Gear Gear Gear!

Hello everyone! This week's blog comes as a request... a friend of mine suggested I write about all of the "gear" I'm using and what's keeping me warm during this cold winter... So I present to you... Ashley's favorite's list. :)

Sneakers -  I've been running in Asics GT 2000's for a few years now.  Sneakers are one of those funny things that are so personal to each person so I can't exactly "recommend" them to anyone.  They just happen to be the kicks that work best on my feet.  They are a high support shoe which I need with my history of Plantar Fasciitis and stress fractures (FUN!).  Side note... just scored a SWEET deal on a new pair from Runner's Warehouse.com.  Like my friend Krystina, I like shoes you can see from space. 

So what clothing is keeping me "warm" while I'm out there? Generally speaking I'm pretty loyal to the Under Armour brand. They know what they are doing, their stuff is comfy and for the most part within a reasonable price point.  If you ever have the time to hit one of their local outlet stores you can get some pretty amazing deals! I wear their running tights (Sometimes two pairs when it gets really cold), and their cold gear tops. One new top I grabbed this year and love is the Fly By Turtleneck. When I need neck coverage it provides just enough without being suffocating. I also have been loving my "Winter Sprinter Hoodie" from Lululemon. Super comfy, and perfect for the 30 degree days... you know... normal cold. :) 

I also grabbed myself a new jacket this year that is reflective for the times I'm running very early or late at night in the dark...  After much searching I settled on the Brooks Hi-Visibility jacket. Check it out below. You CAN'T miss me when I'm rocking this thing! It's not made for warmth, but it's roomy enough to layer underneath and be totally comfortable.  It comes as a vest as well which I might invest in as the weather gets warmer. 

Gloves. This is an interesting topic.  When running my hands can't make up their mind. Hot, cold, hot, cold... I end up ripping my gloves off and putting them back on numerous times during long runs. For the most part my thin Under Armour gloves do the trick, but with this winter being particularly cold I needed something else for those 5 degree days! Last year my Mom gave me a pair of EMS gloves that are a very thin fleece and I never used them because they were too warm.  Well this winter they have been a lifesaver. I have no idea what they are called, but they are the EMS brand and will save your hands if you are running in weather like me :)

Miscellaneous stuff... I have a Nathan water belt that works just fine but I hardly ever use. (My team sets up water stops for our long runs). But once the Marathon is over I bet I will be using it more. My arm band for my iPhone is also by Nathan and it's done the trick up until now but it's starting to drive me NUTS on longer runs. So I'm going to start using my little iPod shuffle for tunes and I'm in the market for a GPS watch so I can keep an eye on my mileage.  I don't really need anything fancy so I'm eyeing the Garmin Forerunner 10.  It's got the great Garmin name behind it, but it's their entry level watch and will only set me back $130. I'll probably be picking it up this weekend to try for my... gulp.... 18 miler.

Nutrition. I've come to LOVE chocolate milk for my post run drink. Who knew it was the perfect refreshment following a long run?! During runs my team gives us Gatorade and water and I basically go back and forth between the two.  As far as GU is concerned... well... I hate it. It's a texture thing. Last weekend I tried the GU Chews and they were a little better but not great.  So if anyone has any recommendations for different brands to try I'd be interested to hear them!

 = GROSS 

I think that's it! Hope this wasn't super boring... if you have gear that you LOVE comment below, I love trying out new stuff. (as my wallet permits haha)

76 days....

xoxo
Ash

"We choose to run for those who sometimes can't."

I am running the 2014 Boston Marathon on the Marathon Strides Against MS Team! To make a donation to help end Multiple Sclerosis please visit my personal fundraising page:  http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?px=12612971&pg=personal&fr_id=22897