Friday Favorites: My Favorite Running Gear

by Matt on March 2, 2012

Woo! I have a three day weekend!

It’s not a holiday or anything, but I’m taking a vacation day today since someone is coming into town to visit and I have a lot to do. I was originally going to just take a half day, but I decided to just take the whole day off. I have the vacation time, so I might as well take it right?

This week was CRAZY busy. I was basically book solid from dawn until dusk every day! The week went by in the blink of an eye, but I am more than ready for some rest and relaxation this week. I think my butt will spend plenty of time on the couch.

What are you up to this weekend?

Since my “Friday Favorites” posts normally consist of foodie items, I thought I’d do a post about my favorite running essentials.

1. Brooks Green Silence

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I’ve been running in Brooks shoes for the past three years or so and I’ve never once had a problem with them. I started off in the Brooks Trance, then went to the Adrenaline, then went to the Ravenna, and now the Green Silence.

They’re light enough to feel really fast for speed workouts, but they still provide me with enough support for a long run.

I also like that they’re eco friendly!

2. Garmin 610

Garmin 2 (2)

My Garmin 610 is easily my favorite piece of running equipment. In fact, it’s changed the way I run.

After my Garmin 405 died last year, I decided to upgrade to the newest model. The 405 wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great. It always had problems connecting to the charger and syncing to my computer. I also wasn’t a fan of the “bezel.” Man that thing was a pain.

The 610 isn’t a super watch, but it gets the job done. It’s reliable and does everything I need it to. I’m happy with it and glad I made the purchase!

3. TriggerPoint Foam Roller

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Foam rollers rule. Period.

I like the TriggerPoint foam roller because it’s fairly small and it can be stored very easily. The last foam roller that I owned was about a good 4 feet long and took up way too much space. Oh, and it way too soft. It didn’t do anything.

In the past, I’ve suffered from IT band issues. The foam roller was basically what cured me, so I roll out and legs a few times a week. I used to do it everyday, but it’s not really necessary anymore. A 15 minute foam rolling session makes me feel like a completely different person.

4. Nathan Quickdraw

When it comes to hydrating on the run, this is my go to water bottle. It is light, comfortable, and makes me feel like I’m getting an arm workout. I also like that it has a hand strap and small zipper pocket to keep my keys in!

5. Zensah Compression Socks

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I wear these to bed almost every night!

They might look dorky, but they’re actually really comfortable and difference that I’ve noticed in recovery is like night and day. You can read my full review here.

What are your favorite running products?

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{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }

Laura @ Sprint 2 the TableNo Gravatar March 2, 2012 at 8:13 AM

Nice choes! I need some new ones badly, but when I went to get fit last weekend I didn’t like anything they recommended. Guess I’ll try again this weekend.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..Building Blocks

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LeeNo Gravatar March 2, 2012 at 8:27 AM

I have that Nathan water bottle too. Another one of my favorite pieces of running gear is the RoadID shoe wallet. I never have to worry about losing my key because I just stick it in there. And it has my info.
Lee recently posted..Don’t Give Up Now

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KateNo Gravatar March 2, 2012 at 8:35 AM

LOVE Brooks shoes! I switch on an off b/w Brooks & Mizunos – I’ve worn the Ravenna and the Ghost 4, and I really really wanna try the PureFlow. We sell Green Silence at the store I work at, and they’re awesome! And +1000000 to the compression socks – I have socks and calf sleeves and my shins, which used to be my “problem area” are no longer an issue.
Kate recently posted..In Like a Lion..and Out Like one too

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Tiff @ Love Sweat and BeersNo Gravatar March 2, 2012 at 9:21 AM

I really want some compression socks. I’m too cheap to splurge on good running gear (my Garmin was a gift), but I think those might have to be my next purchase… whenever that is.
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers recently posted..Prep n’ Pep

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Gina @ Running to the KitchenNo Gravatar March 2, 2012 at 9:28 AM

That foam roller with the points looks like it might hurt even more than the flat/normal ones. Ouch! (in a good way :) )
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen recently posted..Raw brownie bites

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Brittany @ GOtheXtraMileNo Gravatar March 2, 2012 at 9:44 AM

Love this! I would die without my foam roller and garmin. The best things ever invented :)

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Heather @ Health, Happiness, and HopeNo Gravatar March 2, 2012 at 10:19 AM

I seriously need to get myself a foam roller.

See you soon! :)
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope recently posted..Back at It and a Yoga Playlist

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Claire @ Live and Love to EatNo Gravatar March 2, 2012 at 10:23 AM

I just started foam rolling (since I think I either have ITBS or runner’s knee) but can’t stand to do it for more than 5 mins! Definitely something I need to work on.
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat recently posted..Food and Family

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Heather @ For the Love of KaleNo Gravatar March 2, 2012 at 10:44 AM

FOAM ROLLER! YES! I couldn’t agree with you more. It is SUCH a great investment and really makes a difference. Like yourself, I suffer from IT issues and the foam roller literally takes away all of that soreness and makes me feel like a totally new person!

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Lindsay @ In Sweetness and In HealthNo Gravatar March 2, 2012 at 11:58 AM

I have brooks right now too and they are fabulous!
Lindsay @ In Sweetness and In Health recently posted..FLOW #5

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TamNo Gravatar March 2, 2012 at 11:09 PM

I think I need to try those socks! I sit all day for my job and I’ve been finding my legs are so stiff at the end of the day, I can barely move when I try running. Not good and annoying since I’ve only been sitting and not active.
Does the 610 go by buttons or a touch-screen? I think the touch screen would be trouble.

Brooks hey? I’ve never tried Brooks and never pegged them as a running shoe so interesting choice. I like the colors anyways!

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Meredith @ DareYouToNo Gravatar March 3, 2012 at 6:34 AM

I also love my Garmin! But who doesn’t ;)
Meredith @ DareYouTo recently posted..Love Running

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Julie at Burnt CarrotsNo Gravatar March 3, 2012 at 10:02 AM

I absolutely love foam rollers and religiously use them! The only thing you are missing is the bag of ice for an ice bath. :) How many miles are you up to?
Julie at Burnt Carrots recently posted..Beef Curry Recipe

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NatashaNo Gravatar March 4, 2012 at 7:51 PM

I am drooling over your foam roller right now. Definitely need to get one!
Natasha recently posted..Featuring: Oat bran!

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amy@healthyhungryhappy.comNo Gravatar March 4, 2012 at 7:55 PM

someday i shall get a garmin. that foam roller looks awesome too btw
amy@healthyhungryhappy.com recently posted..Body Weight Pyramid Workout

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HeatherNo Gravatar March 4, 2012 at 10:33 PM

hi matt!

i am curious about what foam roller you had before you got the trigger point one. i have a foam roller, but i don’t feel like it’s helping much…i am wondering if maybe my problem is that it is too soft

also, i just started my blog and would love if you would check it out…
i’m living in boston now, but the dallas area is my home :-)

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NicoleNo Gravatar March 5, 2012 at 8:57 AM

foam rollers DO rule!! Use mine every day!

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