(Part 2) Top products from r/XXRunning

I second what's already been said about layers on top, and I'd highly recommend this top as a base layer. It's super lightweight but I only wear it on super cold days because it really keeps you warm. I would also add that sometimes when it's really REALLY cold, I wear spandex shorts under my fleece-lined tights, because my butt gets cold.

And in terms of dealing with ice / slush, a pair of yaktrax or something like these can fit over your shoes and help you get traction so you're not sliding all over the place.

Sweaty hands is annoying. I use the gloves linked below. They're not the warmest, so my hands are often still cold when I first start running, but once I'm warmed up, they are quite comfortable. I haven't found that my hands get too hot in them.

(Glittens is an awesome word!)


TrailHeads Women's Power Stretch Running Gloves - black (small) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G4CW6QY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_KVnEybQG5Y9ET

I like the reflective vests that are mostly mesh (like this) as opposed to straps -- they feel very light. With one of these guys clipped to the back if I am in super dark conditions.

I ran one of those overnight relay races where they make you wear all this safety gear, and I was surprised at how comfortable a decent headlamp can be.

I tried these out yesterday and I was pretty happy with them. I have big thighs and these didn't ride up at all. I just wish they were a little higher waisted

This used to happen to me!!! Before long runs I use Glide on my underarms and on my bra line. It glides on just like deodorant and it took care of my chafing immediately.

Bodyglide Original Anti-Chafe Balm (0.45-Ounce) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KIMTCY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.fLRybMC0EV43

I was looking for links, but can't seem to nail it down (they were TJ Maxx finds). The closest I've gotten are these.

Key takeaways are the built in brief (not bicycle style shorts), approx 3" shorts, and drawstrings. I really like the RBX and Reebok pairs I grabbed. Not as sold on the Under armour (the outer short rides up so I get chafing). Our lows have hardly dropped below 70°F in over a month, and these have been life savers. I have consistent thigh rub which is why I'd held out before, but I haven't actually had issues with the ones the fit my body shape well.

I can highly recommend Chrissy Teigen's cookbook called "Cravings."
I have made several recipes out of it since Christmas and I have loved them all!

Shout-out to the Honey-Chipotle Chicken, Split Pea Soup and Charred Fish Tacos.

Keen sandals are my favorite. They have ones that aren't super sporty looking also. My favorite: https://smile.amazon.com/Womens-Naples-Sandal-Black-Gargoyle/dp/B00E0GI0HK/ref=sr_1_48?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1501550511&sr=1-48&nodeID=7147440011&psd=1&keywords=Keen+sandals

Just an idea, but maybe you live near someone whose dog could use some exercise. People hate going out in the dark/cold, so it's more likely that there's some pup yearning for some fun this time of year. If they'd let you take the pup, it'd give you a reason to run routinely and a reason to not be scared (you've got your own protection!).

Side note, though, I do always recommend bringing some kind of other protection when running solo. At least a noisemaker if you don't want to carry something as heavy duty as pepper spray.

Maybe try double cleansing--you wash with an oil based cleanser first (I love this one) and follow it with a water based cleanser (like Cetaphil or whatever). I forgot the science behind why it deep cleans your skin better, but it's made a massive difference in my breakouts.

Usually, I try to keep hydrated before long runs- the day before, the night before, etc. I also think if it's going to be a run longer than 1.5 hrs + or if the weather is really hot, then you should bring something with you. I've gotten into the habit of eating one of these pnut butter things around mile 7-8 if I'm going to be running a half. I personally don't like to carry anything in my hands (I never know what to do with my hands!) so I'll carry things in my running belt like a food packet, keys and a small water bottle with a nunn tab dropped in. If you can run with something in your hands, go for it!
Long Run for me is 9+ miles which usually takes me over1.5 hrs

cotton is the worst. i love injinji toe socks (toe separation prevents blistering)

I find oatcakes more filling than any other snack. Don't know whether you have them (or anything similar) in US stores, but I found them online. They have a lot more fiber and less sugar than other biscuity type things, so are more filling.

I use the Nathan Firecacther vest. I can use my small bottles, the big bottles, or a bladder. I can put some gu, advil, bandaids in the pockets, phone usually in the back part.

My husband has one of the Ultimate Direction vests, he loves it. The water bottles piss me off, but he likes them.

I would also suggest trying to get to a local running store and try some on. I tried one on and knew right away it was going to chafe the fuck out of my armpits.

Personally, I like my armband better than the belt. Maybe it is the belt I have, but it is more annoying than my armband. Personal preference I am sure. My arms are insanely small (I am a woman) and I have no problems with mine. I think this is the one:
https://www.amazon.com/Running-Exercise-Armband-Samsung-Reflective/dp/B00D5DSZB0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1478831771&sr=8-3&keywords=armband+for+galaxy+s5

I've had two kids - check out the book [Runner's World Guide to Running and Pregnancy] (https://www.amazon.com/Runners-World-Guide-Running-Pregnancy/dp/1579547478). I ran throughout my first and some of my second trimesters, but (1) I was usually soooo tired, all I wanted to do was sleep, let alone get out the door and run, and (2) I had placenta previa, especially in my second pregnancy, so I was told not to exercise while that was an issue. In general, though, you can keep running throughout, and I know many women who have run half marathons while pregnant.