Five Favorite Summer Running Essentials

It is Friday! I kinda can't believe it! As of yesterday evening all of my friends and family that were in town for the wedding have gone home and life is slowly returning to so semblance of normal.  I have also spent pretty much the entire week fighting with my apartment complex over our refrigerator....which is probably from the 70's and keeps quitting at life and ruining all my food.  If you follow along on the blog at all, you know I love food so this is a big problem.

Anyways, since it is Friday, that means it is also time for my favorite blogging day of the week!  Friday Five is hosted by Mar on the Run, You Signed Up for What?, and Eat Pray Run DC.  If you haven't checked out this weekly link up I highly recommend doing so!

Because it was 90 degrees outside yesterday, I am going to jump on the summer time running train just a little earlier than the rest of the country...today I want to share with you my:
Five Favorite Summer Running Essentials!

1) Compression calf sleeves.  I got really used to running in compression tights, but those can be a little warm in the summer months and my legs are pale enough that I need to let them see daylight occasionally.  SO calf sleeves are the way to go :)  I am currently running in a pair from 2XU that I am super in love with (and will be reviewing in full very very soon).

2) Good socks.  When you run in the heat, you sweat.  I know it's gross but it is the truth.  Summer in Florida also usually means a ton of rain, which means your feet get extra wet.  Good socks are essential when it comes to keeping your feet in working condition!  I really like Smartwool socks for suuuuuuper soggy conditions, Wigwam socks for daily use (I just found them at Target too! Major win!), and 2XU socks (to pair with the sleeves!) when I feel like my feet need a little extra oomph!

3) Hydration system.  I am obsessed with my OrangeMud Vest.  Carrying water if you are going further than 5 feet becomes essential in the summer, so finding the gear that makes that work for you is just as magical as finding the right shoe.

4) Anti-chafe stuff.  I have thicker thighs...you will not be finding any semblance of a thigh gap here.  This means that the thigh chafing struggle is very very real and I have taken many painful showers when I either forgot to use something, or the something I used didn't work.  I am currently loving the 2Toms roll on sport shield. Sure my legs get sunburnt when I run in shorts, but at least they don't chafe!

5) Something to soak up the sweat.  I have several Buffs and I love them because they keep the sweat out of my eyes, which is a life saver.  I sometimes have to trade out or layer though because I tend to burn my nose very easily so if there is no shade on my longer runs I can end up pretty crispy!

So there you have it! My five favorite summer running essentials!  
Is it summer where you are?
What helps you beat summer running heat?!

Happy Friday!!!

Merino Wool Buff Review...and my first post as a married person!

Disclaimer: I received a Merino Wool Buff 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!

Ok before we get started with this post, I just have to throw it out there that this is the first post I am writing after getting married yesterday!!!! I am so unbelievably excited and just had to throw it out there ;)

But now on to the real purpose of this post!

If you have been following along on this blog or any of my social media, you probably already know that I LOVE Buff products and I really don't like to be cold.  After my experience with the Buff Thermal Hoodie, trying out the merino wool Buff was a no brainer for me!

To start off, I love the color options and I am obsessed with the vivid blue color of the Buff I was sent.  

These wool Buffs are a bit longer than the traditional Buff so they take a little extra folding and arranging, but the layers keep your ears so toasty it is unbelievable! Over the years I have come to really appreciate wool (especially merino wool) for its ability to provide great temperature regulation without adding a lot of weight or bulk.

Like all the rest of the Buff products I have tried, I loved the fact that I could wear the merino wool Buff without it feeling too tight but also without it ever slipping! I hate things feeling too tight around my head, but I also hate things slipping off. The fact that Buff is always able to deliver both qualities and keep my poor little ears warm never fails to amaze me. Well there's no wiggle but my pictures are wobbly lol. 

Because the merino wool Buff is so comfortable I also spent a lot of time wearing it around the house.  It got a little chilly (at least by Florida standards) and I didn't want to turn on the heat, so it was a nice way to keep my head warm and my hair out of my face!

All in all, I would never hesitate to recommend a Buff product and the merino wool Buff is no exception.  I love this Buff and think it is the perfect accessory for runners (and ever non-runners) looking for a non-slip and light weight way to keep your head ears and neck warm!

If you have questions about the Merino Wool Buff feel free to let me know!!

ITS THE WEEKEND!

It is fi-na-ly Saturday and I have two whole days off in a row and I am so darn excited!!! I have a very full weekend planned and it's blowing my mind a little bit.  I am really really not the type to make plans two days in a row.  I like quiet time to recharge, but the opportunities this weekend just couldn't be passed up!

Today we are kicking it off by heading to Universal Studios for Mardi Gras and the Fall Out Boy concert! I am geeking out a lot!  I have never been to Universal so I am obviously way excited to see and do all the Harry Potter stuff (we are already planning lunch at the Leaky Cauldron!) and how can I not be so far beyond excited to see Fall Out Boy?! They are on literally every running playlist I make.  #NoShame

Sunday is a total change up.  We are heading up to the Ocala area to check out the Live Oaks International...which is a big deal horse show with show jumping and a Combined Driving Even which is something I have never actually seen in person.  Plus the Budweiser Clysdsedales are there!

Be sure to follow along on my Twitter and Instagram this weekend!

What are you up to this weekend? Big plans? Relaxing at home? Tackling the chores you've been avoiding (aka what I should be doing!)?