nooma

Summer isn’t officially here, but it sure feels like it in Cleveland. This weekend got into the 80s and whew it was HOT. Luckily, I got in some runs early and indoors.

This week included 6 runs, including 3 outdoor runs! Mileage included:

I’m pumped that I got in 3 outdoor runs! Sunday, Friday and Saturday were all outside runs. Another not traditional week, but since I had Friday off I was able to get in some miles outside.

But now that it’s getting warm, it’s time to dress appropriately AND hydrate. Here are my summer favorites:

Cool, loose tank tops

I am very picky with running tank tops. I don’t like them tight. I prefer loose ones but I don’t like a lot of fabric. I typically prefer ones without built in bras. That’s why, my favorite running tank top is my Skirt Sports Free Flow Tank Top. Even if I weren’t a Skirt Sports Ambassador, this would still be my favorite shirt.* (see below for a discount code!)

Short, airy shorts

My favorite running shorts are also by Skirt Sports. The Redemption Run Short is short, has a pocket for my keys and is so light that it doesn’t weigh me down when I run. I wore them at my last half marathon (pictured below) and they were great!

Headbands

For years, I had a hard time finding a headband that would keep my flyaway out of my face and also stay on my head. I don’t know why, but headbands consistently fell off my head! Until I found Sparkly Soul. I love my sparkly headbands – they stay on my head AND are cute! Here are two of my favorite:

I am so excited to be an ambassador, since they are headbands that I love!

Running hats/visors

When it gets really sunny, I like to wear a visor to keep the sun out of my eyes. And when there are summer storms, I like to wear a hat to keep the rain out of my eyes. I own this Skirt Sports visor and a running hat very similar this one.

me in my hat, because it was raining during the 10k (I was 9 months pregnant)

Post-running hydration

You gotta hydrate this summer! Some my favorite post-run hydration – in addition to water – includes:

Smoothies! I make my own in my Vitamix or grab some from Restore.

Nooma: This local hydration company makes some tasty beverages. My favorite is the mango!

Powerade Zero. I know it tastes semi artificial, but I love the blue flavor. And I love that a bottle is typically 32 ounces, so I’m guaranteed to get a lot of hydration in!

Nuun. I have yet to meet a runner who didn’t like Nuun. I actually don’t have any on hand, and I need to get some!

AND cheers to summer!! Some questions for you:

What’s your favorite summer running outfit?
What temps are too hot for you – when do you run inside instead of outside?

Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs!

Disclaimer: I’m a Skirt Sports and Sparkly Soul Ambassador! AND as part of being a Skirt Sports ambassador, I get a discount code to share! If you’re looking to get yourself a pair of shorts, flow tank or a cute running skirt, you can use SPRINGCPT20 and get 20% off your order!

I reallllly can’t believe that I only have two full weeks left of training for the Cleveland Half Marathon and sharing my training with you as a Cleveland marathon ambassador!

Week ten of Cleveland half marathon training is DONE. And it was a good week, pretty uneventful. I admit that I didn’t follow training 100% – a few days I accidentally got in a little more mileage, but overall it felt pretty good to get in a 30+ mile week again.

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Monday: On the schedule – 5 miles.

Actual run – 7.12 miles. Yup – 2 more miles than necessary. I ran with Nicole and somehow we miscalculated our route and ended up with a few extra miles. It was also pretty chilly out (for end of April – 40 feels like 37!) and I was not prepared. But it was so sunny out!

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Tuesday: On the schedule – 45 minute tempo run.

Actual run – A lame tempo run. I didn’t push myself as much as I should and definitely should have gone faster during my speed part. But my legs were a little sore, likely from the 10 mile race and the previous days 7 miles.

Wednesday: On the schedule – 3 miles.

Actual run – 5ish miles, thanks to running with Nicole again. We did a little extra. Surprise!

Thursday: On the schedule – stretch and strengthen.

Actual workout – I did about 55 minutes on the elliptical at basically no resistance. Just to get the legs moving.

Friday: On the schedule – 5 miles, pace.

Actual run – 6.8 miles, not quite pace. Again, I decided to run outside with Nicole and the weather was gorgeous! I was struggling this morning, though – I had gotten very little sleep Wed. night and woken up Thurs. to work out at 5 and then Thurs. night B and I were out until midnight for our anniversary dinner. Needless to say, getting up on Friday was rough. Running early on little sleep after a four course wine/beer pairing meal (Yes, both) is not fun.

Saturday: On the schedule – 11 miles.

Actual run – 11 miles at a somewhat easy pace with B and Mary. The weather was SOO gorgeous and I felt pretty good the entire time. Finally – a confidence boosting run!

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AND after the run I got to hydrate with Nooma. They’re a local hydration drink company that uses no acid or preservatives AND they sent me and some of the other ambassadors some beverages to try out. I love the mangosteen!

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Sunday: On the schedule – crosstrain or off.

Actual workout – 60 minutes on the elliptical and a nice walk with B. It was another gorgeous day and I couldnt NOT be outside!

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Love this view of the city.

Overall thoughts about the week:

The good: I finally had a good, confidence boosting long run. With only 2 weeks left of training, it’s about time!

The bad: Speedwork still kicks my butt and I’m slacking off with getting it all in. I need to hold myself accountable and actually do “pace” runs!

Questions for you: