June 7 marks the date of Global Running Day, a worldwide initiative to get people out and running. Just for the love of it.
Obviously, I convinced the guys that they wanted to go for a quick mile with me this morning (I had done five yesterday and we only had a few minutes between rainstorms to get it done).
And so we celebrated with 1.25 family miles. Yay us!
In honor of the big day, I’m going to share some of my running favorites
Favorite running shoes:
Right now, I am rotating between three pairs of shoes:
The Adidas Supernova ST, Mizuno Wave Inspire 12 and Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17 (Rock ‘n’ Roll edition). They are all stability shoes (and I wear my Superfeet Berry inserts in all three of them), but I like to mix it up, and have had great success with all three of them. The Boost cushion in the Supernova ST has been great for my longer runs when my right glute gives me issues, and the Adrenalines are always just fun to wear. My Inspires are my workhorses – I’ve been wearing variations of them religiously for five years and think they will always hold a special place in my heart.
Favorite running gear:
There are several pieces of gear I can’t be without.
- Garmin Forerunner 735 – it’s a multi sport watch (read: triathlon), with built in heart rate monitor, capable of timing my intervals. I love it to the moon and back. It was a bit of a splurge but very worth it for me.
- ArmPocket Mega i40 – Carrying my phone is a non-negotiable, both for safety and for music. My ArmPocket is incredibly comfortable and holds my device, cards and cash, and even a gel packet. It doesn’t chafe or slip and it’s easy to clean in the washing machine or dishwasher when needed.
- AfterShokz Sportz Titanium – I won a pair of these bone conduction headphones on a BibRave Twitter chat, and they have replaced my regular ear buds on the run. Not only are they comfortable, but they allow me to hear my music or podcast without blocking out ambient noise.
- Goodr Sunglasses – I bought a pair of these on a whim and have been in love. For only $25, I have a pair of lightweight, durable, polarized glasses that don’t slip or fog. They are also great for cycling and beach days.
Favorite race distance:
I’m still holding at 10K, but the half marathon is creeping up on it. I’ve taken a little bit of the pressure off myself as far as pace is concerned, and somehow, it’s allowing me to enjoy the 13.1 distance more.
Favorite medal of the year:
So far, I would have to say my Publix Savannah Women’s Half Marathon medal.
I had a really hard time at this event in 2016, eventually dropping from the half marathon to the 5K due to injury. In 2017, I desperately needed to finish the entire distance. And, with the company of some lovely friends, I did!
Favorite Race Experience of 2017 So Far:
The DONNA Marathon Relay. Hands down. While I wish I had been feeling better, and now have a better plan for doing it next year (as far as cheering on and meeting up with teammates), I couldn’t get over how amazing this local favorite was. I am actually considering stepping up for the half marathon in 2018.
Things I Wouldn’t Have Attempted Without Running:
I have talked about how running has really boosted my self-confidence and given me the courage to try new things.
This year, I’ve gone to a barre class,
attempted an aerial class,
and took on my first sprint triathlon.
Without running, I would never have had the faith in myself to overcome my fears and doubts and try any of this.
Most Anticipated Race of 2017:
The Space Coast Half Marathon. This will be my fifth year of this half marathon. It also means I will complete the Intergalactic Challenge (five years, five half marathon, seven medals).
I have loved this race, but I’m also looking forward to trying something new and opening a spot on my calendar (especially over Thanksgiving weekend). It’s going to be hard to say no to the next series (The Next Generation), but there are other races to be run.
Future Running Goals:
I really want to run a race in every state. It can be anything from a 5K to a relay – just so long as there are 50 of them. As of right now, I have four: Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Virginia. I struggle because there are so many great races in the Florida/Georgia area (and Florida is HUGE), but I will get there.
How did you celebrate Global Running Day?
What are some things you love most about running? Share whatever you like!
(There are no affiliate links in this post. Links are provided for reader’s reference. Some of the items and race entries mentioned above were gifted to me at an earlier date, but they are all products I love and use regularly. As always, all opinions are my own.)
Kimberly G says
It’s so great that you celebrated Global Running Day with the family!
Kimberly G recently posted…Hope in Motion 10K Race Recap
runswithpugs says
I thought it was a great way to celebrate! I’m not entirely sure they agreed lol!
runswithpugs recently posted…celebrate global running day
Gina Hanzel says
What a year so far! Congrats on doing so many new things! 🙂 You have such a cute family!
Gina Hanzel recently posted…Beat the Afternoon Munchies
runswithpugs says
Thank you <3
runswithpugs recently posted…celebrate global running day
Kimberly Hatting says
I did my #5at5 this morning (instead of tomorrow) to celebrate Global Running Day. I agree with you…running has given me so much confidence in my abilities. There are a lot of challenges I’d never consider attempting before I became a runner.
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…Dam to Dam & the Big Picture
runswithpugs says
That confidence is amazing!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
yay for starting your day off with a family run! I love aerial yoga and wish I had more opportunity to do it
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Swim, Bike & Run -Reston Sprint Triathlon
runswithpugs says
I want to go back and try it again!
runswithpugs recently posted…celebrate global running day
Rachel says
Tell me about AfterShokz because I’m really intrigued… are they worth the money? I know you won yours, but would you buy them?
Rachel recently posted…6 Ways to Satiate Your Sweet Tooth Without Eating Sugar
runswithpugs says
I absolutely would, and I would splurge for the wireless ones. The sound quality is good (I’m not a tech junkie so I don’t have actual data or terminology to back me up on this one, but my sound is clear and sharp), and they are comfortable. They don’t really move around, and they don’t bother me when I’m wearing sunglasses and/or a visor. I like that I can hear my music and still hear everything around me, too. I still won’t wear them at o’dark thirty when I’m alone (because the more alert I am, the better), but I will wear them before the sun starts to rise and I don’t worry about not hearing cars or passers by.
My one complaint is that I have to remember to charge them. I hate leaving electronics plugged in, but I deal with it.
Coco says
So fun that you all went for a run! My only running was the 15 min treadmill block at OTF but we didn’t have any walk breaks.
Coco recently posted…Getting My Head In The Game
runswithpugs says
OTF is awesome! Way to go!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
I too love my Garmin and my Aftershokz. I am so thankful that my husband has gotten these as two different Christmas presents in recent years. Yay for having great, reliable running gear!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…2017 Ringing in Hope 10k Recap
runswithpugs says
They are both amazing pieces of gear! Happy running!
runswithpugs recently posted…celebrate global running day
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I loved that you shared all your loves with us!
I love my “new” Garmin 235. It was an upgrade from my Forerunner 10 and it’s amazing how much data I get from it!
My favorite medal is my Big Sur medallion. That was my dream race (I know, I talk about it ALL THE TIME) and the only race medal I ever craved. Nothing will compare and I’m good with that. I still can’t believe I got to run it.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Be Your Own Hero: 6 Strategies to Help You Run Your Best Race
runswithpugs says
The 235 is, indeed, a fabulous watch! I’m so glad you are loving it!
Big Sur would be incredible to run! I’m so happy you got the medal you craved, and are still this excited about it! It’s so awesome to be able to realize those dreams!
Anna @ Piper's Run says
I love that you had “family global running day”! I’m totally doing this next year!
I too, love my new Garmin 230 – it does everything I want!
Anna @ Piper’s Run recently posted…May Mileage & June Goals
runswithpugs says
It was fun!
Janalyn C Sullivan says
Ooh that aerial class looks like fun
runswithpugs says
Definitely way outside my comfort zone, but so amazing!
Stacie says
Love this post! But I’m sure if it came later in the year your favorite medal will be from the virtual pug run! (Assuming it happens again this year.)
I’m curious about those headphones. I have a really awesome pair of headphones that have been discontinued. They plug in, but they sit outside your ear so you can hear everything around you. But the best part is, they adjust around your ear so they totally stay put. But I can’t get them anymore, so when these go, I’ll need something new.
What I love most about running is the camaraderie. Runners are so friendly and supportive, it’s really great to be around them.
Stacie recently posted…Thursday’s Threads
runswithpugs says
Girl, you know it! I love those pug medals. And not to worry, it’s happening again!
I really do love these. I don’t think I can manually adjust them around my ear, but they curve over the tops of my ear and stay perfectly put.
Runners really are the best.