What I like to wear to race.

I am taking a few days off from running since I raced hard and I tend to get injured if I jump back into things too quickly so today’s workout revolved around the dreaded stair climber (and elliptical).  I did 10 minutes on the stair climber (each time I wanted to pass out because that thing is so hard) and then 10 minutes on the elliptical for a total of 60 minutes.  I didn’t even get bored.  It was a miracle. 

Just ONE more picture from Saturday’s race with my biggest cheerleader.  I really think she did start cheering for me in the final stretch.. I could hear her.  

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A few people asked about what I use when I race so I thought today would be a great time to show you.

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1.  The most important thing are my Brooks PureFlow 2s.  I don’t know what I did before these babies.

2.  I use PRO Compression low socks.

3.  My favorite Brooks running shorts.

4.  Moving Comfort sports bra.

5.  JayBird Blue Buds X for my headphones. 

6.  Oakley Commit sunglasses.

7.  A random black head band that I have no idea where I got it from.

8.  THIS lululemon top.

9.  The Garmin 305.  I have had this watch for over 5 years and it still works perfectly… and it has been used a lot!

Look what I found in my parent’s garage:

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My old beautiful spin bike.  We didn’t have enough room to move it in the POD and Billy was going to come back and drive it back to California along with a bunch of other stuff the first week we lived in California but Brooke decided to come hang out with us earlier than expected so it is still in the garage. 

I wonder if Southwest will let it count as one of my ‘checked bags’ for when I fly home tomorrow.

Last but not least, Brooke’s awesome morning hair.

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What is some of your MUST HAVE gear/shoes/gadgets for when you do a race?

Garmin users:  How long have you had yours?   Which kind?

Do you ever use the stair climber?  

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84 comments

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I physically cannot last more than 2 minutes on the stairclimber! WHO invented that?!?!

Brooke is gonna be one speedy little girl when she starts running ;)

Love my garmin!! I’ve had it for a year and it’s the main motivator when I’m outside running!

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Thanks for sharing your gear. Question about the Brooks PureFlow – what do you love about them? I’m thinking about getting some because they seem quite popular but I’m wondering what makes them so special.

I love lulu gear. I know it’s pricy but I just can’t stop!!

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I miss Brooke and that sweet smile! As you know, I am a weirdo and have no rhyme or reason to what I wear and eat before races. I did in college, but now I just kind of go with the flow and not stressing works a little better for me. It’d be helpful to have a garmin that was made post 1941 though ;-) Glad you were reunited with the spin bike!!!

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P.S. Just got those Pure Flows! Zero drop is like being barefoot and these shoes are like clouds!!!

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i loooooooooooooooove the stair mill

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I had the 210 for awhile and then upgraded to the 310xt for the heart rate strap. It’s a little buggy but I would never run without it.

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I love Brooke’s morning hair, she is adorable.

I only run in Asics — I have the gel noosa tri shoes because they are so cool and super bright.

I saw your post about the Garmin forerunner 10 and I got one. I just ran my first half marathon on Sunday with it, it was amazing! And, I bought that Hansons Marathon Method book, too. It’s also the best thing I hase ever read on running. So, thanks for the great advice Janae!

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Must have: Newtons, Yurbuds, and Lulu shorts. I just bought my first Lulu top and unfortunately I’m hooked. Not sure how to convince my husband I need to buy $45 tank tops to sweat in.

I’ve never done the stair climber. Ever. And it will stay that way.

I got my first Garmin (FR60) when I started running 3 years ago. I’ve since replace it with a MotoActiv. I passed the Garmin down to my 10 year old son – a fact that he loves considering the watch is pink.

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I have a lot/hate relationship with the stair cllimber (aka the sweat climber). I have totally done the 10 min stairs/10 min elliptical workout for 60 min! 10 min on the elliptcal (cause that is all I can stand) and 10 min on the cllimber because I want to vomit because I am so tired. I think the longest I have done on that thing is 25 minutes. The other day I asked a guy how much longer he would be on it (we only have 2 at my gym and he had already been on it for a half an hour) and he said 30 min. He was on it for a friggin hour! Granted, he was going slow, but still! I have no idea how he did it.

If you cant count your spin bike as a bag, maybe I could somehow sneak on the plane and come back with you?

I have had the 305 for just over 2 years and I LOVE it. Even if my husband thinks I look like Penny from Inspector Gadget when I wear it.

I hope you enjoy your last 24 hrs here!

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Love Brooke’s hair! She has so much of it!
I always run in a tank and capris because I get hot fast! I got a Garmin Forerunner 10 so I am excited to use it in the Spring when I run races and outside!

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Love the stair climber. That things a beast! But the spin bike is my favorite….

I don’t have a Garmin, but want one- badly!

Sarah
www thinfluenced.com

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I am a creature of habit when it comes to my gear!! Always a brightly coloured Lululemon Cool Racerback and Speed Shorts, Altra Zero Drop Provisioness, Garmin 405 and a sparkly Chickband!!

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I bought PureFlows last week and wore them for the race on Saturday. They felt great!!!

I have to wear a headband or hat whenever I run. I can’t stand hair in my face. Can’t wait for my Blue Buds to get here so I can try them out! Also I want a Garmin watch reallyyyy bad.

Brooke’s hair is the cutest. What a sweet girl!

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I also have a love hate relationship with the stair climber. I always feel great after I crank out 20-30 minutes on that thing, but am always cursing it while on it :)

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I’ve never used a stair climber. The people that are on it just look so miserable, it’s a total turn off. Love Brooke’s morning hair! She’s just too stinkin’ cute.

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I cannot race without my music and Garmin! The Brooks are pretty important too! Brooke’s hair is the best!

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LOVE that Lulu tank! So cute!
And so is Brooke’s morning hair, but you already knew I was going to say that ;)

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I LOVE the stair climber! When I finally get a gym membership again that is going to be a requirement in my gym of choice. That was the only machine I as willing to wait for when I lived by a 24hourfitness. Sigh… I miss my gym.

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I’ve had my Garmin 10 since Xmas! It’s great. You’re so silly in your pictures of the sports bra! Thanks for sharing all of your gear with us!

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lol, Brooke’s hair is funny :) Stylish little one. A little jelly over your spin bike. totally want one for my house! I have used the stair climber only once, but my fear of falling while walking up stairs got me off of it in the first 5 minutes. Totally not for me. I have a Garmin 305 (i think) and have had it for about a year now.

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I am so looking forward to getting back to running after I have this baby. I haven’t been one of those women who can run all through her pregnancy, and I miss it!

P.S. Loving Brook’s hair. She manages to look cute in EVERY picture you take of her!

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I’m a nerd and I pretty much always run with my hydration belt, even in a 5K! Its sort of a security blanket of mine =)
I’ve had my Garmin 305 for a little over 2 years. I LOVE it. Got it for $99 (with a HR monitor!) on an Amazon special!
Used a stair climber PK (pre-kids which means 13 or so years ago) and it KICKED. MY. TRASH. And I loved every awful minute. =)

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oh my gosh her hair is freakin awesome! My brooklyn only has half of her hair and I cant wait to style it as it grows!

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So fun! I have a garmin 405 and me and my hubs both use it so it gets double duty!!!We have had it 2 years. I love my Saucony Guides and my yurbuds :)! I am a fan of Nike sports bras and features socks although I just gor some pro compression (thanks for the coupon code) and I think I may get more..LOVE them!
Okay so I am working on the sunglasses thing and do you like diclosure or commit better?
I don’t do stair climber but probably should. I am really bad in the cross train dept! I am trying to get myself to do some Jillian dvd’s and strengthen my core but I am not good at getting around to it and I hate to cut my miles.

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Brooke and I have the same morning hair, but obviously, she works it better than I do. Just give me an iPod, an arm band, and some headphones and I’m good to go… although I think I wrecked my headphones during my race on Sunday because sweat pooled in my ears.. gross, I know. I don’t have a Garmin, but I’m thinking of asking for one/buying one!!

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My must haves: the brightest mizunos on the market and an even brighter running top. Preferably from target or tjmaxx but I’ll take a lululemon top if someone buys me one. Oh, and Nike tempos. Those are important. Also brightly colored. Catch my pattern?

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I love love love my Garmin!! I had my 205 and it just recently died on me. So I just purchased the Garmin 210 and I love it! This one has a heart rate monitor and I plan on using more features :)

The stair climber kicks.my.butt.!!

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I have the Garmin Forerunner 10 in green and I love it! It’s simple to use and does everything I need it to. I love checking out my stats after a run.

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My running must-haves are pretty simple: a hair tie and headband/bobby pins to keep my hair out of my face, and a sports bra (I’ve seen women running in regular bras…what! that is madness. and this is from a small chested lady)

Maybe I didn’t try the PureFlows on long enough, but I did not like them!!! But they keep getting raves so maybe I’ll reconsider…

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You are so cute.if I was skinny enough to wear those shorts when I was running I would

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Aww man… Brooke’s morning hair looks so much more stylish than mine. Jealous to the max. And I know how much you love your spin bike, but I’ll bet that having Brooke show up earlier than expected is a million, billion (that’s a legit number) times better :)

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ALWAYS my candy cane striped shorts!!! they are just way more comfortable lol the forerunner 10, had it since Oct 2012, inlove with it :) no stair climbers for this chick :)

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omg I HATE the stairclimber! It’s exhausting! haha

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Seriously, I’m sure you hear this all the time, but Brooke is pretty much the prettiest baby I have ever seen.

In the past, I have always sported yellow shoelaces — in support of my m.i.l. who has terminal cancer, and the Livestrong movement. But now…. I am not sure that I can anymore! It feels weird! I will probably switch to breast cancer pink.

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I have a few pairs of those same shorts and I adore them! They’re fantastic. Brooks is the best.

I had a garmin 305 but recently decided I was going to do more triathlons (after doing one triathalon months ago and not swimming since) so I upgraded to the 310xt and sold my 305. I love the 310. (My husband got it for me for Christmas and I think there were some selfish motivations behind it because he’s the real swimmer)

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Love your Lulu top big time!
I can not run without my Garmin. I also LOVE Lululemon and Nike. They really do make the best gear in my opinion.

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I have to have my Level Terrain flip belt. I need it to hold all my candy, keys, iPod while I run. I love my Pure Connects! I’ve had my Garmin 10 for about a year but a hit or miss when I take it.

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The alternating machines workout is a fave :) The stair climber is a total butt kicker! One alternating workout I like is 30 min/30/20/20/10/10. Love my 305 :)

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I’m a NewBalance minimus girl, love the zero drop! I also wear lulu shorts and tanks exclusively, so $$ but so worth it. After a race I reward myself with one piece of lulu!

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I love Lululemon tops!! THey are by far my fave!! I also just got a Garmin for Xmas, the forerunner 10 and it is my new favorite thing!

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I love my Garmin 305. I’ve had it for over 4 years and hate to leave for a run without it. I never have problems and I can charge it before a 2 day relay and it will work for each of my runs.
I also have a water bottle holder for my hand that a friend of mine bought me on my birthday when I first started running about 7 years ago’ish. It’s like my running woobie. I have tried getting a newer one and I can’t give it up. The elastic is all stretched out but it’s been with me forever and since I started running with it then I feel off balance if I don’t have it!
My work base is on the third floor and that is enough of stair exercise for me, especially carrying big medical packs, ventilators……

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I HATE gym cardio equipment, but I LOVE the stairclimber, like adore it!

I have the world’s best momma, she gave me a Garmin Forerunner 10 for Valentine’s Day and I am already in love!

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I have so many different running clothes! With our crazy weather, I have to be prepared! I have been wanting a Garmin for awhile now, but just haven’t taken the plunge, but it’s looking more and more like I might with each passing day!

The stair climber and I have a love hate relationship…for some reason I can’t do it without looking at my feet, so when I speed up, I get dizzy! Weird huh?! ;)

How do you like those ear buds? I haven’t been able to find any that seem to fit right AND stay while I do run! I’m always looking for something new to try!

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Out of curiosity where do you carry your ipod/mp3 player? I can’t run without music but am kind of getting sick of the huge bulky thing on my arm. Other race must-haves: hat or headband, compression socks, garmin, pureflows!

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I HAVE to have my iPhone armband! I cannot hold my phone at all while running! I need socks that come up above the back of my shoe and stay that way, too :) I do not have a Garmin, but have been thinking about getting one!

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First of all, my almost 6 year old wears those panda footie pj’s all time time. She’s ginormous like me, so it’s so funny to see her in them. The Stair Climber has been my go-to cardio machine since I injured my foot, and I must say that I love it! I step for 1 hour at level 14.

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Great gear! Love the top picture of you and your daughter. Too cute!!

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I love Brooke’s morning hair, my 2yr olds hair is like that every morning.

I have to have my Garmin when I race, Asics Kayano and a Nike Dri-Fit top.

I had a Garmin 305 for 7yrs but it got lost when we PCS to a new Army post. Now I have the 610 Limited Edition Blue/White and Lime.

I loathe the stair climber, it kicks my butt. It’s a great workout for me though.

I love reading your blog, especially because you include Broooke. I have a 2yr old daughter and it makes me feel like I know you personally.

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Nice choices! I like running in shorts in all weather too. I hate when it’s snowing and the tights have to come out. I RARELY run in capris. It’s shorts or tights. lol

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Love the hair! I’ve never used a garmin before, but then again, I don’t really run. I’d love to be able to run, so maybe someday it will become a necessity!

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I use the Garmin 910XT and have had it since maybe July. I got it so that I could start tracking swimming because I’m hoping to do a triathlon this summer. I love it. Before that I had the Garmin 405 for about 2 years.

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I actually love the stairmaster. Ok, maybe not love but I love how I feel when I’m done. I always sweat buckets! I really enjoyed doing it while I was pregnant.

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I’m a huge fan of the same BROOKS shoes are you shared above. I use to only wear ASICS but since I found these gems I’ve been obsessing over them.

I have the 305 too and LOVE it but my hubby recently bought me the Garmin 10- lime green. I love it but I still love my 305 since it was my first.

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I definitely need my Garmin and a tank or pants with a pocket so that I can stash my key and such.
Your outfit is so cute!

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Thanks for sharing your gear! I love the color of that top!

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What about that neon orange/pink long sleeve pullover you wore after?! Must have it!!

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A Moving Comfort sports bra is KEY. I’m a little bit more (ahem) blessed up top than others and after years of struggling with multiple cheapo Target bras I found Moving Comfort and my life was forever changed!

My other current favorites include:
Moving Comfort momentum shorts + flex tank
Brooks Versatile EX Raceback + PureCadence 2s

Aaaand I still need a Garmin. It’s on my wish list and will likely be purchased once I take the leap and sign up for my first marathon this fall (EEK!)

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i love your race outfit! we’re running shoe twins :) i just got the pure flow 2s a couple weeks ago and they’re amazing (you actually inspired me to purchase them, so THANK YOU!!).

brooke’s morning hair is the cutest thing ever!

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I was wondering what happened to your spin bike! That top is so cute!

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I am guessing that Brooke will look more like you as she gets older, but MAN, does she look like her Dad right now (other than he seems to have control of his hair). She truly is the most consistently happy looking baby I have ever seen!

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What is some of your MUST HAVE gear/shoes/gadgets for when you do a race?

BRIGHT FLASHY KNEE HIGH SOCKS! <3 them!

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Must have: CWX compression shorts or capris. Not the best fashion statement, but they keep my quads, hips, & IT bands HAPPY!!

I have a 305. Gift from my hubby 3 years ago when we decided that “sharing” a Garmin across 3,000 miles wasn’t the best idea in the world. (Seriously. He lived in LA, I lived in upstate NY. We thought we were gonna “share”. Hmph.)

I just started using the stair climber in Jan, to help prepare for a Run/Climb combo race I just did. Turned out to be totally unnecessary, since the stairs were too clogged to actually do anything more than plod along…

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I have actually NEVER used a stair climber in my life! BUT, I have an upstairs condo so I think I get enough stairs in my every day life.

My racing must haves are a good headband and my thorlo experia socks. Everything else I can live without.

Love Brooke’s morning hair. Her’s is WAY better than mine.

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Moving Comfort’s Fioana bra is hands down the BEST sports bra ever invented for C cups and larger. I haven’t worn anything different since discovering it several years ago. They do an amazing job of tailoring sports bras for women based on cup sizes and activity needs. The best part about Moving Comfort is that it was started by women and made for women. Even though it has been acquired by Brooks, the company still stays true to its original philosophy of empowering women through fitness. Love it!

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I’m currently kind of poor, you understand ;-) but ONE DAY I WILL BUY A LULULEMON TOP

I usually go for the all black top and shorts look to feel badass on race day

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Must have: compression shorts under running shorts. I do not know what shorts to buy other than compression shorts that won’t rub the insides of my legs when I run.

Brooke’s morning hair brings a smile to my face :)

I’ve used a stair climber. I wouldn’t want to do it, but I would if it was all I could do on a cross-training day.

Just got my Garmin for Christmas!

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My gym JUST added 2 brand new stairmasters and I’m not gonna lie, they are calling to me! I just want to play with the pretty, big screen!

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I have had my Garmin 305 for about 3 years. I lost it at one point right when the 405 was coming out. After doing some research, I decided to stick to the 305 and bought another. I found my old one and ended up running one over with my car so I’m back to one.

I have been running in the Brooks Pure Cadence and thus far they have been my favorite shoes. First pair of Brooks I’ve ever owned.

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Janae! I haven’t commented on your blog for way too long! I’m having my baby boy in a couple weeks. This is way random but I’m curious if it makes it harder for you to run while youre nursing. I want to start training for a marathon ASAP but feel like it’s going to be so much harder! I guess a good sports bra probably :)

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Of course she was cheering for you (and I was cheering for you from CA). :) Glad you didn’t get bored today. :) HUGS!!!!!

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I’ve had my Garmin for probably 4 years and it’s still great. It definitely encourages you to go further. I love using it when I go hiking.

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Haha Brooke has some serious sweet bedhead – adorable :D I recently purchased a Polar HRM that I’ve used [only a few times] to track my heart rate during interval runs but a Garmin is still on my list… They just seem so bulky! P.S. Love the Lulu top!

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I NEED a massive enlargement of Brooke and her morning hair in my salon!!
I have both the Garmin 305 and 405 but totally love my 305 much much more. It’s just more user friendly. I noticed recently my band is cracked so not sure what I’m going to do about that situation.
Rarely do I use the stairclimber as they are hard and I have bad memories of partially severing my achilles while using one in college. Ended up in a boot for 8 weeks during winter. Yuck!
Race must haves include my Garmin, headband of some sort (bondibands tend to slip off my head), iShuffle and my Spibelt.
Safe travels today!!!!

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I had the Garmin 405 for a little over a year and then it died, so I switched to the 110 and love it.

Maybe you can dismantle the spin bike and use it as your carry on :).

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iPod, Experia socks. Garmin. I have had it at least two years and the only thing that has broken is the band. Which I replaced.
No stair climbers here if I can help it.

The Kidless Kronicles

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I have been eyeing this lulu top forever, but there isn’t a store near me. Can you give me an idea on sizing?

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1. Definitely a headband! Gotta keep those bangs out of my face. And sunglasses are a must – mainly because I feel like I glare at people too much, so they hide my eyes perfectly!

2. I just got the Garmin 110 about a month ago and I love it so far.

3. I have used the stair climber before and hated it with a passion. There’s one at our gym and I’ve been tempted to use it, but can’t find the courage to use it in front of a lot of people!

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I wish I could run in loose shorts! My thighs enjoy clapping me on while I run and the result is some intense chaffing. When I race it is whatever shoes I have been training in for the moment (current is nike, prior to was mizuno), I love my mid though compression shorts so those are a must, and then finally a dry fit tank. I have a Garmin 405x and have had it for almost a year now! I LOVE IT!!!

I don’t mess with cardio equipment. I hate the treadmill and have been using that way too much lately out of convenience. Not about to jump train to another machine.

I do really like the stair climber thing though (not the stair master) I used to use it in HS and boy did it burn my bottom!

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StairMasters are a complete mystery to me. I go up and down flight after flight of stairs all day with no problem. As soon as I step on a StairMaster? Two seconds in and I am dead. TortureMaster is more like it.

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I have not done the stairs for ages.. I should really try this again and see how long I last? We should have some type of contest.. with all the bloggers and readers.

Love the morning hair..

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My race gear is a white Adidas top I’ve had for ages (lucky marathon shirt I guess), black capri lululemon running tights, and these double layer socks that I find are best for avoiding blisters, and sunglasses are a must.

I have a question about the low compression socks… I find that my legs do benefit from tall compression socks and I feel as though they do support my legs. Do you feel a benefit from wearing low compression socks as well?

Thanks!

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Those shorts look great! I always have trouble finding shorts that don’t “pooch” so much. I tend to buy nike tempo shorts in kids sizes. hah. Recently, I found some pearl izumi shorts that fit great and they look like those brooks. I am a brooks lover, so I might be looking into those.

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i use a garmin forerunner 405. it works great but then i’ve only had it for just under a year. i LOVE it so much and cannot go back to running outside without one now. a little spoiled by it.
i think the revolving stair climber is a beast. that thing is a sweat fest waiting to happen.

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