1) Tripp Worthy :) LOL...that would be my amazing trainer and if you are here in Columbia, SC looking for one, he is top of the line. I trust him implicitly. I often have to laugh when I am reading my running and fitness magazines and they suggest things to add to my workout to help me become a better runner of be in better shape....they are all things that Tripp has already incorporated. He is a wealth of knowledge, a source of inspiration and motivation and a great kick in the butt when I need it. Everyone should have one of him :)
2) Protein Shakes. When I first began training, I swore that I would never be someone who was dependent on shakes for food. I am still that person, however, I do use my protein shakes to supplement my diet. My absolute favorite brands are Optimum Nutrition 100% Gold Standard Whey and Champion Nutrition's Pure Whey. I think both are amazing brands. I prefer to mix my Optimum Nutrition with skim milk or almond milk and Champion Nutrition is perfect with just plain water. I use these after my strength training workouts or with my snacks to add extra protein to help build muscle. If I occasionally want a meal replacement shake (which is rare, but does happen) I use BSN's Lean Dessert Protein. All of these proteins have a variety of flavors.
3) Scivation's Xtend. This is an amazing supplement that I use while I am strength training and during runs. From their website: Xtend is a meticulous, scientific blend of Energy Aminos containing the proven 2:1:1 ratio of Branched Chain Amino Acids (L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine and L-Valine), Glutamine, Citrulline Malate, and Vitamin B6 that will supply you with the energy you need to maximize your training while enhancing recovery at the same time. Encourage vasodilatation which can lead to better assimilation and absorption of protein. Elevate growth hormone levels. The complex ingredients in Xtend have been scientifically proven to help speed recovery and enhance ATP production and promote cell volumization. Stay away from fatigue by blocking entry of fatigue-inducing tryptophan into the brain. Boost protein synthesis, immune function and digestive health.) Flavors I like are Watermelon, Apple, Grape and Lemon Lime. I have not tried any of the others. This really does help with muscle soreness. And it is so much better than Gatorade!!!!
4) ipod Nano :) Music is a must for me, so having my iPod with me during workouts and runs is perfect. It's great added motivation when an awesome song comes on and pumps me up for my workout :)
5) Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS receiver with heart monitor. I will admit that I don't use the heart monitor much. However, when I am out doing runs, this is perfect and gives me exact mileage that I have done so I can keep track of my training. It also will plot out your runs on the computer for you and save your mileage and give you details on your runs as well. I love this device for it's accurate mileage information! It is a bit bulky but I love it!!
6) RoadID. I ordered one of these for days where I do a long slow distance run alone. I don't run with my i.d. or anything on me, so this is a quick way for people to know who I am and who to call if there is ever an accident. They come in several forms, wrist bands, shoe tags, etc.
7) Brooks Running Shoes. I won't lie I am addicted to Brooks Running Shoes! They are my favorite shoes to run in! I just recently bought two pair to switch between during training for my next 3 races so that I won't wear them out as fast as I have been and will have good shoes for all of my next races. Their Adrenaline GTS line is awesome. I was fitted for my first pair of Brooks at Fleet Feet a couple years ago and I just keep ordering the new version of this shoe :) Also, Runner's World Magazine gave this shoe high props!!!
8) Gu....chocolate outrage. I use packets of Gu during my long runs and races to give me an instant carbohydrate quick for energy. I am interested in trying a new product that a friend of mine has fallen in love with 2nd Surge. Same thing as Gu but a different brand. Hoping to get to try it out soon :)
9) yurbuds. For those of you that have not heard of these, they are awesome headphones that do not fall out of your ears when you are running and they are not very easy to be pulled out if they are grabbed. I got a pair of these in May at my last half marathon and I am in love. They are not cheap but the sound quality and the fact that they stay in place without the ear hooks is just awesome. I fully intend to get another pair at some point for backup.
10) Bosu ball. I love this tool to use to help strengthen my core and build up my balance and coordination. It is one of my absolute favorite things to use in a workout :)
Over the course of my training, I have tried many things that have worked and not worked for me. For example, I have tried the Phiten titanium necklaces, the Power Balance energy bands, and the Energy Armor energy bands. Do I believe any of these provide any extra energy? They did not for me. I did a test of the Energy Armor ones with 3 other friends. Two of us slept better with it and two had to remove them because it totally threw off their sleep patterns. Bottom line, if you ever see me wearing these in a training session or run, it's simply because I like the look of it. I don't believe they have any special powers or do anything amazing for you. I also used the Nike Sport+ iPod kit for awhile but found that it had to be calibrated often and did not keep an accurate record of my mileage for my runs. Other friends have had better luck with theirs than I have, but for me, the Garmin gives more accurate information.
There are many supplements on the market. Not all of them work for everyone. Currently, I am going to be trying out a few new ones. I picked up Hylytes which is an electrolyte pill supplement to try out to help with muscle cramps during racing. I also got some other electrolyte supplements to try to see if I can completely eliminate those pesky cramps. I will let you guys know what I think. I will admit that I tend to be a supplement junkie. I have tons of different flavors of protein and xtend. I also use a multivitamin, preworkout supplement and a fat burner. All of these have been suggested by my trainer and have worked well for me.
And for fun news, this supplement junkie will officially be working at a local supplement store. I am really excited about the opportunity. I know I am going to learn tons and cannot wait to share more details with you as I learn more. Tomorrow is my first day and I am really super excited about it!
