THE CONCRETE RUNNER’S GIFT GUIDE FOR RUNNERS
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IT’S HERE, IT’S HERE, IT’S HERE!I can’t believe I have actually NEVER done one of these things before! But, I am FINALLY doing one! I had enough time to plan ahead to actually get you some products that I absolutely LOVE that will be perfect for the runner in your life - or just YOU! (Hey, why not add to your Christmas list?!)So, today I bring you The Concrete Runner’s Gift Guide for Runners! This gift guide contains ALL of my favorite things that help me run stronger + FASTER and keep me feeling CONFIDENT on a daily basis throughout the year! I’ve divided this guide into several different categories, to help you focus on what you or your runner’s needs are this coming training cycle!
APPAREL + SHOES
Legend Compression Socks: I am OBSESSED with these compression socks! I prefer the socks over the sleeves because they support my high arches well, but these have been the best compression socks I’ve found. They tout “right not tight” as their slogan and I truly believe these are the BEST compression socks on the market (and believe me, I’ve tried them all)!
On Running Cloud Flows: I’ve never been so addicted to a running shoe before! I used to be VERY brand loyal, but with opportunities I’ve had to try other running shoes, I haven’t been as brand loyal and have bounced around a to a few different brands. That is, until I landed on the On Running shoes. I am always looking for a shoe that is light, neutral, but supportive, without being heavy or clunky. Hard to find, let me tell you. But, the Cloud Flows have been the perfect training + racing shoe for me this year! They are super supportive without being overly heavy - perfect for races of ALL distances!
BAMR Bands: I seriously cannot get enough of these things! These are the ONLY headbands I have found that actually stay in my hair and don’t slip off! Plus, they are super cute to boot, and Katie can do custom orders as well!
TECHNOLOGY
Garmin Forerunner 230: I’ve been a Garmin wearer for the past few years. I went from the Vivofit to the Vivoactive and finally landed on a smartwatch that is GPS enabled and has all the fancy bells + whistles I want without breaking the bank! Plus, they had it in PURPLE (my favorite color)! I actually scored a deal on Groupon a few months back, but I love that I can set intervals, workouts, and still get notifications to my watch! And - BONUS - I can see the time if I need to WHILE I’m in GPS mode!Heart Zones Blink 3.0: One thing that my Garmin can do is track heart rate, but I have to wear a stupid chest strap in order to see my heart rate. The Heart Zones Blink 3.0 is a wearable heart rate monitor that shows you what target heart rate zone you are in through different colored blinking lights. You wear it on your wrist and just a quick glance and you can see if you are in the heart rate zone you need to be in for your training!
STRENGTH TRAINING
TRX Trainer: With my normal gym being renovated, I am out my workout space. Luckily, I have a pretty good setup at home (I just hate working out at home because I am constantly reminded of all the other things I could be doing other than working out). One MUST HAVE for my home gym is a TRX trainer! These things are easy to install and use and you can do SO many different exercises with them and get a full body workout in less than 20 minutes!Elite Running Academy: If you just read the above one and were like, “But, I don’t know what to DO when it comes to strength training,” I have the PERFECT program for you that will help you get stronger + FASTER, as well as get you eating well through the holidays, setting you up for success for your spring training season! Today is the LAST DAY you can score 75% off the Elite Running Academy (use the code HOLIDAY at checkout)! This is a 6-week self-led program that combines quality running sessions, high intensity interval training, carb cycling, and intermittent fasting into an easy to follow program designed to make you FASTER! You will get LIFETIME access to the program plus a supportive community to encourage + support you in your journey!
OVERACHIEVERS
Impact Business Academy: I’ve gotten asked quite a bit recently about how I got started coaching. I will be sharing more on my personal journey in a few weeks, but I couldn’t have done it without the right information. My business (and running) coach has an AMAZING program that teaches you the ins + outs of how to get your coaching business started so you can start seeing some extra income. So, if you are thinking about becoming a running coach, I HIGHLY suggest checking out this resource!
Lead the Pack: Shameless self-promotion here, ha! My biz bestie Kelli + I also run a business that helps train Virtual Assistants. If you have no idea what a virtual assistant (VA) is, think of it as an administrative assistant to ONLINE businesses. It’s becoming a highly sought after career and how both Kelli + I got our start with running online businesses. Virtual assistants have flexible hours, so if you work full time or need to be home with your kiddos, you can literally do this on YOUR time in 2-4 hours per day. It’s a pretty sweet deal and easy to get started. We created an amazing resource for women who are looking to become a virtual assistant to help you land your first job!
TIME SAVERS
MyoBuddy Massager: I will admit that I am TERRIBLE about foam rolling + stretching. I HATE wasting time and that’s what I feel a lot of the time. I know that’s not even remotely true, but I just think of everything else I could be doing. What has helped me cut my foam rolling time in HALF is the MyoBuddy Massager. Oh em gee, people! I almost don’t need to schedule my monthly massage because this takes deep tissue massage + myofascial release to the next level. A minute on my sore muscles and I am good to go!The Champ Dry Shampoo: Most of you know I wake up at an ungodly hour to run. And now that my mileage is increasing, I don’t really want to wake up any earlier if I don’t have to. The Champ Dry Shampoo has been not only a time saver, but a LIFE SAVER! I have super greasy, oily hair and feel like I have tried every product under the sun to get my hair looking good when I don’t have time to wash it. This dry shampoo is the ONLY one that helps me go 2+ days without having to wash my hair! And it’s vegan + non-toxic to boot! Win-win in my book!