Play Hard. Train Harder. Get Dirty.

I'm really happy to announce a new affiliate of Runkellirun.com & that's GET DIRTY tees.

Even though GET DIRTY was founded by a baseball player, the more I read about it - the more I could relate it to running & how I personally felt about the sport. The brand stands for working hard & giving your all no matter the circumstance. You don't get better by thinking about it, you get better by training harder & sometimes - getting dirty.

They talk in their "about me" section about how their motto (Play Hard, Train Harder, Get Dirty) is a good reminder to keep pushing when the workouts get tough. When I'm running in their gear, I can't help but feel a little extra badass with that slogan across my back:

This is the red & black short sleeved shirt. This comes in a couple different colors, and there are also fitted versions for girls. Only $15.00 & they're printed on both sides.

This is the back of the shirt. I love their motto.

Sorry that my back is sweaty in this lol.. I took this after my run today.

They also have long-sleeved shirts (no back print on this one) for $20, as well as hoodies, sweatpants, & polos. I've pretty much been living in GET DIRTY gear for the past week.

Anytime I can represent a brand that I feel, in turn, represents ME - it feels really good. Companies founded by inspirational athletes who understand and appreciate hard work are my favorites, and it's a shame that they get overshadowed by big name brands that don't necessarily have the heart that they do. If you're looking for gym gear with more than just a swoosh on it, check out http://www.getdirtytees.com & grab yourself a shirt or two. Their site also features a bunch of pictures of runners wearing GET DIRTY tees during mud runs, which I think is a pretty awesome idea.

Thanks to GET DIRTY for partnering up with Runkellirun.com & I look forward to working with them both now & in the future.

Keep Running (& get dirty),

Kelli

Freeze Your Lymphs Off 5k & My TrailHead

I realize this post is a smidge behind, but you'll have to forgive me. I was waiting for race photos to be posted & they finally went public tonight. Two weekends ago, my boyfriend & I ran the "Freeze Your Lymphs Off 5k For Lymphoma" run. It was held in Sewickley, PA which is about a half an hour away from where I live just outside of Pittsburgh.

I love running community races. I love the feeling of them and the sense of togetherness is something you won't find anywhere else. In this case, the young man who put on the race did it for a big reason. His father was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma, and he holds this run to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. When I see a kid who's in high school doing something like that - I want to be a part of it. Josh not only put on a fantastic race, but he was also really personable and organized throughout the entire event. I give him a lot of credit & I hope to make the run an annual thing.

Here's Josh holding down the fort

It was cold (obviously) and I apologize for not getting my traditional "car dash thermometer" shot. It was in the 20's, though & there was actually a bit of snow that fell during this one. I can't really complain because I didn't exactly hate ice cold snowflakes landing & melting on my sweaty cheeks :)

I must admit the scenery looked very pretty with the fresh snow on the trees. And it kills me to admit that because I really, really dislike snow.

No clue how I managed to look this chipper in this photo, but I don't hate it! You can see that once again I was wearing my Cool-Cat Pro to keep my neck (and occasionally my nose/mouth) warm & protected when the wind picked up. This race was also the perfect opportunity to try out my new TrailHeads Goodbye Girl Ponytail Headband. 

If you've never seen TrailHeads before or heard of them, they're great for girls like me who want to wear an earband without their ponytail on top of their head. It might seem high maintenance, but with the way my hair is layered, high ponytails flip around all over the place and cause me more annoyance than anything. TrailHeads make both these headbands and "ponytail hats" which cover your entire head instead of just your ears. The ponytail headband I wore is only $20.00 through the TrailHeads website & it's definitely something I'd recommend if you run outdoors during the winter months. 

And this is my "pensive runner" impression

I came in about fifteen seconds later than I would have liked to, but I ended up placing 6th in my age group (20-29) & 80th overall (out of 238 finishers). Could I have been better? Yeah. But for the third race of 2013, I'm feeling pretty good about where I am.

And don't ask me how, but my boyfriend managed to avoid every camera on the route. He did the same thing in the Freaky 5k last year, too. Maybe he's a vampire.

Big thanks to Josh for putting together an amazing race & for his dedication to the cause. Being able to donate $12,000 to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is an amazing accomplishment & I am very happy to say that I was a part of that.

Keep Running,

Kelli

Guest Post: 5 Things Every Runner Should Have

Another great guest post from Dave. If you've recently gotten into running & you're starting to really get serious - these are some great things to consider looking into. While every runner is different, we can all benefit from some relatively simple tips! 

***

I am currently looking at my Facebook news feed.  Looking through a couple days’ worth of posts by friends, I am noticing a trend.  People are starting to run!  Whether it is a “Couch to 5K” program, a training regimen for a race, or just to get in shape, people are running.  Why?  I would like to think they see runners like me, Kelli, or a friend and get excited when they see us having so much fun!  Another possibility is that new runners see how much you can improve your overall health by taking a run a couple times a week.  Or perhaps, they get dragged into it via peer pressure of a runner friend.  The reasons, while numerous, are not what I am going to talk about today.

All the time new runners come up to me and ask, “Dave, what type of equipment do I need for running?”  While it is obvious you really don’t need any equipment whatsoever to run, there are 5 items that I highly suggest every runner (beginner to advanced) have.  These items, while optional, have helped me immensely in my training, and have allowed me to become the runner I am today.

Running Shoes:  This seems obvious right?  While this may seem like a jest toyour intelligence, this is always the first item I recommend.  Running shoes are designed for one reason and one reason only: running.  I am not going to go into the complexities of running mechanics and how your shoes should fit; however, I will say that everyone runs differently.  Depending on how you run, you will be fit into a shoe that is conducive to your personal comfort, height, weight, gait, and experience.  I highly recommend going to a LRS (Local Running Store) to be fit for running shoes.  They are experts in gait analysis (how you run) and they will be able to determine what type of shoe is right for you.  The right shoe will ensure that you will run comfortable and injury free; running in the wrong shoes can hurt you!!!  So run (or drive) to your LRS and get fit, I promise you will not be disappointed.  Side note: Most of these stores are focused on the runner, not on their bottom line.  They will usually let you return/ swap out shoes if you do not like them; plus, you get to support local business, win/win!

GPS Watch:  If you don’t have one, you are already behind.  I know, I know I know, GPS Apps are on smart phones now.  The issue with this is plain and simple: looking at your IPhone strapped to your arm is immensely harder than looking at a watch.  This does not allow the runner to accurately pace themselves.  Unless you do all your running on a track or map out your run every time, it is hard to see how far/fast you are going.  I know, I know, I know, they are expensive!  I had to deal with this problem too!  However, with new technology comes a cheaper price.  Instead of paying a hefty rate, one can buy a GPS watch under $100.  Although they may not have the all the “bells and whistles” that the top-notch ones have, they give you the basic stats of distance running: how long, fast, and far you are running.  I don’t mean to take away emphasis of good old fashioned “feeling”, but the technology exists, I suggest using it!

Running Socks:  Another item that I have found makes all the difference is running socks.  While you may not want to spend $10 a pair like me, there is one factor that the savvy shopper should be aware of when buying socks for running,  It is no cotton whatsoever.  Cotton does not wick away sweat and when wet socks chafe against feet, they cause blisters.  Blisters suck.  So, no cotton, ok?   Pick synthetic fabrics that wick away sweat; dry feet=happy feet.  

Proper Running Attire:  Same as the socks.  Go for sweat wicking polyester fabrics rather than soggy cotton threads.  Running clothing should fit properly too!  Skip the baggy shorts and shirts for athletic fitting garbs.  Not saying you should wear super short shorts, but wear something that will give you freedom of movement while keeping you cool and dry.  From my experience, I tend to spend the extra money on running clothing, but anything athletic and synthetic should do!

Good Form:  Good running form (in my opinion) is the most important item you can have.  There are multitudes of form techniques out there and if you are just starting out (or looking to improve); I always recommend improving your technique.  There are great books that guide even the newest of runners in proper form and technique.  Speaking from experience, I increased my speed, recovery time, and decreased my injury rate from buying a $15 book and taking heed of its sage wisdom.   Good form running consists of a midfoot strike as opposed to a heel striking motion.  Do yourself a favor, go on YouTube and watch some videos of elite Kenyan marathoners.  You will see that they have all the aspects of good form running.  Check out Chi Running, Natural Running Center, Pose Method, Newton Running, or any other natural/midfoot running book/site.  It has taken me to new heights and I have a feeling it will help you too!  Let’s just say, if it is good enough for the Kenyans, it is good enough for all of us!

I hope this helps! If you have any questions, concerns, or need a little helpful “brand” advice.  Email me at Thatnavysailor@gmail.com.  

Keep Running,

Kelli & Dave

Gettin' Funky with Punkee

I've talked in the past about non-slip headbands. The whole thing with most of these headbands is that they use a velvet-y liner to prevent them from slipping back on your head. I have a really hard time getting headbands to stay in place for me, and these velvet lined bands are the only products I've found that don't creep back and pop off my head as I run.

I have come to learn, however, that some (not all) of them have their flaws. And after some serious trial and error, I noticed that these flaws generally stemmed from me not having the option to adjust the headbands. So I did what I do best, and I scoured the web until I found a potential solution to this problem.

And that, my friends, is when I came across Punkeelove. If you have had issues getting headbands to stay on your head even with the super innovative velvet-y liner, this is definitely a brand you want to consider. Not only are they non-slip, they're also adjustable. They utilize elastic and buttons, and the designs are some of the cutest I've ever come across. Here is their website if you want to view the entire selection (it's huge!), but these were two of my personal favorites :)

Twete Bird 7/8" - $14.00

Icy 1" Band - $14.00

As you can see (this is the interior of the Icy band), there is a color-coordinating velvet-y liner that prevents the band from slipping around on your head. If you've never tried one of these non-slip bands, they are surprisingly functional & do a really good job gripping to your hair no matter how sweaty you get.

And here's the Punkeelove difference. There is an elastic band in the back with several button holes and a button. This is where you can adjust the band for a custom fit. The problem I've had with most of the other bands is that they eventually start to stretch out once you use them a few times and they're not as effective. With Punkeelove, you don't get that problem. 

And don't worry about the excess elastic flopping around all over the place when you pull it a little tighter. There's a nice little finished slot in the back where you can tuck in the excess and forget it's there. If you ever need to let it out, it'll still be there. This is such a good idea!

I just took a quick shot to show you how the elastic can be pulled out if you need to let your band out at any point. 

So to celebrate Punkeelove's understanding of runners and dancers and yoga enthusiasts and the general population of people who don't necessary dig their hair falling into their face, I'm going to go ahead & give away a Punkeelove headband! You'll get to choose either the Icy band or the Twete Bird band. 

All you have to do is like Runkellirun.com's Facebook page & Punkeelove's Facebook page. Once you've liked us both, leave a comment on the Runkellirun.com Facebook page saying "ENTER ME TO WIN PUNKEELOVE!" I'll choose a random winner on Saturday March 2nd. Good Luck to everyone & big thanks to the ladies at Punkeelove!!

Keep Running,

Kelli

What Can Compression Do For You

I've reviewed a couple of compression products. I wear compression tights and socks, and I have seen more and more runners talking about this phenomenon. While compression gear has been around for awhile, it's popularity has certainly risen in the past few years or so. It holds a 5% share in the sports apparel market, and more and more brands are starting to offer their own full line of compression gear.

So what can it do for you?

I think there is a very common misconception when it comes to compression. I went and checked out a few popular brands of compression gear, and I stumbled upon these product descriptions:

"...going strong while all the other guys on the basketball court are dropping like flies"

"... aggressive fit for more explosive muscle power"

"...increases muscle power"

Here's my problem. There is no pair of spandex tights that is going to increase the power of your muscles. There is no spandex shirt that is going to make you better at basketball than all of your friends. I give kudos to the Adidas & Under Armour marketing teams, but they're really just pumping out artistically worded lies. The only thing that's going to make your muscles stronger is you hitting the gym and working hard.

No, you don't need to spend $50 on a tight pair of pants to be a good runner.

No, you don't need all compression everything to successfully finish a half marathon.

No, compression gear is not going to revolutionize your running experience.

To be honest, I think compression gear kind of has kool-aide-like qualities.

So many people buy compression gear thinking it's going to make them run faster and longer right off the bat. To me, that's kind of like assuming that there are hundreds of microscopic elves in the fabric that are secretly injecting you with an energy serum as you run. The true purpose of compression gear is to increase blood flow. Because of this, they really can reduce soreness post-run and lessen recovery time. Example: if you run 10 miles in compression gear on Saturday, there's a good chance your 5k run on Sunday will be less painful than normal. You follow?

Compression gear is not an answer to your prayers. It's not going to shave your mile PR in half and it's not going to turn you into a jacked Olympian. It'll make your body look tighter, it can aid in stabilizing your muscles, and it'll give you a little edge on recovering. However, if you're a newbie that's only running a 5k max - skip it. Use your money on something else like a good pair of shoes or a race registration. But if you're new to long distance running and post-run soreness is screwing up your flow - start simple with a pair of compression socks (Pro Compression makes a nice pair). 

That's my two cents for the day.

Keep Running,

Kelli

Upgrade Your Armband

I have been using a crapola armband from Wal-Mart for the past year or so. While it does the basic job that I need it to, I've wanted to throw it out the window multiple times. From doing absolutely nothing in terms of protecting my phone from sweat to the velcro sticking to every single type of fabric under the sun - we've had our fair share of ups and downs. So when I had an opportunity to review (what I consider) a state-of-the-art armband for Armpocket, I literally jumped at the chance.

It was hard for me to do a photo/text review here because I needed to use my phone in the review itself, so I opted for a video review instead. The model I've been using in the Aero i-10 & it runs $29.95. I honestly can't imagine using any other armband after trying this one, and I'm one of those runners who uses a band every single time I run. Check out the review below, and if you'd like to check out the Aero i-10 & the other Armpocket models - visit their website here!




Keep Running,
Kelli

Keep It Clean

I have quite a few reviews coming up on various drink mixes, electrolyte powders, etc, etc, etc. Because of this, I'm quite literally washing my water bottle out every single day. Not only can leaving flavored water in the bottle leave a lingering flavor in the long-run, but it can also just be an invite for mold, grossness, etc.

For awhile, I was using this generic water bottle I actually picked up for free at the ZooZilla 5k I ran back in November. The opening at the top of it it was about the size of a quarter. Cleaning it out well was a problem. Sure you can swish some hot water around in there and hope for the best, but after taking a slug one day and being met with kiiiiiiiind of a gross flavor - I am totally OCD about cleaning my water bottle.

All I can say is: Clean Bottle - thank you for coming into my life.

The top not only screws off & has a nice wide opening, but the flexible rubber nozzle pops off, as well. This was a HUGE problem with my other bottles (if you've ever used an electrolyte powder, you know the weird crust/film that can form) & I feel so much better about putting my mouth on this thing.

BONUS!!!! The bottom screws off, too!!! And THIS is freaking ground zero when it comes to powder crust forming. Even whenever all of the liquid is gone, there's always leftover stuff. The fact that I can unscrew the bottom of my bottle & actually CLEAN it without just blindly shoving my fingers down into the bottle with a paper towel is great. It's totally prevented me from taking the first sip during my workout & thinking "please don't taste weird, please don't taste weird". There's also no leaking from the bottom at all. I've been testing it for about a week and a half now, and I've had no issues.

You can get the blue/yellow bottle (which is shown above) or you can go for the black/gray one that I have. I've gotta note that the clear plastic on the bottle is really easy to squeeze. This is important for myself & a lot of runners that use a water bottle WHILE they run (I constantly take drinks when I run on the treadmill). It's not that thick, resistant plastic that some water bottles are made of that require both hands and an iron vice to get a squirt out of.

And it might be weird, but my water bottles have gotta fit nicely into the cup holder in my car. I often fill them up before I leave the gym so I can keep hydrating on the ride home, and I had a bottle that was too little once and it would flop around all over the place in there. Clean Bottle fits perfectly.

It also fits nicely in my gym bag :)

If you're wanting to pick up a clean bottle, they're only $10. Seriously great deal for a quality water bottle that's incredibly practical. They also have whisk balls available (which is great for people like me who use a lot of powders/mixes) which are sold separately for $5 or with a bottle for $14. Here's a link to their web store if you want to check out the whole sha-bang.

Thanks to Clean Bottle for doin what you guys do. As I always say, finding a product that I love using every single time I run is really just a breath of fresh air. Understanding runners & athletes isn't easy, but I think you guys hit the nail on the head :)

Keep Running,

Kelli

Sweat, Baby, Sweat

Yeah - the title of this post is from a Bloodhound Gang song.

I am no stranger to sweat. I am covered in it 6 times a week. Like most runners, I'm kind of used to it by now.

But just because I'm "used" to it doesn't necessarily mean I like it. I do get annoyed whenever wiping my forehead with my hand does nothing but make sweat drip into my eyes, and I can't say that I'm a fan of whenever I can just feel that my neck is reaching swamp-level x.

I used to do the towel thing at the gym. It works, but it's not really practical to carry around a towel with you on your outdoor runs. My hair is also a big issue for me, so keeping it off of my face and neck is seriously crucial. I'm sure most girls can understand me there. Nobody likes those creepy sweat-soaked strands clinging to neck for your dear life. It's even more fun when they dry.

I'm sorry that this post is so gross so far.

I'm sure I'm not alone in my struggle, so I wanted to share a couple things that have helped me control the perspiration problem that happens in my cranial region every time I run. For me, it's all about convenience and I think that's why I'm so partial to these products. If you're not familiar with B.I.C. Bands, I posted on them back in November (here is the review). They're awesome no-slip headbands & I use them just about every time I run.

Keeping hair off of my forehead and neck is step one. Once you're all pulled back and secured and such - you're free to put this little wonder to work. It has quickly become one of my favorite products of all time:

The Handana: a fashionable sweatband that is designed to stay put around your hand throughout your entire workout. Really - this would be great if you were a dancer, did yoga, cycled, etc... It allows you to quickly remove sweat from your head/neck/arms while still keeping your hands free. And it does a darn good job at it, too. You don't have to juggle a towel around and you'll be free to open your water bottle/gel packs like business as usual.

It's a sewn together loop (doesn't come out of this formation), so you'll have to choose a size whenever you order. mine is an extra small and it fits perfect. It's not too tight or distracting, and it really is quite comfortable. You can also pick from a wide array of colors. 

If you're a chick - I would recommend going with a darker color for one reason: makeup. I didn't think of this when I chose the blue/white combo. When I run after work, I don't always have time to remove my foundation, so it gets a little grimy sometimes. However, it's machine washable and I just throw it in with my gym clothes. Cleans up perfectly.

Whether you're a palm wiper or a backhand wiper - Handana has you covered. If you're interested in picking one up - they're only $14.99 & can be purchased through the Handana website here. Great for winter-time treadmill running & I'm sure it will hate me in the summer when I'm running in the sweltering Pittsburgh heat :) Sorry in advance to my Handana.

Keep Running,

Kelli

The RSG1 Valentine's Day Race & A Giveaway!

There is something wildly appropriate about getting into your car on a 20-something degree morning to run a race & the first thing your hear is Britney Spears singing "CRAAYYYY-ZEE" on your radio.

I ran another winter 5k this weekend in North Park. Pittsburgh has had a few really beautiful 50 degree days this winter, but none of them have landed on a race day. Every time the freezing wind blew on Saturday, it was like mother nature cackling in my face sarcastically screaming "RUN, KELLI, RUN!"

The race I ran was the RSG1 Valentine's Day Race that benefited advancements in metabolic therapies. Since one of my big health anxiety concerns used to revolve around brain tumors, I really like to run races that benefit research towards fighting them.

Getting ready for winter races is all about the layers. Even though you definitely could not see the socks I was wearing underneath my compression leggings and my trusty "swishy pants", I took comfort in knowing they were down there. As you can see, they were a little bit of an ego-booster:

The "bad ass" print is on the back of the calf area. Seriously, they crack me up. I got them from Proud Runner (only $9.00) along with another pair that has a red lightening bolt on them (channeling my inner super hero). They're not exactly "compression" socks, but they're way more high-quality than your traditional knee sock. They stayed up really well during the entire race & they're pretty soft for a pair of socks :) I'm really going to love wearing them in the spring during theme races. 

I tried out a product called the Cool-Cat Pro during this race, as well. They're technically multi-function wraps that can act as headbands, neckies (keep cool in the heat, warm in the cold), full head covers, and gaiters. I kind of used it as a combo of both a neckie and gaiter and I was really happy with it. The material is extremely lightweight (lighter than a t-shirt) and there are three snaps in the back that allow you to adjust it. This ensured it was never too baggy and that it stayed put whenever I pulled it up over my nose/mouth.

Like so.

It's designed to wick sweat away, and it's honestly just a comfortable product. I was really questioning whether or not I would get annoyed with it, but I was thrilled with it from start to finish. It'll be great in the summer to keep my neck & head cool and dry, and I'll probably be using it during the rest of my outdoor winter runs this season just because it was a huge help in dealing with running head-on into the frigid Pittsburgh wind. They're also only $20 which is fantastic compared to the price of most gaiters alone. I also don't like how thick most gaiters are, so this is a great alternative if you're not into suffocation.

At the start of the race we were looking at about 26 degrees (another scorcher). The race itself was relatively small, but there were some nice goodies available for runners like complimentary hot hands, protein bars, a chinese auction, and food afterwards. While the chicken noodle soup from Eat n' Park was delicious, it was more like chicken noodle lava & my mouth is still paying for it today.

I have to say, I was extremely disappointed whenever I went to scope my race results on the website the next day. My name was nowhere to be found - what the HECK? I did email the woman who was in charge of the race, and she told me she would look into ASAP it for me. They used chips, and I heard a beep when I crossed over the finish line - so what gives? First experience I've ever had where that happened, and it's definitely a bummer. Looking at the times, too - I am pretty sure I'd have easily been top 5 in my age group. Sad face, sad face. I'm pouting.

Either way, it was a nice winter training run & I definitely enjoyed it. The terrain was mostly gentle slopes, and there were no insane hills in there. 

So to celebrate those of us who power through runs in both the winter and the warmer months - Cool-Cat Pro has decided to be awesome & give one of my readers a chance to win their awesome product. You can use it now to stay warm during your winter runs, and it'll be fantastic in the spring/summer when you need to keep cool.

All you have to do is "like" Cool-Cat Pro on Facebook (just click the link) & comment below with your email. I will make sure the winner is a fan of their page - so don't try and be sneaky, bro. Winner will be chosen on February 18th. Good Luck to you all!!

p.s. if you're having trouble locating the comment form - just click here!

Keep Running,

Kelli