Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Wednesday Workout Update

A few months ago I wrote about my concerns with being seen when we run in the dark.  I thought I'd do a quick update on what I ended up trying, and how I liked everything.

The first thing I bought was an Amphipod Xinglet - I was going to get one for both Jeff and I, but I decided to just try one, in case we didn't like it.  As it turned out, Jeff ended up being the one who wears it, because I went a different direction.  He doesn't particularly love it, but he agrees that he's much more visible when he has it on, so he has been using it regularly.  I tried it on and honestly, I'm glad to not have to wear it as it just feels a little odd going over my top.  It might be OK for less-endowed women, but for me, it would not be my number one choice.

Luckily, a reader told me about Ion Design decals - I was given some for review and was so impressed that both Amy and I placed an order for more.  I love them.  From the fun designs, to the massive reflectivity, to the way they still look perfect after many washings (I have them on all three pairs of my running capris so they've been given a decent workout) - I highly recommend them.
Just some of my workout clothing that I've customized with Ion Designs.

We didn't end up getting Knuckle Lights, but one of these days when I'm feeling flush, I'll probably order a pair.  Overall, I feel much better about our safety when we're running in the dark (which is most of the time).  Don't get me wrong, I'm still very cautious, but at least I feel like I'm giving myself a fighting chance against drivers when it comes to visibility.

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Not a lot of exciting things to report on with running - last week the weather kept me off the streets, and we ended up going Plano to visit our kids for the weekend, so I didn't even run on Saturday.  I am trying to not stress over missing runs, especially with some 5K races coming up - hey, this is supposed to be my easy running time, right?  Life is getting a little crazy, so I'll miss even more running in the next week, but that's OK.  I'll be where I need to be.  And at least when I DO run?  I'm still loving my new shoes - dang, these things are really, really comfortable!

P.S.  I snuck another review/giveaway in yesterday - click here if you missed it.  FYI, over the next month there will pretty much be a review/giveaway post every Tuesday.

24 comments:

  1. Do not worry about the 5k runs, you'll be fine, just see them as fun. When is your first one? Mine is on March 15.

    And we are still doing this together because I'm waiting for you at the end of the road and one day we will be running a 5K nonstop together!

    As for babies: I'm not particularly fond of them (or children in general). I only like the babies/children of my friends. I don't get excited if I see a stranger with a baby. Gosh are you still wondering why I don't have kids myself LOL? I'm sure K.'s baby will be cute.

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    1. My first one is March 2nd - nope, not ready to run the entire thing. I might miss the next one (crazy times going on), so I'm probably looking at April.

      LOL on you and babies - know thyself, and live your life accordingly. I was babycrazy from very early on, hence my two babies. But yeah, if you don't get excited about them, it's a good thing to not go there... :)

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  2. LOVE the decals!! I often walk the puppy in the dark dark dark of the morning.

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    1. I hope you are wearing reflective gear...and the puppy is, too. I've seen reflective collars and leashes.

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  3. Hey Shelley, Marshall's has reflector armbands (neon yellow) and flashers (hot pink) that fit on your waist or hat for $6. I can check my local Marshall's for a set, if you like.

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    1. That's a great deal on the flashers! Dang, I wish we had a Marshall's here.

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  4. I love the iron on decals - reminds me of the iron on transfers my Mom used to put on our t-shirts in middle school!

    Glad you got a weekend with the boys - I am sure there was a lot of laughter!!

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  5. Oooh, that reflective gear is cute! A friend bought me a reflective vest from Brooks - it's a mens size (even though it's neon pink!) and fits pretty well over my not-your-typical-runner's-frame. Should you ever decide in the future that you do want to get a vest or anything. And I bought myself a $7 headlamp on Amazon - seems to do the trick just like the more expensive ones do.

    And definitely don't stress about missing a run! Sometimes other (more fun) things come up, it happens :)

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    1. How awesome that they make the men's vests in pink! The women's sizes run pretty tight - my friend tried on the large last night and it was squeezy tight on her, and she's not that big.

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  6. You can never be too careful against cars. It's a battle you will never, ever win - even if you are in the right!

    You will be fine with the races. I would say you are pretty conditioned now and can take some time off without it affecting you too much.

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    1. You are so right about never winning the battle against a car!

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  7. I bought one of these lightshttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QCXTBI/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    I really like it. It's very small but puts out a lot of light. I didn't feel like wearing my cap last night so I just held it in my hand and that worked great too. The headlamp I had before was so big and bulky, but this one is so small you don't even notice it. It was cheap too!

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    1. I can't seem to get a link to work, but if you search for Cyclops CYC-MHC-W Micro Mini LED Hat Clip Light on amazon it will come up. I paid $8.00 for it I think.

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    2. The link came up just fine in my email (where I first read the comments) - thanks, that is a great deal!

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  8. I love the ion design decals you are using! I might have to purchase some for bike season. The idea of just ironing on decals on my many plain shirts and black biking shorts/capris is cheaper and easier than purchasing those outrageously priced biking shirts and shorts! Thanks for the updated review on which items you liked best.

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    1. That's what I love about the decals - you get to use what you already own! Because honestly, I have plenty of workout clothes.

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  9. New follower here. Cannot wait to read about your journey. www.findingcrystal.com

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  10. I'm glad you found something you like - been seen is so important. I never feel one can be too reflective. Between the private college and the Coast Guard Academy that are near my house, lots of student runners. I cannot believe how many of them are wearing black and gray... right now our roads are very narrow with high snow banks and the skyline is generally gray when I'm driving home. They blend right in. I so want to roll my window down and yell "Idiots" at them. But I don't.

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    1. Unless you explained why you were yelling "Idiots" at them, they'd probably think they were being harassed by some crazy woman who didn't like runners, lol!

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  11. Love the iron ons! Especially love the "love" heart! Have a great day Shelley!

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  12. I might have to buy a set of those iron-ons for a neighbor who walks in the pre-dawn hours in the middle of the street. I know to look for him, but I've heard other drivers have to slam on their brakes.

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  13. I have an incredibly dorky neon yellow reflective vest (I think it was $5 at ikea) but would love to upgrade someday to something more fashionable. But you're right, it's SO smart to be conscious about being seen!

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