There are obvious training essentials (Garmin, dry-fit gear, shoes, fuel, etc.) and not-so-obvious essentials. Here’s what’s keeping me sane, healthy, and hydrated as I approach the Monster Month…
DQ Blizzards
Today is a big day. My local DQ is re-opening today after being closed for the winter (that should be illegal). How was I supposed to train for a marathon without my beloved Blizzard? It has been a long few months. My mouth is practically watering. Turns out, I have a 20-miler on Saturday. Guess who is enjoying a Blizzard on Saturday?
Tennis Ball / Hand Sanitizer
These are grouped together only because they were sitting on my desk together. Obviously hand sanitizer keeps those nasty work germs away (people, if you are sick – stay home!). But the tennis ball relieves piriformis pain from sitting too long. I try and move around every hour but sometimes it’s not practical. Put the tennis ball under your butt and…relief! People at work already think I’m a little nuts anyway.
Compression Shorts
I’ve already posted about my love for Aspaeris compression shorts. These little (very little) shorts get the job done. At this point I’m wearing them to bed every night so my legs are refreshed for my next run.
Sleep
So, so important as I increase my mileage. Since I don’t have kids I have the luxury of making it a priority. I generally get 8-9 hours every night. I’m usually asleep before my head hits the pillow.
Amphipod Water Bottle
I’ve been using the same handheld water bottle for years now. I love this thing! I usually carry it through the winter since I dehydrate so easily. I never even notice that I’m carrying it.
Anything else to add?
Do you use a handheld water bottle? Or fuel belt? Or CamelBak?
Do you love Blizzards? I can’t imagine someone saying no!
I LOVE blizzards. We don’t have a DQ within 70 miles of me. It’s inhumane.
We do have Rita’s but it’s not the same.
My favorite training essential is real Coke. So necessary. 🙂
I have to confess, I had my first blizzard last year, and while I was eating it, I realized that I would have been much happier with a simple cone of softserve.
I grew up in a place with no DQs – oh, the horror! There are still none near me, but you are making me crave one. I’m confused about how you sit on the ball. I’ve used it to roll under my feet when they are sore, I didn’t know sitting on it could help. Pickles are a training requirement for me. I just crave the cold/saltiness so much after a long run. Also a good friend to watch my class while I am constantly peeing due to trying to hydrate.
I heart you so hard for putting a DQ blizzard in there! I crave those suckers during training too.
Peanut butter! I cannot run, race, or live without peanut butter. Seriously! 🙂
I got the same amphipod bottle a couple of years ago and it totally changed by runs (so much better than a belt). It’s easy to forget you’re carrying it, though I’ve had people recognize in the park specifically because of the bottle!
There are no DQ’s near me but we do have Shake Shack with their amazing Concretes! Now I’m just waiting for warmer weather.
I would add compression socks, but I haven’t tried compression shorts.
I haven’t had a DQ blizzard in years. Sigh. Maybe on one of these Sundays….I can see it being a good thing after a 20 miler.
I carry a tennis ball in my purse for the same reason.
I’ve never even thought about using a handheld. You really don’t notice you are carrying it? I’m seriously curious. I’ve been using my camelbak because I also like that it has a pocket for fuel and toilet paper and my cell phone. But I have a belt to carry those things so I could try a handheld.
We have no DQ here in nyc!!!! BOOOOO!!!!
I am impressed that that water bottle doesn’t bother you. I own the same one but I think it throws off my stride a bit. I tend to wait too long to hydrate and then just buy a bottle from a vendor and run with it for a couple of miles and then make it the rest of the run without anything. I had an iFitness fuel belt that I used to like ok, but I think I have gotten pickier about what I wear 😛
Taking a page from Tina Fey’s book – anyone who says they don’t like a DQ blizzard is a liar and a socialist.
I love my Camelbak, but discovered the hard way if it isn’t in just the right place on a long run blisters will follow!
Ice cream is my weakness and I looooooove Blizzards! I like the handhelds, but prefer a belt for longer runs. Hope you’re having a good weekend!
I have that water bottle and I love it! It’s a little hard to clean, but other than that it’s been awesome for long runs.
Sleeeep. I’ve been getting about 7 each night, which isn’t that much for me. Want more!
I love my hand held — have that exact same one.
Not a big fan of Blizzards, sorry to say.