Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Summer Running Essentials {Giveaway}

I was a mile into my run and already dripping. From my brow, my cheeks, my arms as they flapped in the stale air. I tried to wipe my face with the bottom of my shirt mid-stride but it did little to ease the situation.

I needed water.

There was a fountain up ahead, and I pumped my arms up the tiny hill to get to the park. The two minutes it took to get there seemed like an eternity as the sun shone high from the sky, even at 8:45.

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I tried not to gulp the cool water coming from the fountain. Sip, sip, wait. Sip, sip, wait. As I paused, I glanced down at my phone and checked the weather. 74 degrees, 66 percent humidity and a dewpoint of 62. According to a chart my friend shared, the conditions were equivalent to running in a monsoon and would negatively affect my run by 175%. I'm not so sure I buy it but another chart I saw said I would run 1:05 slower per mile in the conditions.

But I didn't need numbers to tell me something I already knew: This was summer running at its finest.

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It seems, as runners, that we get two good seasons – fall and winter – and two seasons that make us work. Winter requires us to layer up, find the best insulated tights, search for a well-fitting hat and seek solutions to slippery trails.

Summer, though, is not so much about the best clothes. Many of us can get by with a good pair of shorts, supportive bra (current favorite: Moving Comfort Juno, which is on sale!) and tank. To get through the hot season, we require gear that keeps us healthy, safe and happy.

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My essentials:

Pro Compression low socks. I sweat from head to toe, literally. Factor in puddles from summer storms, and my shoes and socks can be wrung out at the end of the run. Such conditions make it imperative to have a good pair of socks. Socks that wick moisture. Socks that hug the foot without being too tight. Socks that don't slip, move or bunch. Socks like the Pro Compression trainers.

Why is it so important? An ill-fitting sock can rub, chafe and cause blisters in dry conditions. The damage will be that much worse on sweaty, wet feet.

Pro Compression trainers hit me slightly above the ankle, keeping the back of the shoe from rubbing the skin. The socks feature a built-in "Stabilizer Zone," which promotes balance and support; a non-slip design to keep your sock in place; and advanced materials for maximum comfort and moisture control. The icing on the cake? They are made in the USA.

The low trainers come in 13 colors and at $25 for two pairs, they are comparable to other running socks.

Looking for something a little different? Pro Compression also has the PC Runner, a premium running sock that is lightweight, durable and extremely breathable. As for the style, it's what you have come to expect from the creative folks at Pro. Translation: They are flipping fabulous.

Nuun. According to  Owen Barder, author of "Running for Fitness," you will generally lose around 17 ounces during an hour run, or 8.5 ounces during a 30-minute run. [Source] People who are heavy sweaters can lose more water during that time period. Hot, humid conditions can also increase fluid loss, making it imperative to stay hydrated – even on those 30-minute runs. Nuun has an optimal blend of electrolytes that will help keep you hydrated. And, it tastes great. Before a summer run, I prepare a bottle of Nuun to drink while I get ready and a second to take on the outing.

Naawk. There seems to be some debate over whether you really need sunscreen but as someone who is fair-skinned and red-headed, I burn easily. Burning = Bad. I've tried a lot of sunscreens in my life but none have compared to Naawk. I was first introduced to the brand when I ran Hood to Coast, and I have loved it since. At our house, we have a bottle of sunscreen in the stroller, in the diaper bag, in the trunk of each car and in the bathroom. We are never without it. I'm a particular fan of the continuous spray SPF 30. It's not greasy and it smells good. I also like that I don't have to goop up my hands. Why? Take a gel 45 minutes into a long run and get back to me. Naawk also has an eco-friendly sunscreen pouch with a carabiner – perfect for clipping on a backpack when you go hiking or on the diaper bag for a day at the pool.

Now for the giveaway!

One lucky reader will win a pair of Pro Compression PC Runner socks, along with a betty designs Nuun bottle, two tubes of Nuun (watermelon and strawberry lemonade) and, count them, three bottles of continuous-spray Naawk sunscreen. Enter using the widget below.

Remember, you can always save 40 percent on Pro Compression marathon socks and sleeves using the code PRO15. Save 42 percent sitewide, even on low trainers and PC Runners, this month with the code JUNE.


Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this post. Pro Compression is providing the PC Runners to the winner and Naawk provided me with sunscreen to share as I saw fit. The Nuun bottle and tubes of Nuun are provided by me because I love you all so much. A big thanks to Pro Compression for supporting this giveaway.

52 comments:

  1. First off - you're doing amazing with your comeback post baby/c-section. The speed will come again - no worries!

    This contest is asking me to list my summer run must haves - compression shorts (or bike shorts). As a larger gal I used to not want to run in compression shorts because I felt they were unflattering and regular shorts caused too much chaffing. But I finally got over my thigh issues and got bike shorts (9-10 in) and love them so much. I can't believe I ever wore capris in 90+ degree heat.

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    1. Thank you! And I am with you on the compression shorts. My thighs eat most shorts but the compression variety are so comfy.

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  2. during summer I couldn't survive without my nathan vest. Freaking love that thing...

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    1. Amen, sister. Can you please come here so I can run with you?

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  3. I like running with a hat - no need for sunglasses or a headband!

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    1. Also protects the face from those harmful rays!

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  4. I'm dying to try naawk! you talk it up so much

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  5. My hat and my handheld water bottle are essential! Living in AZ, I need to carry water with me even on short runs!

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  6. It's going to be a hot summer. My fuel belt is a must thought I just got a new Nathan hydration pack. That will likely be my go to as my runs get longer. Yeay for runs that will soon start at 5:30 am.

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    1. I actually prefer the Nathan pack to the belt but I can never get the belt to sit properly. Plus, I'm more likely to run and drink with the pack than I am with a belt.

      NOTE: The pack is also great when you want to make a Redbox stop on your run. Just saying.

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  7. A hat is number one for me. Here in Texas I need the summer essentials year round!

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  8. An alarm clock so I can go out SUPER early ;) And tank bras from Moving Comfort worn alone. Thanks for a great giveaway!

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  9. Added you to the Wednesday Giveaway Round Up on my blog (Erica Finds) and Smitha's (Running with SD Mom)

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  10. My must have is hydration. I use Nuun regularly.

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  11. I had a surgery in March and have a scar on my neck. I am sunscreening it to death to protect it as it heals.

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  12. I have a few Summer must-haves: handheld running water bottle (Amphipod) filled with Nuun, a Runningluv to mop up sweat, a Headsweats visor, Swiftsocks so I don't get blisters, RunGuard so I don't chafe, a FlipBelt to carry phone, PlowOn gum for energy to get me through tough runs, and Power Ice electrolyte popsicles for after hot runs.

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  13. I absolutely love the Nuun tablets! I have never been more hydrated in my life and I feel great.

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  14. My C9 Champion headband! The only time I wear one is during Houston's hot season, which last most of the year!

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  15. Water with electrolytes, i currently use GU tabs, and sunscreen

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  16. I definitely need sunscreen with my fair skin, and water and my sunglasses. :)

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  17. I'm a newbie runner, but I have discovered that I must have hydration, even on a short run or I'm in trouble.

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  18. Sport sunscreen and a good running hat!

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  19. socks and new rollerblade wheels!

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  20. A water bottle is my must have.

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  21. A visor and some water (even on the shorter runs) are my summer must haves.

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  22. Those socks sound perfect for what I've been looking for. I knew you liked the tall ones, but I had no idea they came in the low style. Totally going to get some. And I'll have to look up the sunscreen. As a fellow redhead who doesn't really tan, sunscreen is necessary just to drive to the grocery store.

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  23. Nuun is on my must have list as well. Also, a good playlist that helps me forget how hot it is and the promise to myself of a cold iced coffee later on.

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  24. My one running essential for the summer is Nuun!

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  25. Gotta drink a full bottle of nuun before I head out for my run!

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  26. My handheld water bottle is a must for summer running!!

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  27. Nuun is certainly on my summer (and anytime) must have list for running. Also a lightweight pair of shorter shorts and a singlet. All about feeling as cool as possible so less clothing helps.

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  28. Hat and a convenient water bottle!

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  29. Hydration belt is a must have when it is Hot

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  30. I run in Southern California, which is HOT but thankfully not humid. While marathon training last year I relied on my fuel belt AND a handheld bottle on long runs, Nuun, a hat, and spray-on sunscreen :-)

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  31. Sport sunscreen and a sweat headband to keep the sweat out of my eyes are very important! And, of course, water! Although I have trouble not gulping it up when I stop for a drink!

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  32. Sunscreen is debatable? For me it never is!
    Pro Compression and NUUN definitely make my list of summer must haves.

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  33. I take along a bandana wrapped around my wrist to wipe the copious amount of sweat. Gross but necessary. Would love to try the Naawk!

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  34. I need a hat / visor. One of the two. Look how many comments a giveaway generates!! Holy crap! HAHA

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  35. Nuun, a visor, and Vaseline for my lips.

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  36. My North Face water bottle belt is a must on hot summer days!

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  37. Water is a must. I love Nathan products.

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  38. A hydration vest is my must have, especially on long runs without any water stops.

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  39. My handheld water bottle and my headband.

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  40. Thank you for running this contest! I live Florida, so anything to keep me hydrated and balanced is my summer go-to!

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  41. Early morning runs in light colored light weight clothing!

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  42. Early morning runs, a hat, and my water bottle!

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  43. Sunscreen and a good water bottle!

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  44. My summer must have is a headband and a water bottle.
    Sadie B.

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