I tell all of my Couch to 5K clients at their first meeting -- that it's "all about the running gear". And as their mind and body transform over that nine week session - I find that this becomes true for many of them. They may not all wear brightly colored Bondi Bands or invest in hot pink knee-high compression socks. But, they enjoy telling me about all of their cheap finds on the local running store sales rack, the running shorts they found at the local retail store or the pack of wicking socks that they snagged online. It's all a great investment in your wardrobe and a great investment in yourself. You look good -- you feel good -- you motivate yourself to do more. It's plain and simple.
Other than the need for a great pair of properly fit running shoes ... Here are some of my favorite pieces of running gear .. a must-have for most women of all shapes and sizes.
Sports Bras: Handful Bras (HERE)
These bras seriously are A-W-E-S-O-M-E! A good sports bra is a necessity for us women. Another thing that Running Dudes don't need to worry about our invest in. I hate sports bras with really thick straps and that feel restricting and tight. These bras are adjustable and even have removable pads. They help you hold your shape and keep you from bouncing around. They state that they flatter; not flatten. I totally admit this. They are very feminine and come in some great colors. I wore one at Chicago Marathon earlier this month and didn't even THINK about my bra.
These bras seriously are A-W-E-S-O-M-E! A good sports bra is a necessity for us women. Another thing that Running Dudes don't need to worry about our invest in. I hate sports bras with really thick straps and that feel restricting and tight. These bras are adjustable and even have removable pads. They help you hold your shape and keep you from bouncing around. They state that they flatter; not flatten. I totally admit this. They are very feminine and come in some great colors. I wore one at Chicago Marathon earlier this month and didn't even THINK about my bra.
Headbands: Bondi Bands (HERE)
CEP Compression Socks (HERE)
I LOVE compression socks. They help keep my legs nice and fresh and I really think they have helped my recovery time after long runs marathon events. They are great for spring and fall, when the weather is a bit in between - and you are ready for running tights or pants. They are super cute, flirty and come in tons of bright colors.
NorthFace Running Tights (HERE)
I am not a big fan of running tights. I run a lot of miles, but still have thighs ... and hips. I'm cury. These running tights really hold me in and make me look more slender. They even stay in place when I am active and the fabric is totally breathable. They are great, when paired with a running skirt or shorts. Unfortunately, the cooloer weather is upon us now. But, I even feel comfortable wearing these solo (gasp!). Go ahead, check 'em out.
I love my handheld water bottles. I run with them all year long. Even in winter. I tell all of my new clients about them and they quickly become addicted, too. I have them in every shape and size. I use the smaller ones for my 5K runs with clients. And, I found this Amphipod Handheld water bottle over the summer. It's been perfect for my long runs. I even carried it the entire 26.2 miles at Chicago Marathon this month. I don't need to stop at all of the water stations. Or I fill it up with water and only pick up sports drink at the water stations. The curve in the bottle make it really easy to hold ... for 4+ hours. I also like the pockets these bottles have - easy to store energy gels, bars, change, and a small cell phone.
This summer, I competed in Ragnar Relay (HERE) Chicago. Twelve of us crazy bloggers ran 200 miles (combined) from Madison, Wisconsin to Chicago, Illinois in June. Yeah, I know. Sounds crazy.
Ragnar has asked me and some other rock-star bloggers from around the country and Canada to participate in Ragnar Relay in California next spring. I'm hoping to be able to fly out and participate.
In the meantimem ... they've asked the twelve of us to participate in a virtual relay ... a Swagnar Relay. You are getting twelve opportunities to WIN cool Ragnar Swag prizes!!
Check out this cool Ragnar Fitted performance Jacket!!!
Ragnar Fitted Performance Jacket (HERE)
Estimated Retail Value: $65
Want it?? Want more???
Keep reading ......
One lucky winner will win a
Ragnar Fitted Performance Jacket (HERE)
Ragnar Fitted Performance Jacket (HERE)
Estimated Retail Value: $65
PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!
1 – Become a follower of my blog or already are?! LEAVE ME A COMMENT
3 – Visit the Ragnar Relay website HERE and tell me why you want to become a Ragnarian. LEAVE ME A COMMENT
4 – Become a fan of Ragnar Relay on Facebook HERE (and let them know Running Diva Mom sent you!). LEAVE ME A COMMENT
5 – Post about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter account. (Tweet using the #Swagnar hashtag and including @Ragnarrelay in the Tweet.) LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.
Enter now - through 11:59 PM on Wednesday, October 17th.
Did you enter? Do you want more cool, Ragnar Swag?!?
Get on with your SWAGNAR bad-self ....
Get on with your SWAGNAR bad-self ....
Now - go visit Thad at RunnerDude (HERE), who I’m passing the virtual baton to on October 18th for your chance to win the next prize in the Ragnar Swagnar Relay!
Good luck!
I follow your blog
ReplyDeleteI follow RDM on facebook
ReplyDeleteI have seriously wanted to do a Ragnar for years. I was jealous of your trip to Chicago. I've considered the Winona one (but it is really hilly!). Some day...
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog!
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ReplyDeleteI follow you on fb
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ReplyDeleteI follow you on facebook!
ReplyDeleteI'm a stalker! Well, I follow you on FB and your blog....kind of a stalker.
ReplyDeleteI want to become a ragnarian because I've read all the blogger stories and stories from my friends who have ran it--I think it would be an awesome experience!
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog!
ReplyDeleteI follow you on FB!
ReplyDeleteI want to do Ragnar because of the team!! How fun to spend ALLL that time with other amazing ladies!!
ReplyDeleteI'm a blog follower!
ReplyDeleteI follow Ragnar Relay on FB.
ReplyDeleteI'm also a fan on facebook!
ReplyDeleteI have a lot of running buddies that have done Ragnar relays and they rave about it! I told them that I want to do it this next year because they look like so much fun!!
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ReplyDeleteI tweeted!
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/pace_of_laurel/status/258036862478856192
I like you on facebook
ReplyDeleteI want to do a ragnar because it's a once in a lifetime experience!
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ReplyDeleteI follow you on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI want to be a Ragnarian because it looks like an awesome experience! I'm planning to do Madison to Chicago in 2013!
ReplyDeleteI already liked Ragnar on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI tweeted a link to this post (as @not_margaret)
ReplyDeleteBlog follower.
ReplyDeleteI wanna do a ragnar because it looks like every has so much freakin fun at every race.
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ReplyDeleteLiked you on FB
ReplyDeleteI know several people who run Ragnar and LOVE it! Someday I want to try!
ReplyDeleteLiked Ragnar on FB
ReplyDeletePosted Giveaway to my blog!
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog!
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteI would love to become a Ragnarian! What a fun way to spend time with your friends and meet other runners!
ReplyDeleteI liked Ragnar Relay on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteI shared this giveaway on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog.
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI want to become a ragnarian because there's nothing like distance running. I almost got to do it this year, but so very bummed when it didn't work. Can't imagine that accomplishment
ReplyDeletegfc eclairre(at)ymail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI'm a blog follower!
ReplyDeleteI follow you on facebook
ReplyDeleteI want to Ragnar because it sounds like a blast and it would be awesome to run Miami to Key West!
ReplyDeleteI am already a fan of Ragnar on Facebook! That's how I found out about the relay style giveaway!
ReplyDeleteTweeted: https://twitter.com/heelschica07/status/258092436520304640
ReplyDeletePosted to Facebook.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's posted on my blog! http://heelsrunningtheworld.blogspot.de/2012/10/giveaway.html
ReplyDeleteRDM blog follower
ReplyDeleteRDM FB follower
ReplyDeleteI am a follower of your blog. You may be inspiring me to try a marathon next year. :)
ReplyDeleteMy friends and I are considering a ragnar next year. It would be fun to run be part of a team.
ReplyDeleteI also like Ragnar on facebook. Great resource. Great way to hook up with teams.
ReplyDeleteFollower!
ReplyDeleteI like you on FB!
ReplyDeleteI've run one Ragnar and it was a blast, it would be fun to try another one!
ReplyDeleteI like Ragnar on FB!
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower! ANd a Ragnar homie!
ReplyDeleteI follow you on FB as well!
ReplyDeleteI'm already a Ragnarian but would love to repeat!
ReplyDeleteI am a follower
ReplyDeleteI follow on FB
ReplyDeleteI have friends who did Ragnar and said it was so much fun
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog!
ReplyDeleteI follow you on FB!
ReplyDeleteI am a Ragnarian (with you)!! Panty Raiders rule, would love to do it again!
ReplyDeleteTweeted about the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog!
ReplyDeleteI like you on fb.
ReplyDeleteYou know I'm already a Ragnarian! :)
ReplyDeleteNow following your blog :-)
ReplyDeleteFacebook fan of Ragnar -MG
ReplyDeleteI am a follower! Cmessner@myuw.net
ReplyDeleteI like Ragnar on FB.
ReplyDeleteI have ran the NW Passage relay twice with family. It was a great time to spend with family and everyone push their running limits.
ReplyDeleteI am a blog follower
ReplyDeleteI follow you on fb
ReplyDeleteRunning a Ragnar sounds way more fun than a marathon ...
ReplyDeleteI am a fan of Ragnar on fb.
ReplyDeletei follow your blog
ReplyDeleteI am a follower.
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI will be a Ragnarian in 2013 to challenge myself and make new friends.
ReplyDeleteI follow Ragnar Relay on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI like you on Facebook :)
ReplyDeleteI visited the Ragnar website. I'm already a Ragnarian and couldn't be happier. My hope is to get my husband on board!!
ReplyDeleteI follow Ragnar on Facebook :)
ReplyDeleteI posted this giveaway on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI'm a blog follower.
ReplyDeleteI am already a Ragnarian - I did So Cal 2012 - and it wasn't the greatest experience - extreme heat and a not so fun team. So I am looking forward to my next Ragnar experience in Vegas next month!
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog
ReplyDeleteIm a follower of your on FB as well!
ReplyDeleteJust Liked Ragnar Relay on FB! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower of your blog.
ReplyDeleteI follow RDM on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI'll be back for my second shot at Ragnar Chicago in June. I have a bit of unfinished business with that course. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of Ragnar Relays on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI am a follower of you
ReplyDeleteAnd I would love to experience a ragnar race. I think it would be a great way to get to know people, but also a great way to have a different race experience from the regular 10ks marathons, etc...
ReplyDeleteI AM a Ragnarian. I love them and am definitely a fan on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI've ran the Florida Keys, Wasatch Back, and Las Vegas Ragnar. I love being a Ragnarian and I want that jacket so badly!
ReplyDeleteI liked you on facebook!
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog on my Google Reader.
ReplyDeleteAmy Lauren
proudpatriot2007(at)yahoo(dot)com
Also, I'm a Running Diva Mom facebook fan.
ReplyDeleteAmy Lauren
proudpatriot2007(at)yahoo(dot)com
And a Ragnar Facebook Fan.
ReplyDeleteAmy Lauren
proudpatriot2007(at)yahoo(dot)com
I want to become a Ragnarian because you are doing the race with friends and you become really close when running and riding in the van together.
ReplyDeleteAmy Lauren
proudpatriot2007(at)yahoo(dot)com
oooooo radddd I am a blog follower!
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog
ReplyDeleteI follow RDM on facebook
ReplyDeleteI would love to take on the challenge of becoming a Ragnarian
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Google Reader!
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of Ragnar Relay on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteI tweeted! https://twitter.com/WhineLess/status/258295794094977024
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower!!!
ReplyDeleteI already like you on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI want to be a Ragnarian so bad. I participated in my first relay in August and I'm hooked. I have always wanted to do Ragnar. It's on my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteI tweeted the giveaway ~ windyrunner
ReplyDeleteI posted the giveaway on my blog ~ sidebar giveaway section.
ReplyDeleteI posted the giveaway on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower of your blog :)
ReplyDeleteI like you on Facebook :)
ReplyDeleteI have run Wasatch Back, running Vegas in a few weeks, and Wasatch Back again next June! I love Ragnar. It's so much fun and such an accomplishment for me. I NEED that jacket!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm already a HUGE fan of Ragnar Relay on Facebook :)
ReplyDeleteI posted the Ragnar Swagnar on my Facebook! I NEED that jacket !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am a new blog follower!
ReplyDeleteI am a your newest Facebook fan!
ReplyDeleteI want to run a ragnar because I know others who have and it seems just crazy enough to be fun!
ReplyDeleteI am a Ragnar Relay FB fan!
DeleteI tweeted the Ragnar Swagnar Giveaway on Twitter!
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ReplyDeleteI am a Ragnarian and its freakin AWESOME!!
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ReplyDeleteJust followed!
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ReplyDeleteI follow on FB too!
ReplyDeleteI am really excited that next month I will become a Ragnarian! I want to be a Ragnarian because "all the cool kids are doing it!" haha Ragnar has always been a bucket list run for me!
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of Ragnar on FB!
ReplyDeletei follow ragnar on fb
ReplyDeleteI liked you on fb
ReplyDeleteFollowing your blog!
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ReplyDeleteRagnar is a blast--I follow on FB, too. And your suggestions on running gear are great, thanks!!
ReplyDeleteInteresting blog. Will participate in my first Ragnar Relay in January, looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Ragnar! I like them on facebook and participated in one!
ReplyDeletemegsellner@gmail.com
I am a Ragnarian because it's awesome running at night when you aren't quite sure of where you are going!
ReplyDeleteI am a follower of your blog!
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog!
ReplyDeleteI follow you on FB!!!
ReplyDeleteFollowing you on facebook.
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog :) I LOOOOVE Ragnar and I'm running Del Sol in February :)
ReplyDeleteI like Ragnar on FB. :)
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Facebook :)
ReplyDeleteI am a proud Ragnarian!! - twice over :)
ReplyDeleteI'm already a fan of Ragnar on facebook.
ReplyDeleteI am a ragnarian and FEB 2012 will be my 2nd ragnar I plan to continue the tradition every year and hopefully can do it in another state as well :)
ReplyDeleteRunning tends to be such a solo sport, but it looks like being a Ragnarian really turns it into a social event. Can't wait to run one!
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of the Ragnar Relay on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI follow ragnar on FB
ReplyDeleteI am a Ragnarian! Ran the Northwest passage and LOVED it!!
ReplyDeleteI posted this link on my facebook:)
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ReplyDeleteI shared your link on my FB page!! I would love this jacket, thanks!
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ReplyDeleteI follow your blog! Great stuff! Great info!!
ReplyDeleteI follow you on FB!!!
ReplyDeleteNow following you on FB...♥ the pictures. Laughed out loud at the hoodie that says "Your workout is my warmup"! That's as good as, "I eat half marathons for breakfast!"
ReplyDeleteI have never been one that enjoyed running. My husband is a Ragnarian and always has so much fun with the relays...it has given him a passion for running. He signed me up to do the Vegas Ragnar. I am hoping to find that same passion for running!!
ReplyDeleteShared on FB!!!
ReplyDeleteI am now following your blog.
ReplyDeleteI liked the Running Diva Mom Facebook page
ReplyDeleteI'm following your blog now. I liked you on FB and have liked Ragnar on FB for a long time. My friends and I will be running our first Ragnar in Key West Jan 2013. We are Running Diva Moms!
ReplyDeleteFirst Ragnar will be Wasatch Back 2013...have only done 1 mini-relay (4 people - 50 miles) and it left me wanting more. CANNOT wait for June!!
ReplyDeleteI first heard about the Ragnar Relay through a good friend of mine. I was doubtful at first since I am not a distance runner, however, I saw it as a great and fun challenge. I am a big proponent of "you start something, you finish it, and you damn well finish it good." I see this as a great opportunity to make friends, get fit, build character, and get healthy. How could I not win?
ReplyDeleteI follow the Ragnar Relay fan page.
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of Ragnar Relay.
ReplyDeleteTweeted about the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI let Ragnar FB know you sent me!
ReplyDeleteShared this contest on my FB wall.
ReplyDeleteVisited the Ragnar site! My first Ragnar was Wasatch Back this summer. I loved it so much that I'm making the trip down to Vegas next month for another!
ReplyDeleteI like Ragnar on facebook
ReplyDeleteI tweeted about the competition (twitter handle: @_Nixo)
ReplyDeleteI commented on facebook and sent a message to you and Ragnar:D Ive been following them for a long time and I also followed you:)
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog!
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog!
ReplyDeleteI am a FB fan!
ReplyDeleteI "liked" Ragnar on FB :)
ReplyDelete