Gear to Help You Rock Your Resolution

This is definitely not the blog post I thought I would come back with after the last two months. I promise the things you want to hear about are coming. I’m just having a hard time putting some of the details down right and I want to do it right. For now, I’m excited to talk about getting back into fitness and running. When I started running I felt so uncomfortable with myself. I was waiting for everyone to tell me I was an impostor, heck, I sometimes still feel this way. I’m not super skinny or fast. But I belong there as much as anyone else and so do you. In the early days I found having a few items of real running gear helped me feel confident and like I belonged at the races, regardless of how slow I am. Today I want to share some items that can help you be successful in a New Year Resolution to start getting fit. The great thing is you and I can go on this journey together in 2019. 

My Top 8 Pieces of Running Gear

1. Goodr Sunglasses ($25 or $35) are an inexpensive way to get some new running gear to start your resolution right. They might be cheap but they are still high quality. When I’m running or working out these puppies stay put. They don’t bounce and they don’t fog up. As a woman who wears ponytails, I love I can throw them on top of my head and not have them get stuck in my hair. Last but not least, they look great and often they support great causes. The sunglasses I’m wearing most often are these from Goodr. 
2. Footwear is essential to almost any athletic pursuit for those of us with 1 or 2 feet. If you have feet or a foot, you need to treat them right and that includes having good quality footwear for a new resolution. To take proper care of them you need to go see an expert in the field. I tried to start running without the right shoes. I ended up messing up my knees and ankles for a few weeks and I had to stop running to let them heal. Injury is not worth it to save some money. My favorite shoes for a neutral runner is the Brooks Levitate and if you’re in my area this is my favorite running store. 
3. AfterShokz Bone Conduction Headphones are another favorite of mine. As a woman safety is always at the top of my life and these headphones deliver. With the bone conduction I can clearly and crisply hear my music or podcast. But at the same time I can hear cars while I’m running or I can even hear equipment when I’m wearing them on the farm. Yes, these are pricy but worth every penny. Also, their customer service is top notch so if anything goes wrong in the first year they’re great about getting you a new pair. If you’re a lady I would consider getting the minis, that’s my only regret with my Titaniums. I wear these gray Titaniums. 
4. Garmin watch. There are so many different types of watches Garmin makes but regardless of the athletic adventure you’re going on they have one for you. Even if your goal is just to be more active in general they have a great Garmin for that too. I highly recommend finding out which one will work for you. What I think makes these watches better than other just fitness brands is their quality and longevity. The bands hold up so well. I’ve had mine for 2 years now and I still have the original band and I wear it daily. I wear the Garmin Forerunner 235 if you want to know. 
5. An entry fee is a great way to keep motivated on that resolution. I have always found a race (especially a long one) to be great motivation for me to keep running and keep on my training plan. Whether it’s a triathlon, cross fit competition or set of classes paid for, they can all be great motivators. If you’re looking for an awesome race to run, I highly recommend the Bay City St. Patrick’s Day Races, CRIM 10 Miler, and the Detroit International Half Marathon or Marathon. 
6. Leggings with pockets may seem silly and not essential. But, the ability to carry most or all of what you need for a run without wearing a belt or vest is the best. I always thought my belt would be good enough but I found out shorts and leggings with best are so much easier and they’re comfortable. My favorite pair are these from Athleta. 
7. Getting a massage may not be super high on your list but it should be. If you’re going into a hard, long training program you will thank me. As training gets longer and harder you need to work harder on recovery. Recovery is just as important as your long runs and a massage can be a huge help. When I was training for my last half I had a lot of IT Band issues and massage therapy was a life-saver. I will be using the 3 massage gift cards I got with great joy. 
8. I have mentioned my last item before in previous posts like this one. But I think it bears mentioning again. Each of us motivates differently. For me, feeling like I am a part of something I love is huge. Part of that is how I am dressed. When I wear gear that makes me feel like a runner I have more confidence and I’m more likely do actually do my workout. Don’t dismiss the excitement of a piece of gear that you absolutely love. Buy yourself some awesome leggings, a new pair of shoes or a new watch. Whatever it is that does it for you! 

Beginning a new year is a great opportunity to rededicate yourself to a resolution. Although you can begin new goals any day of the year! I want to know what is your advice or favorite gear to help someone just starting on a New Year Resolution?