Monday, March 28, 2016

A Sluggish Run and Big News!

Hey everybody!
I just got done with the most awful run I have had in a while.  There was nothing really wrong with it and I got about the pace I was aiming for...but it was hot and humid and sucked.  While I am glad we don't do the whole snow thing down here, I would sure be happy to be included in spring weather!
Today was also the first day I broke out my tiny little flat shoes so I should really be thanking the heat for preventing me from pushing too hard and hurting myself (again)!
I meant to run the first mile in 11 minutes and the second mile in 10. I dawdled a little more than I meant to in the first mile and it was actually closer to 11:30.  The second mile was closer to my goal and came in at about 10:15.  I know I am not breaking any land speed records here, but I am proud of myself for setting a goal and sticking to it.  I don't usually go out with a speed goal, just a "get this certain distance done eventually, preferably today" kind of goal.  It has worked well enough for me in the past, but I want to start going faster and setting real race goals! I am thinking of this as the first little baby step in the right direction.

In other news, if you happened to read my 2Toms review yesterday, you know that I mentioned I was making a super awesome announcement on the blog today...so here it is!!

This blog is moving homes!!!

Tomorrow morning at 8:00am (east coast time) I will be putting up the very first new post at LiveSlowRunFast.com
I hope you will stop by to check it out!
At ten o'clock tonight I will be switching my Twitter and Instagram names to @LiveSlowRunFast as well...I was going to do midnight to be all cool...but I can't stay up that late hahaha.

After almost two years on this blog it is a little bit bittersweet to be moving on, but I am so excited for the change!!!  So please be sure to stop by and say hello on the new blog tomorrow morning!!

Sunday, March 27, 2016

2Toms SportShield Review

Disclaimer: I received 2Toms SportShield to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

Like many runners, I have the opposite of a thigh gap...I call it the thigh overlap ;)
Just kidding....sorta...but between strong legs and the fact that I live in the sunshine state, I usually end up choosing between being way too hot running in capris, or I end up with chafing.

I have tried a ton of products and methods to combat the chafing issue.  Most either don't work at all, or work for a few miles/hours then wear off.  Applying most of these products it also a hassle.  Some don't come out of the applicator well enough, some get all over your hands and won't come off.

I am so beyond happy to say that 2Toms SportShield is my solution! To start off with, it is in a roll on applicator which is awesome.  No more trying to get a stick of stuff to stick to your legs.  It goes on and you can easily apply enough product to feel safe while running.  It also comes in wipes which are AWESOME to carry with you on super long runs where you may need to reapply.  

On that note - I have yet to run a distance where I needed to reapply.  In fact, I also use this when I go out in skirts (the thunder thigh struggle is real here folks) and it has the power to go all day! 

In addition to using 2Toms on my legs when running, I have used it for the sides or my toes when wearing my work clogs (and running shoes)

On all points of contact when wearing new high heels

and on the fronts an back of my ankles when wearing my riding boots (for reference: I have worn these boots for nearly 5 years and I always end up with raw ankles. 2Toms prevented even that.)

Overall I am beyond thrilled with my experience with 2Toms and I will be ordering more for sure as summer is closing in and temperatures are already soaring.

If you also want to try out 2Toms SportShield, use code 2TOMS20 for 20% off!

Have questions about my experience with 2Toms? Let me know!!

Also: be sure to check back tomorrow for an important blog announcement :)

Happy Easter!!!

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Product Review: 2XU VECTR Socks and Performance Run Calf Sleeves

Disclaimer: I received 2XU VECTR Socks and Performance Run Calf Sleeves to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

Do you ever find a brand you love then feel the need to own everything they make because you know it is going to be AMAZING every single time?  That's how I have felt about 2XU from the very first pair of their compression tights I tried out!  So naturally I was thrilled to have the opportunity to try out the 2XU VECTR Socks and Performance Run Calf Sleeve...and they did not disappoint!

The Socks
The VECTR socks are thin and lightweight with an awesome amount of compression and support around the arch of the foot as well as at the back of the ankle (right above the heel) that not only made my feet feel great, but also kept the sock from slipping while I ran.  I think we can all agree that there is pretty much nothing worse than socks that fall down when you run, or walk, or whatever. Socks that fall down period haha.
Another thing I really appreciated about the VECTR socks was the fit in the toe.  Too many socks are either so tight they cause blisters, or so loose they cause blisters.  Either way ends in pain...so I appreciate the fact that the fit in the toe of these socks is perfect.  Fun fact: I wore running shoes under my wedding dress, and these are the socks I wore with them!

The Calf Sleeve
I. Love. Calf Sleeves.
Ok now that we got that out of the way, I can share that these are perfect.  They are not the tightest compression of all the 2XU products I have tried, but they are a very comfortable level of compression that you can really feel the benefits of.  I like that I can wear them under my pants for work all day and get all the recovery benefits.  When I wear them I can tell a difference in my legs at the end of the day!  With the wedding and having company in town I have not been running as much lately, so I have really appreciated having these sleeves to help me prevent calf strain and shin splints!!

Better Together
Ok so since they are both great separately, they are even better together right? Right!
One of the biggest perks of using socks and calf sleeves rather than tall compression socks is that they are so much easier to put on! I am sure it sounds silly, but the struggle to get tall compression socks on can be really really real.  Plus if you are running in gross conditions, it is easier to swap out short socks and leave the sleeves on than it is to swap out the whole thing.  As I mentioned before I also love wearing the sleeves all day at work, then I can just slip on the socks after work and be ready to run! It is really nice to be able to use each part separately then see double the benefit when using them together.
Overall I HIGHLY recommend the VECTR Socks with Performance Run Calf Sleeves if you are looking for versatile, quality compression for both training and recovery.


If you have any questions please feel free to let me know!
If you want to pick up your own 2XU products, use code TRAIN15 for 15% off your order!