5 Awesome Things you Need as a Runner

Five Things Every Runner Needs

Me running my very FIRST half Marathon! 

Under 2 hours! 

Well Hello Friends!

Happy Friday!! 

I wanted to share my top 5 things I think every runner needs in their life!! I am currently not running much these days but I was a BIG distance runner in the past. Currently I am running after my children or running in 1-2 mile stints just to blow off some steam. 

Every season is different and this is my current season so I"m rolling with it! Hubby and I did agree to run a family centered 5k coming up in August though so I'm super stoked to do that. 

Anyhow on to the necessities! 

5 Things Every Runner Needs

1. Water Bottle! This is my favorite one for runs; its not too bulky an has a sweet little pocket ID card to put in your info in case there is an emergency. It's my favorite for quick runs to keep hydrated. 
2. And with that being said my favorite thing to PUT IN that bottle! I used to enjoy NUUN--which I still do on occasion but a few years ago I found this Hydrate formula; the ingredients are cleaner and it is specifically designed for endurance athletes. I also just enjoy a cup in the afternoon during the hot summer and give it to my kiddos instead of juice! 
3. Once I became a Mother I did try to keep up my long distance running; which I did well until I had my second--than it kinda all went to shit. But this book--Run Faster, Run Less was a total game changer for me. The next marathon I train for will for sure follow the principles in this book. 
4. Cross training. In order to run faster you need to cross train and build muscle--a friend of mine shaved off 40 seconds per minute after doing a few weeks of this lifting and hiit program. I've noticed myself increasing in strength since doing it; I just have yet to time myself because I'm just enjoying running for running at the moment! 
5. If you are anything like me waiting a million years to invest in a foam roller was the stupidest thing I could ever done--I finally invested in this one; and I don't care where you get one; IT WILL CHANGE THE WAY YOU RUN. And you will crave rolling on it every day. I've struggled with IT Band pains for YEARs and since doing this it has literally reduced my pains, So much to the point there are days I don't even feel the tightness at all! 

There you have it folks! My top five things I really cannot live without as a runner. I hope this helps you make your runs a bit more enjoyable wether you are are just starting out or a seasoned runner. 

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