Running Essentials For The Functional & The Stylish
I have a confession.
I started running again. Now I know I said I would never run again unless someone was chasing me with a chainsaw, but I remember how running gave me the results I was looking for with my body goals. I also remember the feeling that I had during a good run. I started running seriously about 9 years ago. When I lost my mom to cancer and went through a divorce in the same month, I needed an outlet and running was my saving grace. (Talk about a crazy roller coaster ride) It became the best distraction and I became addicted. I was in the best shape of my life weighing in at about 128 pounds and rocked all of the mini dresses from my legs being so incredibly toned. My whole entire body was getting benefits too.
I was physically so strong but mentally, I was ready for anything that headed my way after a run. A terrible and I mean terrible knee injury ruined my running days and I was devastated. I have tried to find various work outs that I love and I have found some but none of them quite give me that blissful out of body experience that running did. So I got back out there again about two weeks ago and even though I am starting super slow and listening to my body, I am out there and I am trying the best I can. I am learning how to run again !!
There are moments I dread it though and really have to give myself a pep talk as I lace up my sneakers. There are moments when I push myself and I am so out of breath that I feel like I might just die and I feel like just giving up but I have to remember that my mind is giving up, not my legs.
Will I be entering a competitive 5K race or doing a marathon anytime soon??...Absolutely not but I do hope to achieve my goals that I have set for myself. And I have some great running essentials that are going to carry me along the way. I absolutely cannot imagine hitting that Riverside trail without them . And of course, they are fabulously stylish yet functional. I look for both in everything.
I am such a fan of visionaries and I instantly loved the story behind Sudio Sweden. I love that one of the founders spotted Phil Collins in NYC having problems with his headphones one day and wished he had a better alternative to offer. Now he does and the name Sudio is a homage to Phil Collin's song Sussudio and the determination of succeeding with the venture rendered from the bitter sweet anecdote.
I am also such a fan of clean minimilistic design and when you can blend that with function..this is the way to my heart. The designer Mats Wallsten did such an amazing job with this product. It's so elegant, simple, and functional.
So the first running essential on my list is the Sudio Sweden VASA BLÃ… Earbuds.
Music motivates me. It fuels my run. It pushes me to go the distance. And these earbuds give me the wireless freedom as they are the perfect companion to any Bluetooth compatible device. Running with wires is so last year. I also love the stay-in-ear feature in these earbuds. They are comfortable and literally never fall out. I can't tell you how many times I struggled with this problem.They are also sweat resistant for those great sweaty workouts. The earbuds boast up to 8 hours of unlimited play-time with a unique standby for up to ten days. They deliver quality sound and noise isolation.
They come in 4 amazing colors too! I really leaned towards the white and then remembered that I am a girl who sometimes has to sneak in a run with a full face of makeup after work and opted for the pink instead. So glad I did because I am loving the splash of color. And I cannot wait to travel to Barcelona and all through Europe with these. I get so tired of untangling the wires from my other earbuds. They usually are just bundled up in the bottom of my purse and when I get them out a million other things come with them. Such a mess. I have never been known to keep my purse clean. Lin calls it the black hole. So I adore the chic leather pouch that is included. They are such a great price point too making these the perfect Christmas gift . Highly highly recommend. Best news for you is you do not have to wait for their arrival from Sweden as they just partnered with Best Buy.com.
The second item on my list is a really good app. And Running For Weight Loss is my new obsession.
This is the best app I have found by far. Pay for the Premium. It's worth it, I promise ya. This app is specially for weight loss and I love the unique interval plans of running, walking and sprint intervals. You burn so many more calories this way. It's a two month training program and the best pat is you only have to do it three times a week. I am so over working out 7 days a week burning myself out. There are training plans for every occasion including 5K training, 10K training, running for weight loss, and walking for weight loss if you just cannot run.
The app does everything for me with 5 different trainers to chose from, detailed audio instructions, voice encouragements and stats updates during my run. The app also provides detailed statistics of my workout. It monitors my distance, time, pace, and steps and provides me with an accurate calorie count. There is a manual editing option for treadmill runners and you can sync with your fitbit. The best part though is the music!! Music tempo adjusts to your workout rhythm and there is such a great selection. Seriously having the best time with this app. I look forward to keeping up with it and checking out my progress.
And lastly, invest in a good pair of running shoes.
Seriously invest. This is so important. Selecting a good pair of running shoes comes down to pronation. This term simply refers to the degree your foot rotates toward the inside when you run. There are two kinds of runners: One who has too much pronation (whose foot rotates too much while running) and one who has insufficient pronation (whose foot barely rotates inward when running). The best way to get a pair that is right for you is by visiting a shoe store that emphasizes selling running shoes. These stores usually have a knowledgeable staff that will even let you try running around in the shoe. And buy yourself a pair of new shoes every 6 to 8 months, especially if you are really putting some mileage on them. A good pair of shoes makes or breaks the run in my opinion.
So there you have it. No fancy lululemon apparel needed. It just comes down to a good pair of shoes, an amazing app, a great playlist and a great trail. Also loving my new Lilly and Oak fringe tag pictured in the first photo. It's so lightweight for holding my house key while I run. I will be featuring the gal behind Lilly & Oak here on the blog very soon. She has the most amazing stuff made from hand with so much love.
Who is running the Route 66 Marathon this weekend in my current hometown?! And the Women's Nike Marathon happening all around the world?! I say I would never run a marathon but OMG..this Nike marathon looks so amazing!!!!...Stay tuned!
Xo
Sam
This post includes sponsored content from Sudio Sweden #SudioMoments