HEX YES: Cleaning My Running Clothes With Hex Performance Products #GIVEAWAY

One of the important aspects that people grossly underestimate when they take up running is the attire. Not for looks, per se. But it's really important to make sure you are wearing the right type of clothing when working out. Why? Athletic wear allows for movement and helps your body to breathe. Certain materials cause sweat to "wick" up to the surface, keeping moisture off your body so you stay cool while you work out.

I run in all kind of weather. And whether it's freezing or 100 degrees, I sweat. Which is why I'm amazed by the wicking technology of athletic clothing. But I quickly learned something about this kind of workout gear: when the material wicks your sweat off your skin, it hangs out on your clothes. All of the stinky, grimy, bacteria-ridden sweat gets embedded into the fibers of your clothing. 

So you can imagine what happens next, right?

Friends: let this be a cautionary tale.

After a few months of regularly using my workout clothes, I noticed a...smell. Now I regularly washed my clothes, and never wore them for more than one run or workout at a time. But after a while, even after washing them they smelled unfresh. I didn't let it bother me much. I mean, they are workout clothes after all.

But then it got worse.

I was on a run with some of my friends bright early one hot and humid summer morning. I threw on my running clothes, making sure to wear my favorite sports bra (which we all have. You know the one - it supports you the most efficiently, neither painfully squishing your boobs or leaving them out to hang) since it was going to be a 10 mile run.

Mid-way through the run I kept coming across a gross stench. Something cheesy, maybe a little earthy. At first, I assumed it was one of my running buddies, so I let it go. But then I noticed it even when I broke away from the group in short spurts. I looked around. Was it something in the environment? I didn't notice anything, and if it was part of the landscape, it was surely following me over the miles. The sweat was starting to pour into my eyes, so I quick lifted my shirt to wipe away the drops when the stench overwhelmed me.

And I realized that the stench was me.

Or, rather, my sports bra.

My most-beloved sports bra had gone with me over many runs and still kept my chest supported. I had been so good about washing it diligently after ever run. But the sweat bacteria built up over time, wicking up the stinky moisture and trapping into the material with each run. No amount of regular washing took care of it. After a few attempts with various cleaning agents, I had to surrender the bra to the trash because it was just too far gone.

If only I'd known about HEX Performance then.

Since I learned about HEX performance products, I've been in love. HEX performance is not your ordinary laundry detergent. HEX Performance has developed the first and only system designed specifically to clean and protect today’s performance gear and apparel. 

And this is where the geek in me gets all giddy.

They broke down the science behind sweat and created the first high performance detergent with a long-lasting odor eliminating technology, all while staying gentle on fabric and skin. Even better? HEX Power+ Laundry Detergent is also free of dyes, perfumes, and optical brighteners. My skin can be sensitive sometimes, so the freedom of those additives means a lot to me.

Now that it is summer (read: HOT AS HADES), my clothes have been pretty rank. But they have been NO MATCH for HEX. I've been using the HEX Performance laundry detergent in combination with the HEX Enhance+ Performance Booster to not only clean the crap out of my clothes (literally), but to leave them smelling fresh (as well as soft without compromising their wicking ability). (Note: the Enhance+ Performance Booster is not a stand alone detergent. You use it in conjunction with the HEX Performance laundry detergent. The instructions directed me to put it where I would normally put my fabric softener, and it works like a charm!)

So, as an avid runner, I am sold. No more cautionary tales. No more throwing away unsalvageable sports bras. No more being the stinky running buddy that everyone is embarrassed for. 

Ready to give HEX a spin? Use this link to download a HEX Performance coupon for $2 off any HEX product exclusively from Wegmans!!

GIVEAWAY TIME!

The good people of HEX Performance want to give ten (10!!) of my lucky readers a coupon for a free HEX product. To enter, fill out the rafflecopter below. The giveaway will run until next Tuesday, 6/23.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck and happy winning!

Learn more about HEX Products on their website, Facebook and Twitter. HEX Performance products are available at all Wegmans stores or you can purchase online here: http://hexperformance.com/shop.

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post by HEX Performance. All opinions are my own.

Running Tips for 2015 and Getting Fit With Jabra Headphones from Best Buy

Raise of hands: Who has set goals to get HEALTHIER this year?

Even if it was just an internal notion of "I should do this," January is the perfect slate to get the ball rolling on fitness.  If you haven't set goals yet, it's not too late. There is never a BAD time to start. Start by making small, attainable goals. Maybe it's eating better (if so, these are some of my favorite healthy recipes!), maybe it's hitting the gym more.

For those who have considered taking up running, I've got a TON of posts to help you get started! Check out these helpful posts:

Tips for New Runners
Tips for Running your First 5k
Adding a Long Run
Running After an Injury
Tips for Running in the Summer


Whatever your goals, we all need straight up motivation to run. For me, I need one of two things: running buddies and/or good music. I always prefer running WITH people - it makes the time (and miles) go by in a flash. I don't mind running solo, though, as long as I have a solid playlist of motivating beats.

Unfortunately, you can't run with just ANY headphones. And as a runner, you'll quickly learn not all headphones are equal! If running (or any kind of fitness activities, really) are on your New Year's Resolutions list, check out the Jabra Pulse at Best Buy!

The Jabra Pulse is a wireless sports headphone that also reads your heart rate through the ear bud in your ear. So this is a major multi-tasker! With Dolby® Digital sound technology, you can receive real-time voice coaching while also monitoring your heart rate. I LOVE THIS. These headphones are made with US Military-grade durability certifications, so whether you are a runner, cyclist or gym rat, they will do the trick.


Jabra Pulse headphones are made with the Jabra Sport Life built-in app, which helps you plan, track and evaluate each workout. Test your fitness level, aerobic capacity, heart rate zone level and more! All of this information will help you set (and surpass!) new goals in the new year!

Find the Jabra Pulse at Best Buy

Neutral Running with the Mizuno #WaveRider18

Strong, supported feet are pretty essential in the world of running.

I shared about my experience running in very old shoes a few years ago (and the injuries that subsequently followed). I had just received a spot in the Philly 10-mile Broad Street Run day before my injuries, so I kept thinking the injuries would resolve itself and I'd be good to go. As the pain continued, I realized this was more than just "running aches." I took myself to an orthopedic doctor, who diagnosed a strained ligament in my left foot. The cure? No running for 8 weeks at minimum.

I was crushed.

My dreams of running Broad Street were dashed, so I gave up my ticket. Which was smart, as it ended up taking an extra 4 weeks after the initial 8 to get back on track (pun intended). 

Needless to say, I take my feet, and that which covers my feet, very seriously.

I had never considered neutral running before, as my #1 goal as a runner was to keep my feet supported. But one of my running buddies had recently bought a pair of neutral running shoes and during one of our runs we discussed the benefits. A neutral running shoe is a shoe halfway between barefoot running and a supportive running shoe. There are the benefits of cushioning but not being overly cushioned. I was always under the assumption that anything less than "supportive" would mean Injury City. But my friend explained that neutral shoes help build muscles in the feet that supportive shoes cannot. Case in point: she suffered for a while with painful plantar fascitis, and since running in her neutral shoe, she has had no symptoms.

After our talk, I decided that there might be benefit in having a neutral running shoe in my rotation. Having more than one pair of running shoes has been the advice of the owner of our local running store. Since every shoe offers different and varying support, swapping out shoes every couple runs also works different muscles, strengthening our feet and legs. 

My pick for a neutral shoe?

The Mizuno Wave Runner 18

I added this pair of neutral shoes on some of my shorter runs (3 miles or less), and I have been very surprised by the outcome. They are very comfortable, with the perfect amount of cushioning to not jolt my legs every time I pound the trail. Their U4ic midsole offers great shock absorption, which I immediately noticed on even the first run. 




I also love how light they are (30% lighter than other shoes in their category). Mizuno is known for their Wave Technology®, which provides runners with a stable ride throughout their run. The Wave Rider 18's feature the Double Fan Wave, which is offers the perfect blend of shock attenuation and flexibility. These shoes offer enough support for neutral and supportive runners alike, hitting the "sweet spot" for  a variety of runners!

Also?

They come in super cool colors.

(I know. I'm such a girl.)

Mizuno Wave Rider 18 retails at $119.99.


You can connect with Mizuno on their website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Are you a neutral/minimalist runner? 

What are YOUR tips for easing into this practice?

Disclosure:  I was provided a pair of the Mizuno Wave Rider 18 shoes through a campaign with FitFluential LLC and compensated for me time. All opinions in post are, as always, my own.

Tips for Running Your First 5k

If you are reading this, then in some shape or form, you've considered running a 5k. Perhaps it's an "out there" goal that you've vocalized and you are working toward. Perhaps it's a secret ambition that you are too afraid to admit to even yourself. Because once you admit it, it will nag at you and you have to face the reality of making it happen.

I've been there, friends.

First, let me say ROCK ON. There was a time in my life (perhaps in 5th grade when I "ran" the Presidential Fitness Test 1 mile run in 32 minutes) that running more than a few feet seemed like an impossibility. I struggled with asthma and generally being not physically fit. But a few years ago I first achieved my goal of running a 5k. 

So I'm saying this: if I can run a 5k, you can run a 5k. Now, I'm not a doctor or a running coach. And, sure, there are medical exceptions to this assertion. If you have health issues, definitely talk to your doctor before taking up with training for a 5k. 

Whether you are in good physical condition or in need of working on your fitness level/new to running, the tips I am about to share are universally true. They are tips that Today Steph would have told 3 Years Ago Steph when she ran her first 5k. They are the same pieces of advice that I follow when running 5k's today. Again - as I'm not a medical or athletic professional, this advice is coming from a place of "Hey, dude. I'm your friend and I run, so here's my two cents."

Train

This is important. Because if running is relatively new to you, you need to work your body up to being in the condition of running a 5k. And for those who have the ability to run or run on a semi-regular basis, training helps to improve your ability, allowing you to perform better. Either way, a training routine/schedule is a safe way to get ready for your race (and helping you to avoid injury). 

For those who are new, I highly recommend the Couch 2 5k Program. It gently eases you into running. The C25K app starts with alternating between running and walking, increasing the time you are running over time.

For those who are more seasoned in the running arena, I had great success with the Hal Higdon training methods. Find the one appropriate to your ability level and race length. After following his intermediate 5k training schedule, I ran my fastest 5k time (which I've yet to achieve since. Doh!)

Note: Training schedules usually last 6-12 weeks, depending on the method and level. Choose a race a few weeks out so you can aptly complete a training routine.

Good Shoes

I know, this is my advice in every running post I write. But I can't stress it enough: good running shoes will make or break you as a runner. Rather, it will keep you from breaking as a runner. I had one experience injuring myself due to worn out shoes, and I learned my lesson!  Go to a local running store (if you are in the Philadelphia area, check out Chester County Running Store!) and ask to be fitted. Most people who work at running stores are experienced runners, who can look at how you run on your feet, your gait and how you wear out the soles of your shoes to make sure you are in a shoe that supports you in the best way. 

Hydrate

Again, part of my standard advice. But I do not mean during the day of the race. I meant get into a regular routine of hydrating daily. When you run, work in electrolytes. My body responds better when it is hydrated. Conversely, when I slack on hydrating, my body responds adversely. Which is not fun to experience on the race course.

Make a Goal

If this is your first 5k, I'm going to put it plain and simple: your goal is to FINISH. I don't care if it takes you over an hour. Don't try to be all zippy and finish quickly. If you've never raced before, you most likely won't be winning any medals or awards. And that is okay! Even after running regularly for several years, I'm not quick and I'll never place in a race. But during your first race, don't worry about how fast your pace is, don't worry if you are "behind the pack." Your goal was to run a 5k - and that's your job on race day. Running.  A 5k. Just make that happen, and you can create more specific pace-related goals in the future.

If you're a more experienced runner, consider challenging yourself.  Choose a finishing time that isn't unreasonable, but slightly out of your comfort zone. Take this into consideration when you choose your training schedule.

Pick a Small, Local Race

This is just a personal preference. I find local races to be smaller and less intimidating. Races in the metropolitan areas attract throngs of people, and it's wall-to-wall runners of all abilities. If it's your first race, aim for small. Your local running shop most likely helps host local races (or can at least point you in the direction to a local race calendar). The other great thing about participating in small, local races is that they are usually benefitting local charitable causes. So you can feel good about running!

Focus on YOU

Races can be overwhelming for the first-time racer. It's nerve-wracking to get to the registration table and see the loads of people participating in the race. It's easy to think, "All of these people are better runners than me." And hands-down: it is intimidating to see the ultra-experienced runners. They still intimidate me, in their sleek gear and holding their nifty tech gadgets. They usually finish the race before I'm even a third of the way done.


Know this: most people at races are most likely better runners than you. And me. Many are very experienced and racing so they can win the prize money. And guess what: no one is looking at you wondering why you decided to run a race. You know why? They are focused on themselves and their race performance.

So take their cue and focus on YOU. Don't look around and let nerves and intimidation get the best of you. Just stay in your own little running bubble. Focus on keeping your breathing steady, focus on how your body is performing. Focus on achieving your goals. And focus on that finish line!

~~~~~

Show of hands/likes/comments: 

Who will be running their first 5k this Fall? How can we encourage you?

If you are a runner, what pieces of advice would YOU add to this list?

Tips for Running in the Summer

Spring and Fall are the seasons runners live for. The thermometer is friendly, the humidity is low and the changing landscape of flowers and leaves make for a nice distraction during an especially long jaunt. I love that I can wear shorts and a loose long-sleeved shirt or running pants with a short-sleeved shirt and be completely comfortable. Running during these seasons is invigorating.

Then Winter and Summer come along.

And it's brutal. Mother Nature brings the extremes: scorching or sub-freezing temperatures, drenching humidity or frostbite-inducing wind chills. We had a brutal Winter this past year in the Philly suburbs. The temperatures dipped to record-breaking lows, and some area schools closed due to wind-chills (and frozen pipes). We even had a crazy ice storm that put people without power for almost a week!

And yet?

And yet I ran. I ran consistently 4-5 times per week, regardless of the weather forecast. I ran on icy sidewalks. I ran in 0 degree weather. I ran even though I couldn't feel my nose or my toes. Even though it can be brutal, I can dig running in the Winter. Why? Because it's much easier to make yourself warmer than it is to make yourself cooler.

Which brings us to Summer.

I struggle with Summer. Yes, I still run in the Summer. I may not run as fast or as far (but who knows - maybe I'll challenge myself this year!). But I run. Running in the Summer is difficult for the exact reason I mentioned in the previous paragraph: it's hard to cool yourself down. It can actually be dangerous, as your body is working extra hard and the excess of sweat dehydrates you so quickly. I almost fainted during a race last Junebecause it was 90+ degrees and I hadn't hydrated properly!

Not all hope is lost, though. Runners, it is possible to run consistently in the hot Summer months. Here are a few of my tips to have a successful running season in the heat:

Proper Attire

When I first started running, I threw on whatever gym gear I had lying around. Most amounted to old cotton t-shirts and lacrosse shorts. While cotton may be a comfortable textile to wear, it does you no good while you are running. Cotton keeps moisture against the body. In the Summer, your body sweats as a reaction against the heat: it's the body's way of cooling itself down. When that same moisture is kept against the body, it works against the cooling down function. It also makes your clothes heavy and gross.

Find moisture-wicking clothing: shirt, shorts, sports bra. They even make moisture-wicking underwear. But the most important is the moisture-wicking shirt and sports bra , as that these articles of clothing are closest to some of your sweatiest areas. If you can't afford the bigger brands, I really like C9 by Champion at Target.

Time of Day

This is short, sweet and to the point: run at the coolest times of day. Afternoon (12pm-4pm) is the hottest point of the day. Humidity will feel worse and the sun is beating down on you. If you have to run during these hours, try to find a shaded route or trail. 

Otherwise, aim to run first thing in the morning (even though it stinks, I like running at 5:30am or 6am). If I can't kick my butt into gear that early, I may run after I put the kids to bed (at 7:30pm or 8pm). Dawn and dusk are cooler and humidity is lower since the sun is not overhead. Daylight works in your favor during the Summer. Take advantage of it!

Hydrate

That seems obvious, right? I've talked about hydration in previous posts, and I can't stress enough how important it is. I try to hydrate properly all year 'round: 64 ounces per day. In the Summer, though, we need to overcompensate. With heat and humidity working against you, it's so easy to become dehydrated. Often, we don't realize we are dehydrated until we're very dehydrated.


In the Summer, make sure to hit at least your minimum of 8 cups of water per day, and to hydrate before and after runs. I also hydrate with electrolytes after most runs in addition to extra water.  

Protect Your Skin

Can I confess something? I'm really bad at taking care of my skin in the sun. I tend not to burn easily (I chalk this up to my Italian heritage), so I kind of forget to put on sunscreen.

I KNOW. BAD, Steph. BAD!

Running is a harsh reminder. Since we are moving when we run, it's easy to think the sun isn't hitting you directly. Until you find, post-run, that the 30-60 minutes you spent running resulted in some unexpected sunburn (and wicked farmer's tan)!  

If you have long hair, pull it straight back in a ponytail. There is nothing worse than burning your part/scalp!  It may seem geeky, but a running hat or visor is a great way to protect your face. And above all, slather on the sunblock!

Watch Your Ankles

There are two things that affect a runner in the Summer that are not present during Winter: shorts and plants. What do I mean? In the Winter, we wear long pants to run. When the weather gets warm, we turn to shorts, which leaves our legs and ankles exposed. 

At the same time, plants that were dormant in the winter are now blossoming with life. This includes thorny plants as well as poison ivy. Some parts of my runs, on both trails and roads, are not tended to. Plants and bushes billow out into the path. If you are not alert and careful, you could be brushing against plants that leave you scratched or with a rash. Keep an eye on what your bare legs are running against!



Summer doesn't have to put an end to your running days. Persist! Face the challenges of Summer, and you may enter the Autumn a better runner!


Time for #CSHMRealTalk:

What are YOUR best tips for 

running in the Summer?

Great Gifts for Moms Who Run

* This post contains affiliate links.

Every mom has a different set of interests. Some love cooking, some are into gardening, others are gamers. As we get to gift-giving holidays, honing in on those interests helps us decide on the perfect gift to give the moms we love.  Often, when asked what kind of gifts I want or need, I am stuck on how to answer. Usually, I am in need of nothing or don't want anything in particular.

But then I started running.

It's the first time in a long time that I've been so immersed in one particular hobby. With running, I've been opened to a whole new world of gadgets, do-dads, resources and fun toys that are now on my "Wish List" for every holiday, birthday and anniversary. 

It's great, because they are all things that I can live without, but would enhance my running hobby should I receive as a gift. Now, when Hubby interrogates me for the perfect gift idea, I have a few running-themed gift ideas on stand-by!  

With Mother's Day just days away, it's time to hunker down and come up with the perfect gifts for the Moms in your life. Do you have any Runner Moms to buy for? Incase you need some ideas, here are a few things on my Runner's Wish List:

PureGear Phone Sport Accessories

Ever since I upgraded to an iPhone, my life hasn't been the same.  I love using the Nike Running app, as it helps me track my weekly and monthly mileage as well as my pace and distance per run. But taking my phone on runs means I need to make sure it is protected. I'm a very big fan of PureGear, and I swear by their every day cases. The fact that my phone isn't banged up and bruised from the abuse it takes from me on a daily basis is proof enough that their cases are made tough!  

PureGear has recently come out with a fantastic line of sports gear for phones, and I couldn't be more impressed. The PureGear Sports Armband W/Dry+Flex for iPhone 5/5S/5C is an optimal solution for having your phone on runs but keeping you hands free. The armband keeps phones accessible, firmly attached, and moisture free for fitness-loving moms.

But what about when it rains? I used to envy runners who hit the pavement even when it's wet. But with PureGear's DualTek XT Extreme Terrain Case, I'm set. This phone case is weatherproof and has the best shockproof protection to prevent damage from drops of up to six feet. So it’s perfect both for long runs (rain or sun) or just every day life with (grabby and grubby) kids!

Knock Out! Smart Panties

Maybe it's a bit cheeky to ask for undergarments for Mother's Day. But when you come across undergarments that were made to withstand a workout and still look pretty? How can you not want some? Angela, the creator and CEO of Knock Out! Smart Panties, was on a mission to find quality (and let's admit it: attractive) undergarments that had high tech functionality. When she couldn't find what she was looking for, Angela went out and created them herself!

I love that Knock Out! Smart Panties are made for every women: stay-at-home moms, marathon runners, working women. Whatever the activity, these garments use patented technology to protect from wetness and odor (as a runner, I can't tell you how important this is). They are thin and comfortable, and completely dye-free. Also? They are made in America, which is something I can get behind!

Their No Sweat Sports Bra is pretty much the most amazing thing ever.  Hold shape, gives great support and wicks sweat like you wouldn't believe. Seriously - check it out!

SPIbelt

The worst is setting out for a run and having no place to put keys, gloves, money, etc. My friend Jamie introduced me to the SPIbelt , and I LOVE it. So let's be real: it's a sleek fanny pack. And I'm okay with that. It's easy to put on, sits tight against the body, and is a protection against the elements. Also, when you're running in town and want to grab a muffin when you're done, you've got cash on hand that ISN'T drenched in sweat from being shoved in your sports bra.

What? No one else does this?!

Nathan SpeedDraw Water Bottle

Since writing this post originally, I've conquered some awesome goals, including running my first half marathon this past October (go me!). This meant running further and longer than I ever have before. Since the race was in October, a lot of my runs were during the heat of late summer/early fall. When you're hitting runs that are over an hour, it becomes imperative to drink on the go. My friend Theresa always had this awesome water bottle that she brought with her on runs that had a little handle she could stick her hand through. I thought this was GENIUS. 

So I got one of my own. I grabbed the Nathan SpeedDraw Water Bottle, and LOVE it. It is the perfect size: a good amount of water while not being heavy, and it has a little pocket on the back of the water bottle cover that I can slip my key into. If you're planning a long race in the near future, I highly recommend an on-the-go water bottle!

Power Ice

One of the things I've learned since starting running is the importance of hydration. Water isn't enough, friends. When you are running, especially in heat or for long distances, you need to add electrolytes. I was clueless to this at first, and paid the price. Once I learned how dehydration can affect your muscles and overall performance, I got really serious about electrolytes. 

Power Ice has been my go-to hydration treats for post-run hydration. After drinking my water, I grab an ice pop from the freezer. I love that these little packages are simple and totable. although I know I will really enjoy them after hot Summer runs, they've been really refreshing even after Winter runs. I seem to get hot and sweaty no matter the weather!  More importantly, I know I am replenishing my electrolytes, and that's what counts! 

Order them by the box! I'm a big fan of the Lime Kicker flavor :)

Fitsok Running Socks

Good socks make a BIG difference when running. I've had my fair share of foot injuries, aches and pains. Chafing and blisters caused by bad socks are just the worst. Fitsok Running Socks is a good pick for socks that are breathable, blister-resistant and fit well. 

Womens Running Magazine

I'm a reader, and I love having a resource for great info, ideas, products, tips and more when it comes to running. So this year I'm subscribing to Womens Running Magazine. To be fair, I also just really get giddy knowing that once a month I get a magazine in the mail. So if it's a magazine FOR WOMEN about RUNNING? Total win.

Sports Watch

Can I tell you how much having a Sports Watch with a GPS has changed my life? I still like using my Nike+ Running app (mainly to compete with…I mean encourage…my friends who also use the app). But I have absolutely loved my Polar RC3 GPS with Heart Rate Monitor. It keeps my runs hands-free and the GPS is super on-point. The best part is that the Polar RC3 comes with a heart rate strap to give me an even more accurate reading on calories burned and target heart rate.

I highly recommend this sports watch to anyone who is looking to invest in one!

Gift Card to the Local Running Store

Sometimes the best gift is to enable a loved one to get exactly what they want…themselves. Find out where your local running store is and get her a gift card. Then, whether she is looking to buy new running shoes, shorts, compression socks or even entering the next 5k, she is already set!

I'm loyal to the Chester County Running Store, as they have been amazing with fitting me with the perfect running shoes time and time again. They also manage and time most of the local races.

~~~~

Are you a running momma?

If so, I'd love to hear:

What items are on YOUR Running Mom Wish List?

Disclosure: Some companies listed above sent me products to try out for review. Otherproducts I use without having worked with the brands. I love ALL of these products and truly believe they are great for runners. Some links are affiliate links.