Fitness Friday...July 12th Edition!

This week has been crazy weather wise! It rained all last weekend and has rained every day except Tuesday! Yesterday we had thunderstorms and flash flood warnings. I had two rivers running through my backyard from all the rain! Crazy! Luckily I got all my runs in before the rain! Because running in this weather is dangerous.

It's Fitness Friday time! So let me tell you about my runs and workouts this week!

• Saturday- #plankaday- 1:05, 5 mile run in 55:05 average pace 11:01

• Sunday- REST day
• Monday- #plankaday- 1:00, 1 mile in 8:39

• Tuesday- #plankaday- 1:03, 3.11 mile run in 30:04 average pace 9:40

• Wednesday- #plankaday- 1:01

• Thursday- #plankaday- 1:03, 3.11 mile run in 30:20, average pace 9:46

• Friday- #plankaday- 1:00

It was weird not running every day this week like I've been doing all summer for the run streak! But it also felt good to rest and sleep in! This weekend I am planning on running 5 or 6 miles on Saturday. Hopefully the weather cooperates! 

I also wanted to let y'all know that I became an affiliate with several awesome companies this week! You may have noticed their badges in the sidebar. 

Moving Comfort: These are the only sports bras I wear! LOVE this company!

Sweaty Bands: Yes you know I LOVE my headbands!

SLS3: They have some awesome compression socks...I'll be doing a review and giveaway on these soon!

ViewSport: These shirts are awesome! I LOVE the hidden messages that are revealed when you sweat!

Click on the images and check them out! (And if you happen to buy something after you've clicked on their site from my blog...then I will get credit! Just saying!)

In other news...my blog is getting a face lift! I have an awesome designer hard at work on it right now. She sent me a rough draft yesterday and it's amazing! It will be installed today so pardon any weird things you may see as it's being set up. Be sure to check back and see the new design! :-)

QOTD: Have you ever been a customer of one of the companies I am an affiliate for? What was your best workout or run this week?

Stay tuned tomorrow...I normally don't do posts on Saturdays but I have another giveaway for you! ;-) And make sure you've entered my giveaway for a babyBelle Bodybuffer!

Top Gifts for Runners!

It's getting close to Christmas time...the most wonderful time of the year! And today is Black Friday...and yes I am out with the crazies doing some shopping! I love it! And what's great about it...me and my hubby shop Black Friday together every year...and have a blast! His sister watches our boys for us so we can shop 'til we drop (thanks Katie)! Believe me...this is the ONLY time of the year that I can get Andy to shop lol!

So with shopping on my mind I thought a post about the top gifts for runners would be appropriate!

Now keep in mind that these gift ideas are my opinion....and things I need like as a runner! ;-)

• Gift Cards. Who doesn't like gift cards? Especially ones to your local running store or running stores online (roadrunnersports.com or runningskirts.com)!

• Medal Hanger. All runners need a place to display their most prized possessions...those race medals! I am in need of another one..mine is full! 

• GPS Watch. All runners need a way to check their pace, time, and distance! I absolutely love my Garmin! It's pretty old and I would love one of the new ones! Other brands include Polar and Nike+ but I can't steer away from Garmin.

• Running Clothes. All runners need the right running clothes. In the winter we need tights, pants, and long sleeve shirts. In the summer we need running skirts, shorts, and tank tops.

You know I LOVE my skirts from runningskirts.com! I have my eye on the Chevron Athletic Skirt!

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• Socks and Compression Socks. Socks are an essential need for runners. You can never have too many socks! My favorite brands are Swiftwick and Pro Compression. And compression socks are awesome for running in AND for recovery.

• Headbands. Runners don't like hair falling in their eyes or face while running. And sweat is another factor...it's not fun getting sweat in your eyes. So some kind of headband is a must. My favorites are Bondi Bands, BIC Bands, and Sweaty Bands!

• Fuel. Those packs of GU, Sports Beans, Sharkies, or Gummy Bears are perfect stocking stuffers for the long distance runner! 

• Lifeproof iPhone case. There have been many times I've been on a run and a rain shower has appeared out of nowhere. Then I am freaking out because my iPhone can't get wet. This case is waterproof, shock proof, dirt proof, and snow proof!

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In my opinion I would be happy opening any of the above gifts and I'm sure the runner you're buying for would too!

QOTD: What running item is on your wish list?