seeing big numbers on my training calendar is scary too - this weekend's 14 miler will actually be my longest run ever, and they only get longer over the next few weeks.  Fortunately I have a running buddy who will join me for at least one of those super long monstrosities, and I've been feeling pretty good with most of my training lately, but it's still all so new and intimidating.  Trying to put my doubts aside and focus instead of appreciating just how much I really AM capable of doing, and hopefully that'll carry me through.

What do you have to runfess this month?  Any tricks for staying on top of laundry a little better?  How about assurances that running a marathon will NOT actually kill me?  And don't forget to check out everyone else's Runfessions and Friday Fives - click the icons to visit the linkup home pages!

Hosted by the DC Trifecta!

Marathon Training Wishlist

Wah wah wha marathon training wha.  I know I already sound like a teacher in a Peanuts cartoon when it comes to talking about this Marine Corps thing.  But it's a BIG DEAL!  A lot of my life is going to be poured into this endeavor, and while I'm excited about it, I'm also nervous.  Knowing that proper training will help me handle those nerves better is a good start, but I also want to make sure I'm gearing up properly for optimal training.  Building a proper support system isn't limited to the people around you - sometimes the right gear can make a big difference.  Here's my top five wishlist for heading into marathon training!

5. Tearadactyl Shirt

I run in Cleveland.  As evidenced by this weekend's unexpected April snowpocalypse, the weather is a touch unpredictable!  Layering up is a good solution, but then you have to monkey around with taking things off, tying them somewhere (or discarding them for good), and maybe even trying to pull layers back on when the 60 degree weather turns into 40 degrees suddenly.  Fortunately for those of us that live in see-saw climates there's an exciting new shirt coming out call the Tearadactyl.  With easily removable sleeves and a pocket for storage, this technical running top could become a staple of my running wardrobe.  They're not actually available for purchase yet, but you can be sure I'll get my foot in the door early on these!  They ARE available for pre-order, if you're interested!

4. MP3 Player

I already have a standalone MP3 player that works really well, but it has zero playlist functionality and it's getting old so the battery life is questionable.  I'd love to have something other than my phone to make playlists and listen to music while I run.  Yes, I can use the one I have, but the ability to create playlists for each run or for different race lengths is a feature that I'm sorely missing.  And then there's that battery life thing, which is the same concern I have for my phone.  While running without music isn't necessarily a problem, and running without a playlist is a minor annoyance, in a perfect world I'd have lots of storage, lots of easy to change playlists, and plenty of battery life to get me through hours of lonesome running!  This may be the only case in which I would even consider an Apple device...

3. JournalMenu Planner

Actually training for races is kind of new to me, but I want to make a plan and hold true to it.  Not only will I be run-training, but my classes and lifting need more structure, and I want to track how my nutrition and supplements are affecting my training - and I don't want to have to navigate a dozen clunky apps to get it all figured out.  JournalMenu creates custom training journals for ANY training (running, Crossfit, nutrition, you name it), including custom covers and custom journal pages to make it easy for anyone to track goals and monitor improvement opportunities.  I actually have a bit of a head start on this one...

2. Personal Blender

Honestly, I don't care what brand so long as I can get a blender that will blend straight into a to-go container of some sort!  I know Ninja does this, there's an Oster blender with a low profile that does this, I'll take ANY device that will help me get my nutrition back on track!  When I was consuming homemade smoothies more often, I was losing some of my excess weight and feeling so much better.  I'm not a big veggie eater, but if I can sneak some kale or spinach into a smoothie and not have to taste the leafy texture, I'll consume a lot more!  This is definitely a big priority in my training, because I just know my current (lack of) nutrition is going to eventually sabotage me.

1. GPS Wearable

Tracking my runs with the GPS in my phone is tried and true - but what happens when I'm out for hours, trying to listen to music (see #4), tracking my run, and my battery dies?  Even more than wanting a separate MP3 player, I'd much rather have a GPS watch or other wearable to separate my location tracking from my phone, which I may need in emergencies, and will probably want working at the end of a long race (for example, a marathon) so I can take photos.  Some people think tracking every run is overkill and that there is such a thing as "too much data", but I'm only monitoring for distance and pace right now.  The few stats I track, I want to be as accurate as possible, so I can learn whatever is relevant and keep a good record of my improvements.  I'm not sure which GPS watch would be the best for me, and I'm also interested in smart watches, but I'll pretty much take anything that does the job!

Don't forget to check out all the great Friday Five posts from bloggers all over the country!  Something for everyone, to be sure!

What's on your training wishlist?  Can you recommend a good MP3 player or GPS device?  What items did you find most useful while training for your last big race?

Friday Five: Favorite David Bowie Songs

While I'd love to pretend like we didn't lose David Bowie AND Alan Rickman in the same week, it happened, and it made me really sad.  I've had Bowie on pretty much 'round the clock since he passed, so I've had a lot of time to decide which of his many amazing songs are my actual favorites this week.  So today instead of trying to keep on the general fitness theme of this blog, consider the Friday Five as a little tribute to BOTH Bowie and Rickman through song.

For some reason I am having so much trouble today centering most my images and video embeds.  I apologize for the lopsided post!  Enjoy the music!

5. Ziggy Stardust

C'mon, Ziggy is classic.  This song defined Bowie and set the tone for most of his career - plus, it's a fun song even when you take away all the fashion and flash!  Any "top Bowie" songlist should have Ziggy Stardust as a staple.




4. Heroes

My affection for this song might stem a little from a couple of the covers I've heard of it, including the brief sampling in Moulin Rouge.  It's a very pretty song, and I like the lyrics a lot!  I'm including a video that runs a bit longer than the song, because it opens with Bowie talking to his audience and I think he's just hilarious.  Also, how well did this guy age??  He looks more and more amazing across the years!




3. Young Americans

I've been really digging on this song all week.  It hadn't really been on my radar previously, but this week it's really been speaking to me.  It's catchy and very poppy, but it's great for sitting back and chilling for a bit.  And for some reason, it makes me want to choreograph a Zumba routine...




2. Under Pressure

What do you get when you mix David Bowie with Queen?  Something incredible, that's what.  I was a Queen fan before I was a Bowie fan, but it was probably this song that got me listening to more Bowie in the first place.  The vocal styles of these two pop icons blend together so creatively, Bowie bringing the deeper soul and Freddie killing it with his power.  An instant classic!




1. As The World Falls Down (slash, all of the Labyrinth soundtrack)

All dark, rapey thematic undertones aside, this is probably my absolute favorite Bowie work, both individually and as an entire movie.  While the special effects may not completely stand the test of time, Labyrinth has become one of my all-time favorites over the years, largely for the music and specifically for the ballroom scene.  The costuming and scale of the scene are gorgeous and just a hint of creepy, which serves the song perfectly.  Bowie's croon permeates every facet, bringing the dreamy quality of the scene to a new level.  And yes, like many other ladies, this scene makes its way into my own dreams quite frequently.  I'm not ashamed to say it - Bowie may have some of the craziest makeup in Labyrinth, but that doesn't make him any less of a hottie...








The Friday Five is co-hosted by the DC Trifecta: Eat Pray Run, You Signed Up for What?!, and Mar on the Run!  Stop by any of the hosts' blogs to read about their Friday Five and to see the rest of the bloggers' links!

What are some of your favorite Bowie songs?  What's your favorite movie and why is it Labyrinth?  What's your favorite Alan Rickman role?