A Runner's Guide to Gift Giving

I figure Christmas is kind of my favorite time of year, so why not make a comeback at the most appropriate time? Let me wipe the spiderwebs off Run Megan Run here and while I promise I'll do a quick post later this week about where I've been the last FIVE months, 'tis the season of Secret Santas, ornament exchanges, and all kinds of holiday fun - so it's time to bring this blog back to life and talk about some of my favorite things that you might want to give the runner in your life this holiday season!

Gifts Under $25

Sparkly Soul Headbands - www.sparklysoul.com
If you follow me anywhere, you know I love my Sparkly Soul headbands (some of my most favorites are below). These no-slip, no-headache headbands are soft, stylish and have pretty much every color and pattern you could ever want - and they're still coming up with more! Right now, all orderes over $50 earn free shipping. The wides ($17) are my personal preference for working out, but I'll use the thin ($15) ones to dress up a ponytail when I don't feel like actually doing my hair. :) 

RoadID - www.roadID.com

It's wintertime, and winter means dark all the time. Okay, not really, but I hate. Despite that, I feel like safety only becomes a thing during these dark months, but there are products in place with runner safety in mind all year round - Road ID being one of those. Whenever I'm out on a run, my Road ID comes with me. Even when I do run with a phone, what happens if I were to get injured, or my phone battery dies? Someone can help you out. Prices range from $19.99 - 24.99, and you can add all kinds of fun badges to personalize and customize your runner's ID band. 

Momentum Wraps - www.momentumjewelry.com

Also a new discovery to me this year, Momentum Jewelry has become one of my favorite sublte hints of motivation. Share a spark with a friend, buy one for yourself with your personal mantra or favorite saying, but know that these cute and functional little gems are all kinds of fun and your runner will love one! 

They're running a few deals the next few weeks, so you have time to stock up and save on their weekly specials too! 

Gifts $25 - 50

PRO Compression  - www.procompression.com 

There's no doubt that PRO Compression would be on my list of favorite things in the history of ever. I recently learned that my aunt loves them too - the lows for walking and going to the gym, but she also wears the marathon socks for long flights and international travel to keep her legs fresh! These socks are awesome - colors, patterns, designs, special Socks of the Month? You name it, they've got it. While there are a number of awesome designs and solids to chose from right now, be on the look out tomorrow for the release of the 2016 Ugly Sweater sock. You don't want to miss it, trust me. 

The 2016 Ugly Sweater sock! Who's in?

Abundant Heart Apparel - www.abundantheartapparel.com 

I was introduced to Abundant Heart earlier this year and some of my favorite mantras this year have come from Jenna's designs. Not only does she carry some of the cutest, softest tanks ever in all kinds of colors and cuts, but you can do a totally custom order too. 

Check out this one, another one inspired by Shelby and designed for me - but now you can get it too! 

Running Mile After Mile tank / $26

Gifts $50 and Up 

Project Repat T-Shirt Quilts​ - www.projectrepat.com

Project Repat is one of my favorite finds from the past year - a company that started up in areas of the country (North Carolina and Massachusetts) where textile industries were dying off, in an attempt to restart the economy and create jobs for those who lost them. Amazing. How does it help you? Well, if you're like Doug, you're probably tired of seeing drawers overflowing or buckets and boxes of t-shirts bursting at the seams because this runner in your life can't keep count of how many shirts they own, and better yet - do they ever wear them? I rarely wear mine, and even if I do, I definitely have some favorites over others. Enter Project Repat. Purchase a blanket for your runner, and they can pick and choose which shirts to send off to be made into one of these beauties:

I've had one blanket made of t-shirts from my undergraduate life in my office (it's a great conversation piece!) and am working on a second queen size of running and race t-shirts that I can't WAIT to share with you!

Race Entries 

Find out if there's a huge race on your runner's bucket list that you can help cross off. Or even if they've entered, maybe you can help with some of the travel costs (assuming it's a destination race from wherever you are). Help them pay in part of their entry. While it may not be a surprise, feel free to ask and find out what their dream race would be that you can get them into and help them with their 50 states quest a little at a time! 

Gift CertificatesLet's be real, running ain't cheap. Between shoes, and gear, and race entries any of the fun stuff I've mentioned above (needs v. wants aside!), it's not a cheap endeavor!

Find out where your runner loves to shop, whether a local favorite running store or online shop, and help support their healthy habit!

What's on your list this year? Happy shopping! 

Four Years Ago

I call January 29 my runnerversary. Four years ago, on a bitterly cold morning just south of Atlanta, Georgia, I ran my first half marathon at Callaway Gardens.

That's me in lime green back there!

I trained for this race for about three months, running a bunch of 5Ks in Athens, having a longest run of about 10 miles, and being beyond excited when I nailed my 2:20 goal in a time of 2:19:52.

I trained with the first edition of Nike+ -- the one where you had a chip in the sole of your shoe? -- and Nike+ told me that my half marathon was 16 miles long. I did some math and came to the conclusion that maybe my longest run wasn't 10 miles, but like 8ish? Whew. Good thing I realized that after the race and not prior, as I probably would have had a meltdown.

I trained for this race entirely on my own. Long runs on Saturday mornings before football games, mid-week runs around the neighborhood with Molly. I learned how to run in cold weather (layers on layers on layers!) and learned that when I set my mind to acheiving something, I generally got it done.

Callaway Gardens scenery.

Here I am, four years later. This weekend I'll be running half marathon #40. I've learned plenty of lessons. I look back at my first training weekly updates and race recaps and laugh at the novice status of my training - but we all have to start somewhere, right? I'm training for full marathon #3, and little did I ever think I'd ever call myself marathoner because half marathoner was good enough.

I've taken my time from a 2:19:52 finish to a standing PR of 1:50:38. Not to say there haven't been any worse (plenty of those), but I've worked hard to cut that half hour off consistently. I've learened how to train smarter, fuel smarter, run smarter and am looking forward to cutting time to a new half marathon next weekend.

Running has brought me joy, sanity, frustration, and pride. I've helped others reach their goals either by pacing or running alongside friends who were looking for a PR. I've made some of the best girlfriends and connections thanks to those I share finish line photos with or miles of California coastline, running coast to coast and everywhere in between. I'm 9 states down on my dream to run a half marathon in all 50 states and am looking forward to another state or two this year.

I've even convinced Doug to run with me and while he likes the challenge of 5Ks enough, he's working on half marathon #4 himself - and says he's retiring after Surf City next weekend - but another fun thing to share with him on some weekends. I am so grateful.

Pretty much one of my favorite finish line photos ever.

Thank you, running, for all you've brought and added to my life. If you want, you can read my recap of that first race here!

When's your runnervesary? The date of your first race, or the date you laced up a pair of shoes for the first time?

5 Ways to Keep On Your Running Game

… especially after you start a new job and your whole (previous) life’s schedule is turned upside down. As you know, I started a new job about 5 months ago that is (currently) 7 am - 5:30 pm demanding and, until I moved at the end of June, was a 40-minute commute. My previous (temporary) gig was substitute teaching, where I was home by 3:30 every afternoon and could run when I pleased. Needless to say, going back to an 8-to-5 was pretty tough and even these few months in, I’m still struggling a little with finding the balance, and sometimes the desire, to make sure I get out the door. Now that I'm past orientation season and those 4-day, 70-hour work weeks, it's time to get my figurative ball moving again. 

I shared this on Carlee's blog a number of weeks ago, but thought I'd share here too. Here’s a few tips, partially by science and partially straight from yours truly, on ways to take advantage of the time you have and the energy you’re given on how to make sure you’re still lacing up to your satisfaction.

11.    Schedule!

I fortunately/unfortunately live by a planner and a to-do list. My summer is swallowed whole by work, so it’s tough for my time to get quickly commandeered by other ‘life’ things. Just like you would write a to-do list of the things you need to get done at work, consider adding your run to your to-do list, too – it’s just one more check-mark to add to your notes! Maybe it also means putting it into your Outlook with a reminder so that you have a regularly scheduled workout time built into your day for you.

2. Runch

If you haven’t heard of the runch, you’re missing out. I mean, check out all these people that do it! Runching asks more of you, especially if you value your lunch hour more than anything, but it’s a great way to combine two loves: getting out of the office and getting your run in! This is hard logistically sometimes, especially if you’re super-sweaty and don’t have access to a shower at your work (lucky for me, I work on a college campus with a gym). I took advantage of this often in Georgia in the winter and spring, and would get a solid 2-3 miles in and time to chow down! Total time maximization.

3.    Incorporate it Into What You Do

Because I work on college campuses, and students are typically super cautious or interested in building a fitness-based lifestyle, it’s often been easy to incorporate running and exercise into what I already do day-to-day. At my last school, I was given the opportunity to coordinate a student trip to a local 5K – many of these students ran/walked their first 5K ever that day! How lucky am I that one of my passions, running, can be easily interwoven into my work life too?

MCU students at the Didi Hirsch Alive and Running 5K, 2013.

4.    Set a Goal

Every time I’ve felt a lull in my motivation to get up and going, I’ve found a new goal or challenge to work for. My downtime in motivation has often come after a big move or job change, and I often found it hard to just run with no goal in sight (I have a different appreciation now of just running for the sake of running). Whether that means you're tackling a summer #RWRunStreak,or have a PR in sight, create a finish line for yourself that will inspire you on the toughest days to keep going. My spring had a good schedule of races on weekends, but the weekdays were tough for me and many thanks to the run streak challenge this summer, I re-found some motivation to get me over that hump. Now that orientation is over, it's time to find it again! 

5.    Cut Yourself Some Slack

This is one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned… cut yourself some slack! It doesn’t have to happen every day, nor does it always have to be as long as you want. Keep in mind what you’re working for but listen to your body and what it’s willing to give. A friend of mine posted this article last week and it resonated with me: sometimes it’s okay to sleep in and choose a later alarm over getting in another 2-mile run. Not only are both necessary, but it’s difficult to get healthy doses of one without the other. So know that hitting snooze an extra day or two won’t make or break you… and it’s OKAY!

Orrrr you can just use motivational alarms like this one!

What other tips do you have to keep up on your running when work and life requires so much? Any great things you’ve learned?

You Might Be a Runner If...

I'm finding these to be insanely true (like 95% of them) and thought I'd share! What resonates with you most? :)

You might be a runner if...

• you're always hungry.
• you know how to take a cup of water from a water stop without choking on it or spilling it all over yourself.
• at least one of your web site usernames or email addresses has the word "run" or "runner" in it.
• you get an invitation to a wedding and you automatically think about what race the date will conflict with.
• you have dreams about showing up to a race late or not wearing any clothes.
• you're not embarrassed to wear spandex.
• you have a drawer full of medals and other race souvenirs that you're not sure what to do with.
• you go into Starbucks more often to use the bathroom than to actually buy coffee.
• you no longer make fun of fanny packs because yourrunning belt looks very similar (although cooler) to one.
• you have a line in your budget for "race entry fees/race travel".
• you've used an old race T-shirt to wash your car, dust furniture, or clean something else.
• your first thought when you look at the weekly weather forecast is, "When can I fit in my runs?"
• you have more running clothes than regular clothes in your laundry pile.
• you've lost a toenail. And you tell people, "It's not that bad."
• you wear your running watch even when you're not running. ("It matches, right?")
• you've had your running shoes for three months and you know it's already time to replace them.
• you spend more time researching running routes than local restaurants when traveling to a new city.
• you know where exactly one mile from your front door is (in any direction).
• you know how to correctly spell and pronounce plantar fasciitis.
• you own more pairs of running socks than dress socks.
• you have more fun shopping for running clothes than you do non-running clothes.
• when you hear PR, you automatically think "personal record", not "public relations".
• you have running clothes and an extra pair of running shoes in your car, "just in case."
• your holiday wish list can be fulfilled at any running or sporting goods store.
• one of the first things people ask you when they haven't seen you in a while is, "What race are you training for now?"
• your Facebook or Twitter updates frequently involve running.
• your only recent photos of you alone are race photos.
• you always have your next race on the calendar.
• you get jealous when you're driving in your car and pass runners.
• you spent more timing researching a running watch than you did your car.
• you want to either cry or punch your doctor in the face when he tells you that you can't run for two weeks.
• your first question to your doctor is, "When can I run again?"
• you get excited when the race swag is a technical fabric (not cotton) T-shirt.
• when someone passes you during a training run, you assume they're running a shorter distance than you are.
• you have a mental list of comments you hate hearing from non-runners.
• when you hear the word "bib", you think about a race number, not a baby.
• you spend more money on running clothes than work or casual clothes.

National Running Day

Why do you run? Make your own at: http://www.runningday.org/images/2013_blank.png

National Running Day 2013

I feel like I've really come to identify with the word "runner" over the last year. Not that I wasn't a runner before, because surely I'd put on whatever clearanced, or discounted running shoes I had and go for a jog here and there, but over the last year, I've certainly taken the term runner to full steam.

Since last year's National Running Day, I've:

• Run 771.42 miles
• Completed 23 races, ranging from 5Ks to my first full marathon
• Ran my first full marathon!
• Cut down my half marathon time from 2:18 to 2:01

Ran in races ranging from Disney World to back-woods Maryland at 3 am, pushed myself so much harder than I ever thought I could, and achieved so much. It's been a pretty incredible last 365 days. But enough about that... on to tonight's fun with the Athens Road Runners!

Wednesdays as you know, are track mornings for those that choose to peel themselves out of bed to be at the track at 5:30 am. So it was nice seeing a whole non-regular group of faces and some of the regulars too - 11 of us this morning! New record, and it was nice to have a little new competition!

We met up with both the Road Runners and the newly formed Couch to 5K crew - about 40 folks and the few mentors they have for the program already. The bunch you see above did our own easy 3 miles, and the 5K group did their own at their pace. Rockin' three miles for me after the morning we had! Happy times. Afterwards we all contributed to an awesome potluck BBQ at Memorial Park here in town. The rain held off - it didn't rain a drop during our run or during dinner. Thank you, weather, for cooperating.

And because it's National Running Day and I like fun facts... I leave you with a slew of them. The awesome folks at Running USA did a pretty large, comprehensive survey of runners (both men and women), though women's answers/averages are below. I didn't even include everything they reported, but you can read more here. 

Typical U.S. Female Runner
Demographics
Average Age: 39.3 I'm 27.
60.7% Married Nope.
77.8% College educated Certainly am!
70.8% Earn a household income of $75,000+ In my dreams, yo.

Running History
Average number of years running: 9.6 You can say through soccer, I've been running since I was 5. But solely as a runner, on and off for 4ish years, seriously for the last almost-3.
Average number of running events participated in during the last 12 months: 7.1 Lots more than that! 23, as noted above.
49.2% have completed 1 marathon or more in their lifetime One and done! Nah, there's more in my future. Let's be honest.

Running Routine
66.8% Run/Jog 4+ hours each week In an average week, probably close to that. During this #RWRunStreak, a bit more than that!
76.1% run 12 months a year Truth.
Average number of days run per week: 3.9 On average, 4-5 days a week. Again, the run streak is a different story!
Average number of miles run per week: 20.2 Probably closer to 25 normally, but close!
64.8% describe themselves as "Frequent/Fitness Runners" I'd say so.

Health
Average Weight: 140.2 lbs Few pounds off.
Average Height: 65.01 inches / 5 feet, 5 inches Add an inch to me.
Average Body Mass Index (BMI): 23.3 Almost spot on.
39.0% are content with their weight Meh. If I ate the way I should for the way I run (frequency), I'd be at least 8-10 pounds lighter. Content is a touchy word.
41.0% are content with their fitness level Yes!

Are you average female runner? What did you do to celebrate National Running Day?

Running Teaches You About Life

Simple post today - not a lot of talk necessary on this awesome Marathon Monday!

I saw this on Thought Catalog today and just loved it. I'm in that mindset of coming up on two weeks until sub-2 goal race day, and I'm feeling a lot of these turning through my mind lately. Enjoy!

17 Things Running Teaches You About Life

By Kovie Biakolo

1. To be good at anything, you have to put in the time and effort no matter how talented you are.

2. Your abilities and someone else’s abilities are not the same. Do the best that YOU can do.

3. If winning is your objective, realize that you have to work 10 times harder than the next best person.

4. No matter how hard you work and how prepared you are, disappointments will happen.

5. The most gratifying experiences usually come as a result of enduring the most painful trials.

6. To be great at anything, you have to risk failing terribly at it.

7. A lot of people endure the same pains that you do.

8. If you focus on putting one foot in front of the other, you will eventually reach the finish line.

9. You cannot reach the finish line unless you start.

10. The mind is a very powerful thing. If you can train your mind to keep going even when your body wants to quit, you can achieve some incredible things.

11. Learning the difference between physically being unable to continue and giving up.

12. Accepting that every day is different — some days 5 miles is really easy, other days it feels like a cruel punishment.

13. Pace yourself.

14. You cannot give 100%, 100% of the time.

15. Sometimes you need a day off, a day off from everything.

16. The worst time, the slowest pace, the last person to finish the race is still better off than the person who refused to try.

17. Even if you fall, even if you cannot finish today, you can and should pick yourself up and try again tomorrow.

Any other thoughts on what running teaches you? What has it taught you (from this list or otherwise)? 

Surf City | Pre-Marathon Thoughts

So basically... it's HERE.

Surf City, and obviously therefore, my first full marathon, is 3 days and change away. Am I terrified? Meh, a little bit. Nervous? Not really (yet). Excited? Heck yes!


I'm almost packed. The music will come together.

I feel like I should be nervous. And I'm not yet. I'm excited to join the thrones of those that have accomplished the 26.2 dream, whether one time or hundreds of times. (Speaking of, have you seen the really awesome infographic that Running Shoes did?)

I know I can trust my training. It was far from perfect, but it's far enough to get me from Start to Finish. I've got people behind me, cheering me on, and I'll have my family and some friends standin' on the curb doing it in person.

I'm so excited. Just hope that emotion carries through until Sunday! I mean, I've worked hard for this:

• 18 weeks.
• 334 miles (plus two tomorrow and a slooooowww two on Saturday).
• Countless 6 am gym days.
• Just as many 8 pm, post-work days.
• Sacrifices.

It's my turn to prove that I can. To show how far I've come since last January at half marathon #1 and how far I know I can go with full marathon #1. Just watch it - I'm comin' for ya, Surf City!

Think positive thoughts on Sunday. And thanks for reading my rambles.

PS. You can live track me here! Please feel free to follow along and send good vibes!

Lessons in Twenty-Twelve

2012 is what I called the year I became a runner - mostly due to the fact that I actually started running and racing, but also because I was realizing how much I was getting out of running. Sure, the stress relief and accomplishment is awesome, but there's some actual, real life lessons here. Check out some of what I'd consider the important lessons and values I took out of racing and running in 2012.

First half marathon | Callaway Gardens Half Marathon | January 29, 2012

  You're often more capable than you think.

I felt ready for that first half, or at least as ready as one thinks they can be for that first half. Mid-way through, I questioned what I was doing. Mile 11, I wanted to walk to the finish. But I knew I had come too far to give it up at that point. I made my time goal (2:20) by 8 seconds and realized that all along... I was more capable than I ever thought. You are more capable than you think.

Arizona 5K | February 25, 2012

 Running with friends is essential.

Though not every time, every race, making sure you have racing counterparts to share in the glory, and the frustration, of running is essential to finding the fun. I had plenty of races by myself, plenty with friends at the end or at the beginning, all of which stand out for different reasons. This one, in particular, kicked off one of my dearest friend's bachelorette weekends. Perfection.

 

ZOOMA Women's Half Marathon | April 22, 2012

 

It's all mental.

This also goes with the "You're more capable than you think."   ZOOMA Atlanta 2012 proved to be the ultimate mental game -- eating asphalt at mile 4 on a pretty rough up-and-down course and running the rest of the race with a bloody hand and road-rashed knee that burned every time you bend is a pretty rough mental game. I still can't recall the number of people that were shocked to see that I'd finished the race with a torn up hand. A friend had gotten into my head that day, who had just taken a major spill on a bike ride, who didn't let that stop her either. Game on.

Team Four Score & Seven Miles Ago | Ragnar DC | September 21-22, 2012

Ragnar is the best time you'll ever have.

Okay, maybe not a lesson. But something you need to know. The end.

Warrior Dash Georgia | May 19, 2012

 Allow yourself to have fun.

Sure, take those half marathons seriously. Try and BQ. But throw some fun in there - there are now so many opportunities to run for the hell of it and be goofy while you're at it. Warrior Dash and the Color Run were two of the most fun things I did this year, and so glad I got to run and be active... just for the sake of it. If it's not fun anymore, your heart's not in it.

Major half-marathon PR | Allstate ATL 13.1 | October 7, 2012

 You can surprise yourself.

Just when you don't think you're ready to give it all, or that your head's not in the right place, or that you're too tired after a 3:30 am wake up call before that half, you can make good things happen. Just have a little faith!

Operation Jack Half Marathon | December 26, 2012

Having a support system can go a long way.

Prior to the OpJack Half, I'd usually have races by myself or with friends, but I'd usually be the one cheering those friends in on at the end. OpJack was the first time my family or boyfriend had been able to be there  to cheer me on and be there for me at the end. Whether it's your family, or a friend, or even your dog, having someone can make a huge difference (just thinking of what it could have done for me at ZOOMA is a great example). So looking forward to having them at various point and the end of the full in February! Secondary lesson from OpJack: know your pre-race ways. Know that not being in your pre-race pattern can affect the race. And that's okay, just be aware of it!

What did you learn in 2012? About racing, running? 

 

A Runner's Guide to Christmas 2012

I've seen a dozen lists all around the blogosphere about great gifts for runners for 2012. And some lists I think "Yep, totally want one of those" and some lists I see something and think "Um, really? Every runner wants that?" So while I feel that these posts are all over the place, I'm making my own - partially of things that I've seen are super cool (that I would love to have!) or things that I think you should consider for the runner in your life!

1. Raw Threads Half Marathon Tank
Raw Threads has a ton of cute running stuff, anywhere from headbands to tanks and tees, and some are specific to half marathons, marathons, Boston, you name it! They've also got a couple of great Beer Run and I Run for Wine shirts. Just love their whole collection! I adore this half marathon tank: Live - Love - Run Half Marathons. Adorable.

2.  Women/s Under Armour Fleece Divide Hoodie
I'll admit that I've become a sort of UA snob. I first fell in love with a pair of their tights when I started running in Texas, and now I've got a couple of pairs and a few tees and long sleeve tech tees that I adore. I first saw this hoodie at a Dick's Sporting Goods in Orlando while we were there for Wine and Dine and now I lust over it every time I see it. A few fun colors, but I love this pink one! No surprises there.

Also check out the Charged Cotton Storm hoodie, in even more fun colors and just as adorable.

3. Race Medal/Bib Rack
There are oodles of these floating around the internet, Etsy, and dozens of other blogs. I've made my own medal rack, but frankly... I'm running out of room! I love Running on the Wall because while there's a few pre-made designs and slogans (with still tons of colors to choose from), you can also create your own message to go on yours! You can get a bib rack and a medal rack to match, or just do one or the other. Love them!

4. Road ID
It's one of those things you know you should have... you just haven't gotten around to ordering one yet. That's me and Road ID. Especially since I normally run solo, it's a safety thing (at least I run with my ID!). These are actually super cute, not only functional, and come in a few colors (and a few variations, I just happen to like the Sport band best).

5. Energy Supplements
If you run often, you know that you need these guys - whether Gus, bars, chomps, or sport beans are your chew or goo of choice, they add up and aren't super cheap. With marathon training taking in full force these next few weeks, I looked at the cost of buying a box or two to get me through and was not pleased with what the total would be on these guys! Thankfully Clif also runs an Amazon page and you can get a box about $4 cheaper than you can on their own website - thanks, Clif!

Shot Bloks are my new favorite, and I particularly love Cran-Razz and Tropical Punch. I've heard great things about their Margarita flavor as well, but haven't taken the plunge into trying them. I prefer fruity stuff and I stick to what I know I like.

6. Race Entry
We runners know that race entries aren't cheap - and if you have to add travel on top of that, running is not a cheap hobby. Whoever said that is a liar. What better than to gift the runner in your life a race entry to the race they've been eye-balling for quite some time and are just dying to run? Genius idea! They'll love you for it, and maybe they'll take you along for the run-cation. My current hope:

I'm in the lottery and crossing my fingers that come December 20, I'll get a really happy email in my inbox telling me to prep for DC! Talk with the runner beforehand of course -- unless you want to surprise them with an all-out vacation (are you buying those plane tickets too?!).

7. Tech Finger Gloves
I've wanted a pair of gloves like these for awhile - and they're from Target, so you know they're not going to cost you an arm and a leg. For a girl who runs with her iPhone as an iPod, it's super helpful to not have to take off my mittens as I run so I can change a song. Handy dandy!

8. Compression Socks
Any runner will swear by these, whether their Pro Compression socks (my personal preference) or Zensah (they have tons of patterns and colors) or any other brand. Compression socks are a runner's best friend - whether your runner actually runs in them, or uses them for recovery afterwards, they are some of the best things to own! Pro Compression also just released a super fun pair of holiday socks, so if your runner has a Jingle Jog 5K coming up, this might make a great early present!

9. iTunes Gift Cards
What better way to stay in your best runner friend's head than supplying them the dough to make sure their playlist is up to date? iTunes gift cards are never a poor choice, and you can get them everywhere at this point (online, grocery stores, Best Buy, the locations go on!). Easy peasy, but so useful, your runner will thank you over and over.

10. Sparkly Soul Headband
Y'all know I swear by these -- add a little bit of glitz and sparkly to the sweaty job that running is! Your runner will look super fab in their collection of amazing colors, in both thin and wide widths to fit anyone's head and - I promise - they don't slip! They're lined on the inner layer that prevents any sort of moving around while bobbing along down the road.

I'm also hosting a giveaway through Saturday, December 8, so you have the chance to win your runner one of these beauties!

Is there anything else on your running Christmas wish list? What else would you recommend?

Everything You Wanted to Know About Me & Running

... or maybe you didn't want to know, but you get to anyway. Noshing on Asphalt posted 10 questions about running and while I wasn't tagged, I thought this was super fun so I did it for myself anyway. 

1. Best Run Ever. I'm still coming down riding on my high from Sunday, so I will legitimately say the Allstate ATL 13.1 run last Sunday -- yes, it was a 6-minute PR (who doesn't love that?), but I have never felt that strong in that long of a run. Of the 13.1, I walked maybe a quarter mile of the entire thing, up and down some pretty gruesome hills. I'm so proud of what I accomplished, and I really feel like these next few races will be nothing. 

2. Three words to describe my running. Focused, challenging, and solo. Focused because running has forced me to look at the little things, one mile at a time, and focus is what gets you through a rough run. Challenging because I feel like it should never come easy - you should always feel like you're working for it, and I do! Every run counts! And solo because with few exceptions, I run by myself. It's a nice chance to get away, let go, and focus (see what I did there?) on me for a little while. Looking forward to some upcoming races with friends, but I like my solo time too. 

3. My go to run outfit. Usually, shorts and a tee -- I don't care about tech tees or cotton tees, but I definitely have my favorite go-to shirts (I play favorites). Summer in Georgia also calls for a few good tanks. Winter here is tights, shorts, tee, jacket/hoodie, gloves and beanie. Brrr. Oh, and a Sparkly Soul band. Always. I'm obsessed.

4. Quirky habit while running. Picking a song (usually one not on my playlist)

5. Morning, midday or evening runner?  Morning. Evenings are so inconsistent with work and other random life stuff, but mornings are rarely interrupted. While mornings aren't always easiest, it's nice to start the day by breaking a sweat -- long-run Saturdays are always in the mornings.

6. I won’t run outside when it's... snowing? I've never run in snow. But maybe I'd try it. I like warmth, I've learned to tolerate humidity, and I like the rain. It's refreshing. Snow is a concept I'm not sure I could handle, given how clumsy I am.

Hooray rain!

7. Worst injury & how I got over it.  I haven't really gotten injured while running, aside from that slide into gravel at Zooma. My worst injury(ies) overall, and one that always surprises people when I tell them that I run the way I do, are my two previous ACL surgeries, both from soccer. The first one was an injury from July 2007 (surgery in November), and the second from April 2009 (surgery July). Not easy, challenging both physically, mentally and emotionally, but they've taught me to listen to my body too. When I feel a pinch or a soreness that I can't identify, I've learned to back off or take a day off. Makes me not take advantage of the strength I have currently.

8. I felt most like a bad-ass runner when… I finished my first half. I looked back at my training, realized I had done nearly every day in the plan, and I did it. I made my goal time by 8 seconds (can you talk about timing?), and half burst into tears at the finish line I was so excited, proud, exhausted, overwhelmed. I don't want to lose that feeling and if I do, running is no longer fun!

9. My next race is?  Next Sunday, Athens Half Marathon!

10. Potential running goals for 2013. First full marathon is February 3, 2013 -- on my home turf in LA (Surf City). I am so excited (and terrified and nervous and eeeek!), but am looking forward to the biggest challenge yet. I also hope to go to the Budapest International Marathon in October. Otherwise, I'd like to work on speed (I'm actually semi-loving speedwork!) and working on breaking a 2-hour half!