This is going to be a long one…
As you know, I’ve been swamped with Passover happenings & family stuff. Enjoying & exhausted all at the same time. Friday was really a nice day & I decided to treat myself to a run outside, as I have been staying up late & haven’t been able to get up at 5am as I typically do on weekdays. Friday it was 52, warm enough for me to go outside for my first run! So, my niece/babysitter came over at 1:30 & I was ready to go outside for my 12 mile run. I was equiped with my new Salomon HYDRO S-LAB SET that was sent to me to review here.
It is a cool little hands free bottle holder.
I used it for the first time for my long run on Friday. I filled it up with water, adjusted it accordingly & off I went. Here’s what Solomon says about this: The Hydro Sense glove is Salomon’s lightest weight solution for carrying water during races without water bouncing or sloshing.This unique system designed around the hand with soft vented fabrics perfectly fits your soft flask, bouncing free without effort whatever the volume from 150 to 500ml. Well, the fountains on my path are not on yet, so I was happy to have this hands free option, as I knew I’d need a drink at somepoint & didn’t want to spend time going to Starbucks for water (which I do when I’m thirsty & don’t have water). I decided that as a “treat” to myself I would wait until at least 6 miles & 1/2 way through to have a swig from my nifty hands free water bottle. It was so easy to drink from, I loved that! What I wasn’t so fond of was the fact that my hand did get a bit sweaty. It was a little uncomfortable for me. The fact that it was only 52 does cause me some concern because I don’t know what it’ll feel like when it’s 85. I’m sure my hand will be quite hot with this holder. None the less, it is nice and convenient. I’m not a fan of bottle holder belts, so this is a much better solution for me. And, quite frankly, I’d rather have this device than stopping at Starbucks & interrupting my stride. However, the bottle is small, so on long runs, I’ll need more water than this, so I’ll have to stop no matter what! It’s definitely a fun little tool & worth trying if you’re looking for an alternative to a bottle belt.
Now, back to my 12 miler! Let me tell you that it was magnicifient outside. The sky was blue, was a bit windy, but so what- it was great to be outside! I’ve never transitioned this quickly before from the treadmill to outside. I typically will do a few miles at a time to ease into running indoors/outdoors. Well, this time I had no choice, as I’m preparing for my 1/2 marathon next week & had to get a long run in outside prior to race day! It was Hard. I finally felt pretty good after 4 miles, but at 10 miles had to fight that self talk telling me that I wasn’t going to make it home! Well, this wasn’t a race, it was my first long run outside, so I decided to go easy on myself. I stopped at red lights (without stopping my time), I walked around mile 10 because I wanted a break. I even untied my shoelace & adjusted my sock hoping that it was bunched up, but found out that it wasn’t! It was my darn bunion with a blister atop! (I wish it was a bunched up sock!). When I’m really into my runs, I never stop for these type of things, but this was my first run outside & it wasn’t a race. It was difficult! When I run next week, my goal is to feel good! I know it will not be a PR for me. This is early in the season for me to run a 1/2 marathon, but it’s getting me in gear for running this summer. I have some extra winter weight that I’m hoping will move around or come off the more I run / sweat this spring/summer! I was absolutely exhausted on Friday night. It was so surprising to me how tired I was, as last summer 12 miles was only exhilirating & not exhausting. It’s really hard to be patient & build back up to where I was before. I’m sure I can do it, just needs patience. I also think that the tabata bootcamp which is really making me stronger & is a great cross fit workout for me is making my muscles more fatigued! So, when I woke Sat. a.m. I was sore. Good sore though. You know that good sore when you feel like you get a great workout? Well, I had that good sore. So, that was my 12 mile run outside, the first one of the season!
I wanted to take a pic after I took off my shoe & found my blister to show you how beautiful it was by the lake (I ran by NorthWestern), but it was so sunny, I couldn’t see anything & taking off my phone mid run & re-adjusting isn’t so easy for me either). I did have my runningskirt on, but didn’t get a pic of that either! Ha, this photo taking thing isn’t so simple when concentrating on running!
Do you stop to take photos when running or do you just run?
In the meantime, here’s a fun giveaway for you & it’s the perfect time too….
Check out this outfit below that I got from Girls4Sport. Their stuff is really neat & made especially with women/girls in mind.
Girls4Sport knows sun protection is important. Our fabrics have been professionally tested following the AATCC Test Method 183-200. Tested fabrics receive a UPF (UV Protection Factor) rating and are given an equivalent SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating. To simulate use and wear in real life, our fabrics are tested wet and stretched. Our tested fabrics are rated at the maximum of SPF 65 and block at least 98% of UVA/UVB rays.
Their clothing is made with a woman’s body in mind. Provides coverage & support where it’s needed. I love the outfit above, not only is it so comfortable, but provides sun coverage & is adorable. What’s better than that?
Girls4Sport has a lot offer & always seems to have sales as well. Check out their stuff here: Girls4Sport.
They’ve offered to give away a halter top to the winner of my giveaway! This giveaway will be via Random.org. You can enter by:
1. Leaving me a comment below telling me which halter top you’d like to win after checking out www.Girls4Sport.net .
2. Tweet about the giveaway & leave me a comment below telling me you did. I want to win a halter top from Girls4Sport @hlthyrunningmom.
3. Subscribe to my blog & leave me a comment telling me you did (or already are a subscriber).
4. Post on Facebook about the giveaway & leave me a comment below telling me you did.
5. Like Healthy Running Mom on Facebook & leave me a comment below telling me you did.
I will announce the winner on April 8 for the halter!
THE WINNER FOR THE BURNOUT TANK FROM Ilona at Strong Confident YOU is:
| Carie A. is the winner! | ||||||
| Please contact me with your address & full name so I can forward on to Ilona. |
