“You cannot be wimpy out there on the dream-seeking trail. Dare to break through barriers, to find you own path.”

- Les Brown

 

Hi friends!

 

So I had planned on doing a “what I eat while I am training” blog, but I am changing a few things up, so I am going to wait until I see how they go before going into too much detail. When you are burning over 3700-4000 calories a week BEFORE rehearsals have even started, you have to do some serious evaluating on food. The balance for me still isn’t there yet, but I am taking some steps to hopefully give my body exactly what it needs.

 

BUT, I did get a request about products and things that I am using during my training and since I am huge creature of habit when it comes to what I workout in and with, I can give a little insight to that!

 

First off, to say I sweat would be the understatement of the century. There have been times that I have had to change shoes during a long run because I am squishing in my Asics before I reach mile 4. So I need a workout wardrobe that not only is light weight but has substantial sweat-wicking and quick dry qualities. My go to for a few years now is Under Armour. I started off with a pair of running leggings, and have slowly been increasing my stock. It isn’t the cheapest on the block, but like everything else, it is an investment, and you are less likely to commit to a workout if your clothes aren’t comfortable and breathable. Here are a few of my staples:

       

 

I don’t own the shorts yet, but they are definitely on my “wish” list. 

 

A new addition this year to my running attire are a few running skirts. With the heat and humidity, you can commit to spandex shorts without the self-consciousness. Lululemon offers a ton of athletic wear ranging from hard impact (running) to low impact (yoga) but is some of the priciest workout wear I have found. I don’t think I have gotten anything from here full price, but they usually have a pretty decent clearance rack. I have this black skirt, and I have been keeping my eyes out in case the colored one goes on sale.

         

 

For footwear, I am an Asics 2160s (soon to be 2170s) gal. I have 3 pairs at the moment, 2 for running and one for cross-training. If you do work out back to back days, they say it is good to rotate your shoes to every other day. Your shoes need time to dry out and the cushions in your shoes need a full day to restore their full “cushiness.” If you are an every other day gym goer, you will probably be fine with one pair. My biggest advice on shoes it to try everything on at a sports store. What works for one person won’t work for another and do some online research for cheaper options if the sticker shock at a chain store is too much.

 

Staying hydrated throughout the day is priority number one right now in the heat. I am always carrying around this Nalgene bottle in rehearsals and practice, but I have this Brita bottle when I am out in the city and can’t get filtered water. 

         

 

For my long runs, I beat the heat with this Nike Visor, and I refuel with Jelly Belly Sports Beans (Lemon-Lime flavor) and Clif Shot Bloks. Both replenish electrolytes and calories that I need while I am out on my training runs.

     

 

And then of course, I can’t lace up my shoes each day unless I recover after each run. Compression socks/sleeves are the new rage for runners these days. I bought my first pair last year while in Nashville with Radio City out of curiosity. They claim to help with blood flow, feet swelling, shin splints, achilles aches, and calf soreness. Sometimes I run in them and other times, after my long run and an ice bath, I will spend the day in them. I definitely recommend them for anyone who struggles with shin splints or tight calves. Not to mention, they just feel good. Before you buy them, make sure you get your calves measured. They are meant to be quite tight.

 

And I can’t say enough good things about having a foam roller and stick in your tool belt for recovery. They will release knots and tight muscles and help you make it back to the gym or outdoors each day. Most running injuries come from tight muscles that pull on joints, so to keep ahead of injuries, I have to stretch, ice and roll out every day. 

     

 

 

So there you have it. Some women can ramble off fashion designers or fancy handbag labels, but I am definitely more comfortable in the realm of athletic and workout wear. And the incredible thing is that many Under Armour, Nike and Asics apparel can found at discount shops such as Marshalls, TJ Maxx and Kohls. And I fill in the gaps of my workout clothes with some really great pieces from Target. It is all about the fabric and cut when it comes to what you want to sweat in. And as anyone who knows me, knows I do some serious sweating. 

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