Woohoo! I finished a 90-minute run today! Yayyyy!
Ok, I can’t say I felt totally awesome during all of it, but I kept trucking along and finished with a smile on my face. And, hey, that’s the important part, right? Plus, it’s always fun to accomplish a “new” running goal. Well, technically, I’ve run these distances many times in the past, but not since October 2013 when I was pregnant, so it’s all new-ish to me again!
Before I headed out to run, I snacked on banana with some almond butter and finished my iced coffee from breakfast. I needed a little something in my stomach before I hit the pavement. Running on an empty stomach = no bueno.
While getting ready to run, I broke out my stash of GU from my marathon training days more than 3 years ago. I hadn’t taken GU on my long runs until now, but I figured I might as well for a 90-minute one. I mean, if I didn’t need it, I didn’t have to eat it, ya know? Better safe than sorry!
In my Spibelt: GU, Chapstick, headphones, and gloves, which, weren’t actually inside my Spibelt, but I brought them along just in case I needed them. (I drove to Southfield to do my run, so I stashed a few things in my car while I ran.)
It was 42 degrees and sunny, so I didn’t wear my gloves. I also left my water bottle in the car just in case I needed a water-stop during my run.
My run went fairly well. Although, right from the beginning, I could tell it was going to be a rough one. I just didn’t have a ton of energy and my legs felt so heavy. I ended up struggling through the first few miles and then around 40 minutes decided to take my packet of GU. It actually helped, and I felt pretty good for the rest of the run. Not super speedy, but definitely better than I had felt at the beginning!
After my run, I was cold and hungry, so I warmed up in the car. My hands were so stiff, I wasn’t sure if I could drive right away. (I should have worn my gloves!) Once I was good and warm, I headed to Whole Foods to grab lunch. I pretty much housed my salad when I got home. I really wanted to take a hot shower because I was so cold, but I knew I needed to refuel my muscles ASAP, so I chowed down. (Btw, my hot shower was amazing after I finished eating!)
On my run today, I wore a running headband from the folks at Janji, a running apparel company that provides clean water around the world. Each purchase of their apparel provides anywhere between 3 months to 3 years worth of clean water to a person in need. How amazing is that?
I really love the headband that they sent me. It’s funky, right? And reversible, so it has a cool design on the inside too! It acted as headband, keeping my hair off my face, as well as an ear-warmer, which was especially important on my chilly (and holy windy) run today.
I thought you guys might also dig Janji’s gear and what they are all about, so we’re offering one lucky CNC reader a $50 gift certificate to buy whatever they’d like from the Janji website!
To enter: Click over to Janji, check out their running gear, and a leave a comment on one piece that you really love and would likely buy if you win the gift certificate. I’ll randomly pick a winner on Monday. Good luck!
I would love to get the 1/4 zip running jacket!
I love their printed running tights! Also that Whole Foods salad looks DELICIOUS!
I would love the headband! It’s getting cold here in NYC and I only have 1 headband that successfully covers my ears.
The running capris look great!
I would love the running headband! Also, long sleeve running shirt – a must on my super cold runs!
I would get a new cozy hat – mine has been sweated in for too many winters!
Also, you might want to check the expiration dates on the Gu! I never realized they expired until I ate one that I’d had for a little over a year. I couldn’t figure out why the texture was a little off until I thought to check the date. It turns out they don’t last very long, so now I just buy a couple months worth at a time!
Headbands! I have yet to find one that stays put
I’m liking the black print capris and the yellow long sleeve!
I love the running capris!
the 1/4 zip running jacket looks awesome!
love the printed leggings, so fun! but I would be tempted to choose the headband because all of mine seem to disappear every year…
I like that headband, but the black capris too!
I would love long running tights. I don’t have anything currently for winter runs and my legs end up so cold when I get home. I would love some insulated warm running tights!
Love the women’s giraffe long sleeve! Your headband is super cute too and my ears always get so cold when I run!
Love the printed running leggings!
I love the green Peru running shorts. They are super cute!
I love the headband!!!
Women’s running capris in gray!
I really like the running headband! Or the 1/4 zip interior print running jacket. Marathon training in the cold Michigan winter would be way more fun with a cute new running jacket! 🙂
Love the headband. I need one to keep my ears warm.
I am a huge fan of thick headbands! would love one for colder temp runs!!
That headband looks very cute. I’m totally in the market for one to use for winter running!
I would scoop up one of the short sleeve running t-shirts!
I’d love the running tights!!
I love the printed running tights.
I love that running hat!
I like the headband! My ears always get so cold when I go on winter runs and bike rides!
I want that head band!
I love it!
I like the peru woven shirt.
I would get a singlet and a wide headband. I love those headbands!
I love that headband and the T-shirt that says “Run for Another”, great cause!
Love the headband and the running tights!
the running capris for the cool running weather
Love the headband and the capris are always an awesome staple!
I love the Rwanda running shorts!
I always need a good running headband in my life! I love the windbreaker too for Washington rain!
I really like that headband and the printed running tights – so fun!
I am all about the headbands!
I love the headband and the running hats!
Perfect for my winter runs up here in Wisconsin!
I love th headband and the capri’s.
Leggings!
My daughters ride their bikes to school, so the headband would be warm and wonderful! They make up 2/3 of my triplets! My son wears a beanie under his helmet. At 14, warmth wins over style 🙂
Thanks!
I love the running jacket with the bright yellow zipper!!!
Love the headbands and tights!
Love the printed running leggings!
I would have to choose the headband for sure to keep my ears warm during this cold winter.
I love the headband!
I love the printed running tights or black running capris!
The printed leggings look fun…I wouldn’t mind a pair
I love the Tanzania windbreaker, the quarter zip pullover, the Kenya Anna running shorts and the headband! In fact I loved the last three so much I just bought them (four years of clean water, WHAT) and I would happily spend the $50 from the giveaway toward the windbreaker! I’m so glad I found out about this group!