It’s been a while since I’ve done a Favorite Things Friday post, so I’ve got one for you today! This Favorite Things Friday edition is all about fall running gear. Here are my faves, in no particular order:
Garmin Forerunner 225
I broke down and got a new Garmin Forerunner 225 a few months ago, and I have to say I’m totally in love with it! For quite a while, I was just using GPS apps, but I got a discount (as Rock ‘n’ Blog Ambassador) that I couldn’t turn down, so I took the plunge. I had heard that the 225 was going to be great, and it didn’t disappoint. It has many features that you can find in a Fitbit or other tracking device (steps, calories burned, etc.), in addition to all of the much-needed running features.
My favorite aspect of the Forerunner 225 is that it locks into a satellite within seconds. With some of my older Garmins, I hated having to wait minutes for my watch to find a satellite signal. Now I just head out the door, turn on the watch, and I’m good to go. One of the new features of the Forerunner 225 is also the wrist heart rate monitor. If you hate wearing a chest strap heart rate monitor (like me!), you will love this new Garmin.
The watch face is in color, easy to read, and is pretty intuitive to use. You sync the watch with its charging cradle and it uploads to Garmin Connect. Since I use Strava, I like that I can have Garmin Connect automatically sync with my Strava profile. It’s seamless and a nice feature for those of us who like to geek out over our running data. 🙂
Pearl Izumi BioViz Gear
Since I love my Pearl Izumi EM Trail N2 V2 shoes, I was anxious to see what their running apparel was like. Recently, I received some items from the new BioViz™fall line. TheBioViz™ apparel features clothing (like their signature bright yellow) to attract a driver’s attention, thereby helping to keep you safe while running on the roads. The goal of the technology is to make you more visible in daylight AND low light conditions.
I am loving the Flash ¾ Tight Print. It’s a nice light weight capri– perfect for fall weather (when you’re not sure whether to go with shorts or pants!). The Women’s ELITE Barrier Convertible Jacket has also been getting a TON of wear now that visibility is lower in the evenings when I run. You can wear the ELITE Barrier Convertible Jacket as a jacket or you can remove the sleeves (in one piece) and wear it as a vest– perfect for transitional fall temps! The bright pink color and reflective piping and logo help you stay visible on the roads.
Balega Grit and Grace Enduro Socks
I am definitely a Balega girl when it comes to running socks. If you want to minimize blisters from running, please make sure you invest in quality socks. I’m not joking–it makes a HUGE difference. You need to protect your feet from friction over the miles and keep moisture to a minimum. Non-cotton socks like those made by Balega help wick moisture from your feet and are reinforced for protection in high friction areas. They are super cute and comfy, AND they come in a bunch of great colors!
For the month of October, Balega has introduced limited edition Grit and Grace enduro socks that feature pink colors and inspirational messages. A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of these socks will be given to the Breast Cancer Fund.
Nathan Firecatcher Hydration Vest
Since fall has featured half marathon training and a lot of long runs, I have been experimenting with how best to stay hydrated. I don’t really like hydration belts, and I had resigned myself to carrying a hand held on longer runs– until I actually tried a hydration vest.
I always thought that “wearing” my hydration would really annoy me, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that it doesn’t bother me at all! While the Nathan Firecatcher is unisex, it has two adjustable straps that allow you to get a great fit with minimal movement. I wasn’t bothered at all by any chafing or sloshing around of water.
You can put whichever bladder you prefer in the vest, but I opted to go with a 1.5L Nathan bladder. It’s been working out great. The vest comes with two 10 oz bottles that you can stash in the front pockets for extra fluids. There’s also a zippered pocket and a small pocket for electrolyte tabs.
Brooks Fly-by Hat
I got my first Brooks Fly-by hat in my Rock ‘n’ Blog training box, and it’s become my favorite. My husband says it looks better on me than other running hats, so I guess that’s a plus! 😉 I like that it’s functional AND fashionable. The brim curve is just right, and it’s breathable. It also has a handy little zippered pocket on the right side where you can stash a key, gel, or other small item!
What’s YOUR favorite piece of fall running gear?
30 Something Mother Runner received two pieces of Pearl Izumi BioViz running apparel, a Nathan Firecatcher Hydration Vest, and 2 pairs of Grit and Grace socks from Balega. I purchased the Garmin on my own. All writing and opinions are 100% own.
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