Gear – Run Read Repeat

Top Picks in Marathon Gear

What to wear in general can be a struggle. What to wear when you are planning to run a race and know the weather/temperature is going to change throughout the run can be extra difficult. I had promised a follow up to my Marathon recap talking about what I wore and why.

In case you missed it this wasn’t your typically race environment. I had a great deal of flexibility in selecting what I was going to wear because I knew I was running a route that would enable me to stop home if necessary to change or lose a layer. If you are looking for ideas of what to wear at various temperatures when exercising outside- I wrote a post about this last year and you can take a read here.

Back to race day clothing logistics. The weather was calling for it to be dry, moderately windy and in the upper 30s to start. Some would shudder at the thought of upper 30s. I was elated. The anticipated temperature for when I finished was the upper 40s to low 50s. When selecting what to wear for running outside you really need to factor in at least 10-15 degrees warmer than the actual temperature to be properly dressed. So what was I thinking when I was making my choices?? 1) I wanted to be warm enough but not too warm, 2) Chafe free and 3) easy to change as the temperatures and I warmed up.

On top: I knew I wanted long sleeves. Unlike many of my other cooler weather runs this wasn’t just an out and back so if I got sweaty it was okay. I needed to keep my body temperature regulated without being too overheated or too cold. This called for the purple long sleeve Chill. The beauty of the Chill is that it is completely perforated providing ventilation. But it’s also long sleeves so it’s giving you a layer of protection. I know that by mile two my body normally warms up so this was going to be perfect! PS it is purple my favorite color and the color associated with the Alzheimer’s Association so it’s perfect on a number of levels. Not to mention it’s made from recycled materials so it’s even great for the environment.

For nearly ALL of my long runs- I’m talking anything over 7-8 miles you’ll find me in my Pewter All Star RC Bra. Don’t get me wrong I love all my All Star bras. But there is something about the recycled materials in this particular bra that make it hands down my favorite. Absolutely no rubbing, chafing or need to readjust. Put it on and run. (By the way all the other All Stars are the same in no chafing or readjusting, I think it’s just the fact that the Pewter is a touch softer that makes me gravitate to it.) Who wants to spend their run readjusting their bra??

As for the bottoms I started my run in 20 inch pocket light n tights. I totally prefer to run in light n tights for the pocket feature. While I also wore my Spibelt (more to come below) I would much rather have my phone in my pocket for easy access. Why these particular light n tights?? Again, the recycled component of these legging make them my favorite. No chafing, no adjusting and the bonus phone sized pockets on both legs. Also, on my 5’6 frame they hit me mid calf. It’s like pants but not quite. Again my thinking was being warm enough without being too warm.

Now, I certainly could have worn the light n tights the entire distance, but I knew that I was going to want to change my top about half way. Ultimately, when I stopped at home right after mile 7 I opted to change into a Havana tank and 8 inch Light n Tight Hustle Shorts. In hind sight I should have probably just changed my top but running into the house I felt so warm I opted to change both. Changing the bottoms was literally a game time decision. Overall I don’t think that it made a big difference either way. Each time I left the house I had to readjust to the temperature but ultimately I wasn’t too cold.

Why the Havana tank? Why Zyia Active discountinued my most beloved mesh tank I had to find an alternative that didn’t chafe my arm and was breathable. The Havana tank fits that bill. (PS so does the Copper Charge but it’s not as breathable and doesn’t come in purple.) There is nothing worse than chafing during a run. I’ve only had it happen once when I wore something that didn’t fit quite right. But my arm was RAW. No one wants that. The Havana Tank has been one of my steady go to tanks for running and didn’t disappoint on marathon day!!

So if you are wondering if the 8 inch Light n Tight Hustle shorts are just like Light n Tights…they are in fact. So basically I just took off one pair of Light n Tights for a shorter version. Still had the two great pockets on each leg and the compression that I love.

That concludes the “clothing portion” of the gear I used for my marathon. But indulge me for a moment and I’ll share the other items that got me through:

Spibelt : I cannot think of a long run/race that I’ve done without one of my Spibelts. I’ll let you in on a little secret- I don’t really like wearing a waist pack. But it’s a necessity. I tried MANY! Ultimately, Spibelt is the best for not moving around and holding everything I want it to on a run. Now I have several in different sizes, depending on whether I’m also carrying water bottles/gels.
Fitletic Water Bottles: Shhh don’t tell Spibelt but I like the Fitletic water bottles better. They have their own little “holsters” if you will that you put on your belt. So much easier for putting the water bottles back on the belt without having to take a lot of time and effort.
Balega Ultra Glide socks: Balega has a lot of different sock choices for runners. Like any good runner I tried them all. All kidding aside there are several Balega styles that I wear regularly but the Ultra Glide are my favorite!
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v10: While I highly recommend going to a local running shop and being properly fitted for shoes, I’ll say these are my favorite. Ever since I started running again, nearly two years ago I’ve been wearing the 1080s. I saw them through the various changes and they are still good to my feet so I keep wearing them.
Aftershokz have been life changing. I can hear my podcast, book or music and still hear what’s going on around me at the same time. It’s the best of all worlds. Plus they are super comfortable and stay in place, even with glasses!
Road ID: While this isn’t technically gear, it’s kind of a necessity. I’m not trying to be a negative nelly- but lots of things can happen out on a run. So I feel more comfortable knowing that if something does happen, those who find me will be able to contact my family.
Momentum Jewelry: Also not technical gear but a motivational must. I’m obsessed with these wrap bracelets and wear them all of the time!
Sweaty Bands: If you’ve seen any of my sweaty selfies then you’ve seen me in a Sweaty Bands headband. I wear one on ALL of my runs (even under a hat). They help hold my hair in place and when it’s not long enough to pull back help to keep it off my neck. I love the variety of patterns. For the Marathon, the NYC Skyline seemed like the best pick!

And there you have it, what I wore, why I wore it and the products I love!!

Never miss a post, subscribe today!!

Amazing time to join Zyia Active!

While I normally only share about running over here on this blog- Zyia Active is all that I wear to workout and for the last six months what I wear all of the time. I became a rep over a year ago and this special is too good not to share! While any time is a great time to join the Zyia family this month you are going to get even more bang for your buck. Let’s take a look at what you get for the $295 cost:

First of all is your kit. There’s a men’s and women’s sign up kit. We will first take a look at the women’s kit as of September 9, 2020. But do not fret if your kit looks slightly different. Kits are continually updated to include the latest staple items that are not only popular but a great representation of the variety of products offered by Zyia Active.

The Starter Kit Includes:

$50 Business Tools: Catalogs, Brochures, Order Forms, & Stickers

Two $100 Gift Cards

ZYIA-X Mesh Hat ($18 value)

White Bomber Bra ($31 value)

Lemon Nimbus Split Back Tank ($32 value)

Black Bomber Jacket ($69 value)

Black Pocket Light n Tight Hi-Rise 7/8 24″ ($65 value)

That’s $215 in products plus another $200 in gift certificate for you to select the items of your choosing, and $50 worth of business tools for a total of $465. The cost to join is $295. So, let’s say you see purchasing an enrollment kit as an amazing opportunity to build your own business- amazing this is an awesome deal making now an incredible time to join. But, let’s just say you LOVE Zyia Active and you want to get more Zyia Active at the representative discount. Amazing, now is a great time to enroll because for $295 you are going to get $215 in amazing staple products and supplies along with another $200 of the PRODUCTS YOU WANT that you choose!! So you’re coming out ahead. Maybe you build it into a business with the support of our AMAZING team or maybe you use this as a chance to shop at a discount and do some holiday shopping for friends and family.

Let’s take a look to see what the Men’s Enrollment Kit includes:

The Starter Kit Includes:

$50 Business Tools: Catalogs, Brochures, Order Forms, & Stickers

Two $100 Gift Cards

Men’s Navy Reef Block Shorts ($45 value)

Men’s Navy Performance Hoodie ($55 value)

Men’s Red Versatility Short ($49 value)

Men’s Black ZZZ Hat ($23 value)

Men’s Navy Clubhouse Belt ($16 value)

Men’s Navy Traveler Pant 31″ ($98 value)

For the $295 cost of the enrollment kit you are getting- $200 in gift certificates to select the items of your choosing; $286 in pre-selected, versatile products that give you a true sense of the depth of options from Zyia Active and $50 in business supplies. So that comes out to $536 in product and materials for $295. Again this is such an amazing value before even taking a look at the support you get if you are interested in building a business. I always say that even if you think you just want to sign up for the discount- at the very least host a party for yourself. Share products you love with your friends and family. You’ll have the chance to earn back part of your initial investment all while also earning hostess rewards.

The next thing you get is support, guidance, and training from me and our amazing team!

If building a business if your desire, there are trainings, support and a fantastic community. Come check us out over on Instagram. You literally can make it what you will- you can shop at a discount or you can build a business- you decide! Whichever route you chose you are not alone!!

Questions?? Email me today! Ready to enroll? Join now!

A Guide to Zyia Active Sports Bras

Show of hands who has had trouble finding the perfect sports bra??? My hand is way up in the air. Prior to joining Zyia Active I struggled and spent a ton of money on bras that I never wore more than once. Including my last pre- Zyia sports bra from that very expensive and trendy place that rhymes with MuMuMemon. All that changed when I started thinking differently about how to shop for a sports bra and found my perfect match with Zyia Active.

Here’s a review of the various sports bras offered from Zyia Active. Below the video I’ll go into detail about each bra as well.

When shopping for a sports bra you need to consider the following to get a perfect fit:

1) What are you going to be doing in your sports bra?? (lounging, running, yoga, HIIT, etc?) Why do we look at this first?? Because we want to find you the most supportive bra for your level of activity combined with the best fit for your size.

2) What is your circumference? (the number part on your regular bra) We will look at this number first so we can see if you fall between sizes, and then,

3) What is your cup size??

Let’s take a closer look at the bras that I discussed in the video above:

Floral Reflective Light n Tight Mesh Bra RC

Weather heating up and you’re looking for a bra that will provide you with great support, coverage and allow you to breath?? Hello, Floral Reflective Light n Tight Mesh Bra. The same great support you get from your Light n Tight leggings in a bra, made from recycled materials, mesh and an open open for ventilation. You’ll find the Floral Reflective Light n Tight Mesh Bra runs true to size. Additionally, it has removable pads.

All Star Bra

The All Star Bra is the most supportive for high impact and those are more well endowed.

This is my number one top pick bra. I wear an All Star Bra for most of my workouts/runs. Here’s why I love it:

It’s high necked so to speak. Which means it’s great for yoga, larger chested women, high intensity workouts and running. You aren’t going to get any “spillage”.
Offers removable pads. Leave them in for maximum shock absorption.
Features an anti-chafe band with polyester/spandex encasing the elastic. Why is the important?? The friction happens on the fabric not on your skin so you have a chafe free fit and feel.
The mesh material is breathable and offers ventilation.

Word of warning: DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THE ZIPPER. 1) It doesn’t rub. 2) You can slip the All Star Bra off and on just like a regular bra. It offers the mesh stability and you literally will not know that it is there!

The All Star Bra runs true to size.

Mesh Adjustable

Here’s why I love the Mesh Bra:

the straps adjust on the shoulders to accommodate different proportions and control impact.
the back adjusts!! You can wear it as an X for a higher impact or as a traditional bra.
The mesh at the chest offers ventilation.

The Mesh Bra is a great alternative to the All Star bra if you are looking for less material but a comparable support. Pro tip: Size down one.

Cobra Metallic Light n Tight Adjustable Bra

If you are looking for a highly supportive bra, that can easily double as a bathing suit top with adjustable strap then look no further than the Cobra Metallic Light n Tight Adjustable Bra. Great for a run, high impact workout or sitting by the pool. Who doesn’t appreciate a top that can do double duty?

For the best fit consider sizing up one in the Cobra Metallic Light n Tight Adjustable Bra.

The Bomber Bra is our most popular all around bra.

From lounging to working out the Bomber Bra has you covered. With the gorgeous back detail ideal for open back and keyhole tops you’ll be eager to show off your bra. The Bomber Bra also features a friction free band and an internal seam at the cleavage (good bye uniboob!). Expecting a baby or recently delivered this is also a great bra for you. The low scoop in front is ideal for nursing. The Bomber Bra runs true to size.

Light n Tight

The Light n Tight Strappy bra features a chafe free band, along with a fun back that is again perfect for those open backed shirts. With removable molded cups you can not only wear this as a sport’s bra but also as a swim top. For medium impact support size up one in the Light n Tight Strappy.

Luxe Strappy

The Luxe Strappy features the softest, highest end fabric blend available while offering support for low to medium impact exercise. The back detail on the Luxe Strappy is perfect for open back and keyhole tops. The double layer and gray color palette offer interesting detail while being perfect for those who prefer neutrals. Pro sizing tip: Size down one in the Luxe Strappy.

The Grid Bra

Last but certainly not least let’s take a closer look at the grid bra. The grid bra is going to offer low to medium support. It’s best designed for those a C cup or below (no one wants side boob!). Super cute peeking out under a scoop or v neck top. Pro tip: Size up one in the grid bra.

As you can see Zyia Active has much to offer in the Sports Bra world. While this article is designed as a guide I would love to work with you one on one to find the perfect sport’s bra for you. Contact me today!

If the shoe fits, wear it!

Truth be told I do 99% of my shopping online. It easy and shipping with most places is so quick that it’s not worth a trip to the store. One thing that MUST BE PURCHASED IN THE STORE…RUNNING SHOES!! My recommendation find a local running store. My go to here in Maryland is Charm City Run. The have locations all over the state, are super helpful and I get to shop a small business!! But, here’s really why going to a reputable store is key for getting running shoes:

They are going to watch you walk barefoot. So that they can see your gait and arch. This will allow them to make a recommendation of what type of shoe you should consider that matches your body and mechanics.
They are going to size you! I’m normally a 6.5 in shoes. So I had I ordered running shoes online I would have certainly purchased a 6.5. My running shoe size is an 8. Yes, an 8. There is no chance had I not been properly sized and had it explained to me that the additional room in the toe box is necessary to accommodate for swelling and such that I would have EVER purchased a size 8 running shoe.
You can ask them questions. I’ve been wearing New Balance shoes for the last year. Same model through the various new releases. I have several pairs and I’ve never had a problem. I could take them out of the box and run ten miles….I know this because I did it this summer. Anyway, my point is that they were my shoes, no problems. Until, recently when I’ve started to have some arch pain. I mildly panicked. So what did I do…I went to see my friends at Charm City Run. I explained my situation and what I thought I was looking for in a shoe. I tried on two other pairs of shoes and ultimately bought something other than my beloved New Balance. I’m not going to lie, they were the ugliest running shoes ever. But if they felt good I would have worn them. Note: you aren’t buying running shoes that look pretty. You are buying running shoes that fit your foot properly.
Many retailers (including Zappos- but remember you want to get fitted in a store!) offer a try on period that allows you to return worn shoes if they aren’t the right fit. I just took advantage of this for the first time. I gave those shoes I purchased the run test. Ran in them three times. Ran about 15 miles in them. Ran outside and on the treadmill. Guess what?? They were not the right shoe for me. I was getting pain in a completely different place on my foot. So what did I do? I headed back to Charm City Run.
They want to get it right. They want you to be in the right shoes as much as you want to be in the right shoes. So I met with a super helpful woman. I explained that I had been in days before, what I had purchased, how I had run in them, etc. Her response: “sounds like you need an insole, rather than a new shoe.” But she went through all the steps with me. I walked so she could see my gait and arch placement. She sized me. I tried on yet another different pair of shoes. Ultimately, I wound up back in the New Balance 1080. This time the 10th edition. But with an insole. We tried multiple insoles to get the right feel. I could immediately feel the difference. Now I’ll put these new shoes and insoles to the 14 day test. I’m hopeful this new combination is going to be exactly what I need!