Four things Friday.

1. The weather this week has been terrific. Yesterday, the high was 52 and I ran in the morning wearing capris and a t-shirt. Glorious!

2. Alas, the warm December is not to last. Tomorrow, we're supposed to get 2-4 inches of snow. Snow! You know what that does to running plans? Well, it complicates them, that's for sure.


3.We have a packed weekend ahead so I'm really hoping that I get that long run in, even with the snow. Maybe the forecast is wrong -- it has happened before, I'm sure it will happen again! Fingers crossed . . .

4. I have to share my Spandits love with you all. Check out my capris:

I'm a headless wonder!

I'm jumping for joy! 

The tights (women's 3/4 tights in hyperspeed) are super cute and super comfy. I love my Spandits -- and I really love that they are made in Maine.

I try to buy US-made products and Spandits makes it easy because their products are high-quality and fun.


So . . . check them out. If you find anything you like, let them know I sent you!


Have a great weekend, everyone!

Running and strolling.

I'm going to state the obvious: I'm a running mom. Which means, I fit my runs in around the kids and other family stuff. But, I also occasionally force the kids -- well, actually, just the younger one -- into my schedule: I grab him up, plop him in the running stroller, and take off for a run.

Now, I live in a hilly neighborhood so running while pushing a 35 lb boy in a heavy stroller is quite a workout. For the past few years I've been using a decent running stroller. It got the job done, but it wasn't particularly easy.

This summer, however, stroller running got a lot easier. A lot.

Enter the BOB Revolution SE stroller. Begin joyful stroller running.

I mean, look at how happy my little guy is!

Loving the stroller!

Super happy, right? Right. And that's because the BOB Revolution by Britax -- which I was sent to review as part of the Saucony Mom Blogger program -- is awesome.

There's a lot to like about the BOB Revolution stroller.  It is light. It is streamlined. It is easy to maneuver. Plus, I think my little guy finds it to be pretty comfortable. I liked that the front wheel can be stationary (good for running) but easily converts to a swivel wheel for general strolling around. And I liked the height of the handle bar, which I found to be more comfortable than other strollers I've used.

It could just be me, but it was tricky to figure out how to fold the stroller. Once I figured it out, it made sense but I did wish that it folded in a different way. There is something about how it ends up that just seems awkward to me. But, since I usually keep the stroller up and ready-to-go in the garage, it is really no big deal.

So, BOB stroller -- a hit!

And what about those super-cute green running shoes my little guy is sporting in that photo? Well, those are Saucony Kids running shoes, a joint product from Saucony and Stride Rite that are "designed with Saucony DNA but engineered with Stride Rite know-how."

The shoes are designed specifically for kids -- they aren't just shrunken down versions of adult Saucony shoes. This allows for special design elements, like a very flexible outsole that is extra durable (but probably not necessary for adult shoes).

According to my little guy, they are cool and fast!

Here's proof:

Fast runner boy!

The design is great. The shoes fit well, they are easy to slip on, easy to close (thank you, velcro!) and easy to take off. Plus, they stay on. No kidding, that's a good thing with kids shoes!

I love that they are designed to look like "real" adult running shoes.

Kid kicks. Mom kicks.

Sure, mine have laces and his don't. But, to a kid? Same shoes. Same shoes for fast running like mama!

The only thing about the shoes that I don't like -- and this is totally minor -- is that the color on the outsole (orange for this pair) quickly starts to wear off and that looks a little messy. I know, I'm picky. But, the shoes are otherwise so sharp looking, it is a shame to have anything like that take away from their look.

Saucony Kids running shoes -- a hit!

(That's two hits, if you're counting. Ha!)

You can tell that running -- family style, here in Happy Runnerville -- just got a whole lot easier and, dare I say it, happier! New gear will do that for a running family!

Have you tried any of the BOB strollers? 

Or the Saucony shoes?

Let me know!

Have a great week, everyone! Thanks for stopping by.

Review disclosure: I was sent shoes and the stroller to review as part of the Saucony Mom Blogger program. I was not otherwise compensated and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Saving my sneakers!

This is going to seem pretty pathetic, but it is true: I have some running shoes that I bought, thought were great, and then found they hurt my feet so they were relegated to the back of the closet. Where they sat, unworn, while my other running shoes racked up the (too many) miles.

I know, I know . . . I should have returned the shoes but by the time I got around to giving the shoes a proper test, and then making the decision that they did, truly, hurt my feet, it was too late for returns. So, in the closet they sat.

Until recently. I was sent a few pairs of Lock Laces(TM) to try out.

If you aren't familiar with these, Lock Laces are (according to their web site) "the only patented performance lacing system engineered to meet the demands of athletes like runners, triathletes, marathoners, and walkers . . . wearing Lock Laces sustains compression across the foot increasing the amount of oxygen available to the muscles, which helps endurance athletes manage fatigue."

What I found is this: Lock Laces saved my sneakers.

Those running shoes, sitting in the back of my closet? Well, one day I pulled them out. I decided to give Lock Laces a tough trial and use them in shoes that had always hurt.

I swapped out the laces and adjusted the new Lock Laces until the shoes felt (relatively) comfortable. This involved loosening the front part, up by my toes, to give some extra room where I have a bunion.

It worked. Now, I had tried this idea with traditional laces and I could never get it right. If the front part was loose, the rest of the lacing had to either be way too tight in order to compensate or would also be loose. Too loose.

So, it never worked. The elasticity of the Lock Laces allows more customization. It is great for runners like me! I can compensate for my bunion but still wear my shoes tight enough so they don't slip in the heel area.

Win!

And, check out how fun and funky they look:

These running shoes are no longer collecting dust in the back of closet. I can actually run in them!

I've also changed my son's sneakers over to Lock Laces and it makes getting ready in the morning a little quicker -- and, really, even if it adds 30 seconds to my day, I'll take it!

As for my shoes, it makes putting them on and taking them off quicker, certainly, since there is no tying involved. But, for me, the way they help customize the fit of my shoes is the real benefit. I'm sold!

You can learn more about Lock laces on their web site. The laces sell for $7.99 or 3 for $19.99.

Have you tried Lock Laces? Do you like them?

Have a great day, everyone!

Flat and flashy -- the Saucony Kinvara 4.

A while back, I posted about an awesome run that happened to take place while I was wearing an awesome new running shoe. I promised that I'd have a review of those shoes once I had a chance to try them out a little more. Today, I'm back with that review.

I was given the opportunity to try out the new Saucony Kinvara 4 running shoes in this super-fresh neon yellow and pink color combination:

CONTINUE READING my review . . . 

My best run.

It was Friday afternoon and I had some unplanned-for time on my hands. The boys were at my parents' house, the weather was running perfect, I had some new kicks that I was dying to try out.

It was time to run. Outside.

So I laced on my new Saucony Kinvaras (check out the fresh color!):

And I headed out in my neighborhood.

I didn't know what to expect, wearing new shoes. And part of me worried that I was foolish. A week before a half marathon isn't usually when people decide to give new running shoes a good test. Who wants to risk injury from bunk shoes?

Not me. But no worries, you know from the title of this post that didn't happen.

Phew!

A few strides into my run, I still felt a little worried because I could tell that my stride was just a little different. I could hear my footfall as I climbed the first hill on my route and it sounded strange. Then I flew down the other side of that hill and something changed. I fell into a rhythm and my stride became comfortable.

I turned and climbed the big hill at the back of my neighborhood. I usually slow way down on that hill, but this time I didn't. I held strong and when I looked at my pace for that first hilly mile, it was 9:32.

I ran on.

The second mile of my run is flatter with a few downhills and only small uphills. I floated through it in 7:28.

Then I floated through the third mile, with its big uphill, in 8:20.

And then my last mile, mile 4, with yet another steep incline, as well as some nice downhills, was an easy 7:40.

I finished up with a quarter mile at a 7:20 pace.

Friday's run was -- by far -- the best run I've had in ages. 

I can't say exactly why, unfortunately. Maybe it was the pleasure of running outside on a weekday after so many treadmill runs. Maybe it was the freedom of having unexpected time alone to run. Maybe it was the new shoes. I don't know.

Whatever it was, I had a great run. I let my body "just run" and it fell into some speed. I never felt like I was pushing myself, I just felt like I was floating through my miles. It was the best feeling.

I hope to have many more of those runs this spring and into the summer!

Have you had a best run lately? 

Want to read about some other runner's best runs? 

Check out Miss Zippy's site for a whole list of them!

Thanks for stopping by!

PS: I was sent the Saucony shoes for review, free of charge. I'll be reviewing them in a future post.

Injinji socks winner!

Thanks to everyone who entered my Injinji socks giveaway. I seriously love these socks and now one of you will get the fun of running in them, too.

Lucky!

And who is this lucky runner? Using random.org I picked one winner and it is . . .


mrsr1n1


Congratulations!! Send me an email (felicehalf at yahoo dot com) with your mailing address so I can get your socks sent off to you!

Thanks again to Injinji for the giveaway.

Have a great day, everyone!

** My policy is that winners have 48 hours to contact me -- if I don't hear by then I'll select a new winner. 

Injinji 2.0 . . . with giveaway!

I've said it before and I'll likely say it again: I love Injinji socks. They rock.

Here are my tootsies in my favorite green Injinjis:

I know, pretty funny looking. But, seriously, they are great socks for keeping feet blister free -- which is why I wear them. After a brutal blister experience at the Boilermaker last summer, I started running a lot in toe socks and they have worked well for me.

Have you used them? They really are awesome. The socks are designed to properly align toes, prevent blisters and wick moisture. From my experience, I can say they do it all. And well.

Check out their video:

INJINJI® Any Shoe Video from Injinji on Vimeo.

Now, Injinji is launching their new Performance 2.0 line and they've relaunched their web site.  And . . . in celebration of all that, they are sponsoring a giveaway right here!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

The giveaway:

Pop over to the Injinji web site. Look around. Come back here and tell me your favorite Injinji product or something interesting that you learned on the site. A winner will be chosen at random and will get a stash of Injinji products!

Additional entries:

As always, you can gain extra entries. Remember, though, you must complete the required entry first! And, yes, I'll check. (Leave one comment per entry for the additional ones to count) So, here's what to do:

• Follow this blog, or let me know that you already do (leave a comment) 
• Follow me on Pinterest, or let me know that you already do (leave a comment)  
• Pin an image from this post to share the giveaway on Pinterest (leave a comment)   
• Follow me on Twitter, or let me know that you already do (leave a comment) 

• Share this post on Twitter using this tweet:

I just entered to win @injinji socks from @TheHappyRunner http://tinyurl.com/byvz5av #giveaway

• Follow me on Instagram (felicepd), or let me know that you already do (leave a comment) 
• Link to this giveaway from your blog  (leave a comment)  

This giveaway will run through Tuesday, January 29 at 11:59pm EST and the winner will be announced on Wednesday.

Good luck!

~ Felice

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Put a hat on it.

Over the summer, the nice folks at Jack Rabbit Caps sent me a customized hat for review. I've worn the hat several times but I failed to get around to reviewing it.

It's a shame because the hat is great.

Check out the fun customization:

The Happy Runner. That's me!

The hat is very soft and it fits well. It even has a back ponytail hole, which is a nice addition for me since I always wear my hair in ponytails when I run. I like that the hat didn't slip or move around when I ran. I also like that it is light so I didn't feel overheated when I wore it.

And, of course, I love that it had "The Happy Runner" embroidered on the side. I mean, how cool is that?

Very cool.

You can get your own customized hat by visiting their web site (HERE). The regular, moisture-wicking caps go for $24.99, or $29.99 with customization. They also have wool caps that go for $29.99 ($35.99 with customization). And there are several fun colors to choose from. Oh, and shipping is free!

Best thing? Jack Rabbit Caps are made right here in the USA. Go, Jack Rabbit Caps!

Now, the question: Would I buy this with my own money? I'll tell you what. I don't spend a lot on myself but I would put this on my Christmas/birthday/Mother's Day gift list. Hey, that's a good idea! Put a Jack Rabbit Cap on your gift wish list!

Are you a hat wearer? Have you tried Jack Rabbit Caps? 

What's your favorite hat?

Have a great weekend, everyone!

~ Felice

Review disclosure: I was sent a hat for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Injinji running socks (review).

Check out my weird green feet:

Funky, huh?

They are the Injinji toe socks and I love them. I was lucky to be sent two pair for review and over the past two months I've become a big fan.

At first, I admit, I thought they were the weirdest socks ever. Seriously. I mean, look at them. Weird.

And weirder still was putting them on. Poking each toe into the individual slots -- sleeves? toe thingies? -- well, whatever they are called, poking each toe into them was . . . odd.

But, to my surprise, I love my Injinjis and they've become my go-to socks. In fact, I wore them on this morning's almost-6 miler.

The individual toe things really keep my toes dry when I run, which is nice since I'm still feeling nervous about getting blisters after the Boilermaker Blister Incident.

They are comfortable, thin, low-profile -- just right.

My new favorite socks!

Thank you, Injinji, for being so weird. And so great to run in.

Have you tried the Injinji socks? Do you like them?

You can find the Injinji Performance Lightweight No Showsocks -- just like mine in the photo -- at Amazon and other retailers.

Have a great day!

~ Felice


Review disclaimer: I was sent socks to review and was not otherwise compensated. The opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

Sport Science review.

Two things about running shirts:

1. After a few runs, no matter what*, mine start to stink.

2. Tech fabrics are awesome but, you know what? Sometimes it feels good to run in an old, worn-in cotton t-shirt.

Sport Science sent me one of their t-shirts that promises to a) not stink and b) feel like a friendly, old cotton t-shirt. Sounds good, right?

And it was! They sent me the Smarter Women's V-neck long sleeve dri-fit shirt in heather sky:

I went for a size medium and it fit, for the most part. I am one of those people who has trouble with tops. Generally, if a top fits well in the chest/trunk, it is too small in the shoulders and arms. I guess I have broad shoulders and long arms. Such a drag . . . 

The Sport Science top fit perfectly in the shoulders. The seams sat right where they should. Yay! But, the arms were a tad short and the overall fit was a little loose. A good loose, though. And I should add that the length was great. For someone with shorter arms, the shirt would probably fit just right.

So, that's the fit. How was it to run in? I'd say it was really good! I've worn the top a few times, including for the Winter Marathon Relay and both of my recent 18-milers. The material is soft and comfy and I have not had a stitch of chafing from the top. I sweat like crazy while running and the shirt has fine wicking ability.

Here I am in the top, finishing my leg of the Winter Marathon Relay.

The big question is, does the shirt stink? So far, no. I've worn it about a half-dozen times and probably washed it each time within a day or two of wearing it. And so far it still smells as it did when I got it.

Overall, I like the top and I'm happy to have it in my shirt rotation. The shirt that I tried is available for $28. Sport Science has lots of other tops that you can find HERE. Check them out! If you like a cotton t-shirt feel with technology to wick your sweat, these shirts might just be for you!

Have you tried Sport Science tops? What did you think of them?

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Felice

Review disclosure: I was sent a top to review but was not otherwise compensated and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

* Yes, I've tried all the tricks. The special sports wash -- didn't work. Vinegar added to the wash -- worked on a few things, but hasn't worked lately. Washing my running gear as soon as possible after wearing -- didn't seem to make a difference. I believe the stench is simply embedded in the tech fabric. Yuck. 

Running tights intervention.

Let's call it like it is: My running tights are horrendous.

Like, really awful.

Clearly, I have needed an intervention. Someone to tell me that, no, I should not head out to race looking like this:

Finishing the Winter Marathon Relay . . . wearing  droopy drawers.

Ignore, if you will, that I overdressed for the race and ended up having to tie my jacket around my waist. It's a bad look, I know. Instead, please focus in on the tights. Those tired, old, horribly stretched-out, ill-fitting tights. Baggy where they are supposed to be huggy.

They are a scary sight.

But, honestly? I had no idea how lousy they looked until I saw this photo. Thanks, Suzy!

Um, I'm an grown woman, people. I should know how to put together a running outfit. I should know that wearing stretched-out Target tights (circa 2004) is probably not the best idea I've ever had. I should know that if I have to hike them up mere minutes after putting them on, they are going to need much hiking over the course of a 90 minute race. Yes, I should know all this. And yet! There I was on Sunday, sportin' the tights. The lousy tights.

So . . . what? Well, the what here is that I need to throw those bad boys out. But, in order to do so, I need a replacement pair. And that, my friends, is where you come in.

What is your favorite pair of running tights? I don't need anything too fancy (read: I'm not about to spend $100 on running tights -- I save the big splurge for my running shoes), I just need tights that fit, will keep me somewhat warm on cold days, and will look sharp. Or, at least, a little sharper than I looked on Sunday.

That last one shouldn't be too hard to accomplish . . .

Lay it on me: Tell me your favorite pair. Please! Share some links. Whatever! Just help a happy runner out, won't you?

The Running Fashion Police will be forever grateful.

Thank you, thank you!

~ Felice

Cushy ride.

My love affair with my Somnios has come to a bit of an abrupt end. It's not that I fell out of love with them, because I didn't. I loved them to the end.

It's that they left me. Left me high and dry.

With 460 miles on my shoes, I went to the Somnio web site (the shoes aren't sold locally) to order another pair but had no luck. Every shoe on the site was listed as out of stock. So, I went to their Facebook page and read a bunch of comments about how the company was out of business. An email to the company went unanswered.

High and dry.

Time to move on and switch shoes!

Sunday afternoon I hit my local Fleet Feet, slightly nervous about having to pick out a new pair of shoes. I shouldn't have worried because I had a great experience, as usual. I tried on several pairs of light stability shoes, running in each pair in the parking lot. After a lot of back and forth and adjusting this and that, I settled on these slick cats:



I don't think I've had a pair Nikes since I was in college. Dunno why -- just was never a Nike runner. I love the Nike Tempo shorts and the sports bras are good. But I've worn other running shoes for years, never Nikes.

I'm a convert.

For real.

These Nikes (Zoom Structure?) kinda rock. They are light and cushy and make my feet feel like they are being lovingly swaddled by all sorts of running gear goodness. I've worn the shoes on two runs so far and they've felt terrific.

Yay for new running shoes!

Have a great evening, everyone.

~ Felice

PS: Last day to enter the Shutterfly giveaway!

My funky Skechers (review)

All summer, I walk around in flip flops. Sometimes I wear my Birkenstocks sandals but I try not to wear them too often because they make me feel all hippy-dippy.

Now that it is fall and the colder weather has settled in, I've been wearing some pretty funky Skechers. Check them out:

They're cute, right? Black, so they don't stand out too much with jeans. But -- and here's the funky part -- they have pink soles. Pink! Just the little bit of flair I need. And a far cry from my hippy-dippy Birkenstocks!

I was sent these Skechers (the SRT-ProTR) to review. They are billed as a SmartShoe with a mid-foot strike, designed to help runners and other exercisers land in a more natural position. The idea is that if you do that, you get more energy back in your legs from the impact of each step.

Sounds good, but did it work for me?

Well, let me tell you. I've had foot and toe problem after foot and toe problem. So, I'm gun-shy. Or, more accurately, shoe-shy. But, I agreed to try out the Skechers and so I did. I wore them on my treadmill runs so I could easily stop and change shoes if they hurt my feet.

They did not. They did, however, make my calves super-tired. I felt like I was working those calf muscles in a much different way than I normally do. Running, I was landing right under my body, so my stride was shorter and the different stride took a little getting used to.

I don't think I would wear these running shoes for most of my runs. At least not right now. I'm too scared to shake things up too much so I'll stick to my regular running shoes.

For cross training and getting out-and-about, though, I love the Skechers. I've worn them for several different workouts and like the way they make my legs work a little extra hard. I've also worn the shoes tons of times while doing my day-to-day activities. The shoes are comfy and stylish. Love the funky Skechers!

The Skechers SRT Pro-TR shoes retail for $80.00 on the web site.

Have you tried these shoes, or any of the other fitness Skechers? 


Thanks to Skechers for letting me try their new shoes! They are keepers in my book.

Have a great day, everyone!

~Felice


Review disclaimer: I was sent a pair of Skechers to review. I was not otherwise compensated and the opinions expressed are entirely my own. You can read my full disclosure policy here.

COOLMAX/New Balance socks review and giveaway!

Let me shout it out: I love good running socks!

It's true. Running socks, snazzy skorts, sleek sunglasses. I love it all. I'm a bit of a running gear fan.

And I don't think I'm alone.

I mean, most of us wear socks when we run, right? Yeah, I thought as much. So, when it comes to socks, runners are all in.

And I was certainly all in when I was invited to test out some COOLMAX(R) socks from New Balance that are sold at Academy Sports and Outdoors retail locations. The socks are great for running and for all sports because they feature COOLMAX Moisture Management. In other words, they handle the sweat. And, really, who among us likes sweaty feet? Not me!

I was sent six pairs of socks to try out, including three cute pink-accented jobbers like these:

 

They are cushy and comfy and the COOLMAX material does a good job wicking away sweat. I've worn the socks on five runs so far and have liked them. My only complaint about the socks is that they aren't tight around the arch and I'm a bit crazy for that. I just like socks that really grab my arch/middle of my foot and offer that extra support. But, that's me. Not everyone goes for that and, as I said, they are cushy and comfy!

To buy:


The COOLMAX New Balance socks are available at Academy Sports and Outdoors retail locations. To find a location near you, or to order by phone, visit their web site HERE. A three-pack of the socks retails for $9.99 and they offer free shipping.

Would you like to win a week's worth of socks?


Well, lucky, lucky you!

That's exactly what one reader will win: A week's worth of COOLMAX/New Balance socks. To enter: leave me a comment letting me know that you'd like to win.

Additional entries:

As always, you can gain extra entries. Remember, though, you must complete the required entry first! (Leave one comment per entry for the additional ones to count):

• Follow this blog, or let me know that you already do (leave a comment) 
• Become a fan of The Happy Runner on Facebook, or let me know that you already are (leave a comment) 
• Link to this giveaway from Facebook or Twitter (do as often as you'd like, just leave a comment each time) 
• Pop over to COOLMAXBrandSocks to learn more about their technology and then let me know what you learned (leave a comment) 
• Visit Academy Sports and Outdoors and let me know which COOLMAX/New Balance socks are your faves (leave a comment) 
• Link to this giveaway from your blog (leave a comment) 

This giveaway will run through Thursday, August 18 at 11:59pm EST and the winner will be announced on Friday.

Good luck! 

And have a great weekend, everyone. 

~ Felice

Review/giveaway disclosure: I received six pairs of socks for review. I was not otherwise compensated for this review/giveaway and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Lighten up.

I'm back among the living. But before I tell you all about that, let me get to some good news: The Gotein winner!

Thanks to everyone who entered. The winner (chosen using random.org) is Heather from The World Through My Eyes. Congrats! Send me an email at felicehalf at yahoo dot com and I'll send you your goodies!


*     *     *

OK, so, back among the living. Yes, indeed.

For the past week or so I was going bonkers with business writing. Spelling rules (i before e except after c . . . ), punctuation (the apostrophe is for possession and contraction only, not for plural . . .), the use and mis-use of PowerPoint. I've covered it all. And now I am done. Deadline met.

And just in time for the long holiday weekend. Phew!

I still made time for some runs and plenty of fun with my boys because, after all, that is my job. The fun with the boys part, that is. I can only wish that running was my job. Maybe someday.

Speaking of which, I contemplated taking the RRCA coaching course that is going to be offered in NYC in September but it sold out just. like. that. Coaching dreams on-hold for a while longer.

Sigh.


Anyway, today I am taking a leap and heading out to my local Fleet Feet to grab up some light weight racing shoes. Racing flats? Probably not that light but I am looking for something lighter than the shoes I wear right now. I have plans people and my biggest one right now is to get my half-marathon time down to around 1:45 (my current PR is 1:49). Lighter shoes could help. So would giving up ice cream but do I really want to do that?

Nah.

(Do not judge.)

We'll see how it goes with the lighter shoes. I love my current running shoes -- my dear Somnios -- but I think that for speed work and races, lighter will be better.

Do you race or do speedwork in lighter shoes? Do you like them? 

Have the lighter shoes made a difference for you?

I'd love to know.

Off to get speedy -- and, hey, I just happen to have speedwork on the schedule tonight. Running serendipity!

Have a great day!

~ Felice

Saucony giveaway!

I told you I was way behind on my reviews and giveaways and I wasn't kidding -- here's my second one this week with more to come over the next few days. Brace yourselves!

Today I have RUNNING SHOES for you, people. Yup, pretty much the numero-uno piece of gear that every runner needs. OK, some of you chesty runners, and all of my fellow breast-feeders out there, would probably vote for sports bras but, you know, running shoes are up there on the list of important gear. Unless you are running barefoot then you need running shoes. And a good pair is always better than a crappy one so, if you're anything like me you end up spending a few hundred dollars on shoes each year.

Yikes, right? I know. But, c'mon, running is worth it!

So, anyway, about these running shoes that I have for you. Well, it's actually Onlineshoes.com that has them for you. They have offered to give one of my lucky readers $100 to spend on Saucony running shoes! You can pick out whatever you'd like. Maybe even something minimalist, if you're so inclined, like these bad boys:

The stylish black and pink Saucony Hattori. That's what I would go for, because they look ever so slick. And probably fast. And who couldn't use a little slick speed in their life? But, like I said, you could pick any of the Saucony shoes -- and Onlineshoes.com has plenty of them.

Do you want to win $100 to spend on Sauconys at OnlineShoes.com?

To enter -- leave me a comment and let me why need some new shoes.

Additional entries:

As always, you can gain extra entries. Remember, though, you must complete the required entry first! (Leave one comment per entry for the additional ones to count):

• Follow this blog, or let me know that you already do (leave a comment)
• Become a fan of The Happy Runner on Facebook, or let me know that you already are (leave a comment)
• Link to this giveaway from Facebook or Twitter (do as often as you'd like, just leave a comment each time)
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This giveaway will run through Thursday, June 2 at 11:59pm EST and the winner will be announced on Friday.

If you can't wait to find out if you win, OnlineShoes.com is also having a Memorial Day special with 20% off regular orders of $80 and up. The code to use for that is 1SUN.

Good luck!

~ Felice

PS: While you're busy entering, don't forget to vote!

What gives?

OK, I know that my favorite running pants are charcoal gray. And I know that my windbreaker is charcoal gray. And I had an inkling that my windbreaker was not the most streamlined jacket in the world.

What I did not know is that charcoal gray over charcoal gray is dreary. Worse, baggy charcoal gray over charcoal gray is dreary and frumpy.

And this, dear Internets, is how I apparently look while running in the winter: Dreary and frumpy.

I give you the evidence:


Ouch. Good thing I was wearing my pink cap. The black headband would have been too much!

So, this happy runner needs to rethink the running jacket. Maybe electric blue? Neon pink? Obnoxious orange? Definitely something with some color and maybe a little bit of a better fit. Sheesh!

Chalk this up to a lesson learned!

* * *

Post-race, I've been feeling great. I took Monday off completely and did an easy workout yesterday. We'll see what today brings. There will certainly be NO outdoor running because we're getting walloped with snow. It's pretty and all, but it a lot and it just isn't stopping. Yikes!

Have a great day, everyone!

~ Felice

PS: Don't forget my eggy giveaway!

The one about the headlamp.

So, channeling my inner running geek is, apparently, easier than I ever could have thought:

I love my headlamp!

Yup, the headlamp rocks. It does what it needs to do, which is to light the road and light the runner. It definitely did both. Here's the one that I have (Owen gave it to me for Christmas -- I guess I hinted a little):

It's the Princeton Tec Fuel. You can read all about it here. You can also check it out on Amazon here.

Anyway, I was excited to get the headlamp. I've overcome my fear of the cold and have been running outside whenever there is daylight. The dark has been tough. I'm afraid of the icy patches on my route (and there are many) because my weak little flashlights just don't show the ice well enough. So the headlamp should have been the answer.

Luckily for me, it was. I wore the headlamp during last night's run. It was already completely dark when I headed out but it didn't matter: the headlamp lit my way. I didn't really know what to expect when before using the headlamp. I'm used to the inefficiency of those old, weak flashlights so, wow, the headlamp is WAY better than those. I turned the lamp on high (the first setting) to get full illumination. I could see probably 10 feet in front of me and everything was fairly clear. Ice patches were obvious, as were the sewer grates and some stray pieces of trash. Without the headlamp, I would not have been able to comfortably run last night. I would have slid on some of the black ice, or I would have been running with such a stilted gait and careful step that I probably would have hurt myself. With the headlamp, I ran just as if it was daytime.

Why didn't I get one of these sooner?

Good question. But at least I have one now. So, bring on the dark runs!

Of course, today it is only 10 degrees and the gusting winds are bringing the "feels like" temperature down to -10. MINUS 10. Too cold for this gal, even with the headlamp. And the fresh new gloves. I'll sit out the run and do something else. Tomorrow is supposed to be a balmy 26. I'll take what I can get!

Have a good day!

~ Felice

"Something."

Thanks for all of your winter gear suggestions. I've got some good ideas now on what to buy so I can make it through the chilly season outside. Now I just need to make sure that I stay healthy. People are popping up ill all over the place this week. I'm still a firm believer that moderate running keeps you healthy, and I'm continuing to load up on the vitamins C and D* so I believe I will be OK. But . . . I do feel weird that so many people around me are coming down with "something."

The babysitter who watches Conal on Friday mornings, for example, has H1N1. Well, huh. I don't know that we've been exposed, because her doctor said she most likely came in contact with the virus Sunday or Monday (but how does he know?) and we last saw her on Friday. We'll see, I guess.

And then there are the many, many friends who've come down with that dreaded "something." Yuck. All yuck.

I, however, will not some down with anything, let alone "something." And why not? Because I've got a big weekend ahead of me, that's why. I'm going away. On a girls weekend. Watch out, world!

Yes, seven of us are leaving our husbands and kids for the weekend and going away. This is big stuff, people! I can't wait. And yet, I'm nervous and I know I'll miss my two guys. But, really, I can't wait!

I plan to run while I'm away and I hope that the weather cooperates because I still only have my wimpy winter gear and I won't get to do any shopping before I go away. Once I'm back, though, I'll be all about the gearing up!

~ Felice

* in case you are interested: Vitamin D Council

Winter gear!

This year, I am determined to be less of a wimp about running in the cold weather. Last year, I gave in to my inner softie and ran on the treadmill quite often once the temperature dipped and the days shortened.

It's time to toughen up!

The weather is already getting chilly here and it is getting dark earlier and earlier. Yesterday, for example, was a fine day but very windy in my neighborhood. When I set out for my run around 6, I knew I was going to have to deal with a sharp wind. I psyched myself up and went for it, not giving in to the part of me that wanted to bail and just run a few easy miles on the 'mill.

Nope, I put on tights, a long-sleeved top, my windbreaker and gloves (gloves!) and headed out. Chilly and windy though it was, it was also a refreshing run.

Now, here's the thing. I need more and better winter running gear if I'm going to be successful at running outside this season. I have a decent windbreaker from Target (cheap but functional) and an OK pair of (also Target) running tights. I was sent a high-tech pair of Opedix tights to review and they are more or less fine, so that means I now have two pairs of tights.

Does anyone have a recommendation for good tights or not-too-loose running pants?

On the jacket side, the windbreaker works for now but it doesn't have any reflective properties. Since I'll doubtless be running in the dark, I'd like a reflective (and warm) jacket. I recently tried this jacket from IllumiNITE:

I had to send it back because the sleeves were too short. That's my problem: I have broad shoulders and long arms. Tops and jackets that fit well in the body, often have sleeves that are too short. Other than the fit, I liked the jacket, especially the highly reflective properties.

Has anyone tried IllumiNITE jackets? Do you have any other jacket recommendations?

* * *

My Take it Easy Training Plan kicks it up a little today with hill repeats. I'm ready!

Have a great day and thanks for any gear recommendations that you have!

~ Felice