All I Want for Christmas Part Deux

For anyone who read part one, I told you I'd be a slacker and not get to part 2 in any reasonable time. But the big boss keeps cracking her whip, (well not really, but I keep getting the "when are you going to write part 2 of the blog?" texts daily) so I must write.  Here are the remaining suggests for things to buy your beloved runner!!

6. I love to Run Sweatshirts  http://www.ilovetorun.org/
I really like their hoodies-I own the "I'm too Lazy" sweatshirt, and it is super comfortable https://ilovetorun.org/hoodies-more-c-22_28.html.   (the sizes do run small, so be sure to size up)
 I am a stickler, though, and I will only wear the sweatshirt on days I do run. I'm weird like that.  I also won't wear my new race shirt to the race.  I didn't run that race yet, so why would I wear the shirt?  Plus, it's bad luck.  I'm always afraid that if I wear it before or during the race, I won't actually finish the race.  I've read online that other runners also believe this, so I know I'm not alone in this thinking.

7.  One More Mile  http://onemoremile.net/   Love, love, love their products.  I have sported many of their shirts at races (I wore the "Its a hill, get over it" shirt at the Mount Washington Road Race).  Then I got really crazy and started getting into the custom shirts.  I had a shirt made for my first 50K that reads, "I can't do this, but I am doing it anyway."  It truly summed up my entire ultra experience.  The shirts are really flattering, breathable, comfortable (have yet to have one rub or chafe) and high quality.  I have 5 in my collection-4 short sleeve and 1 long sleeve.

8. Rock My Run  http://www.rockmyrun.com/  My new favorite running app is Rock My Run.  I do not have a membership, but I am seriously considering it, although the free version has been sufficient for the past 2 months.  You can pick mixes based on genre, BPM, length, etc.  Some of the mixes are just songs strung together.  My favorite mixes are the ones that remind me of aerobic songs.  Before I discovered running, I was an avid aerobics junkie (still am, although I now have to split my time between aerobics and running).  I love the songs that have that constant beat, which helps me maintain a decent pace.  Yes, we can get into the debate about yah or nay about running with music, but it is an absolute necessity for me, so I am very thankful for Rock My Run.  And right now, there are Christmas music mixes, which pretty much is heaven on earth for me.  Add an aerobic beat to Christmas music, and I am a happy girl.

9.  Project Repat http://www.projectrepat.com/  I've wanted to make a quilt for a very long time.  I debated doing it myself.  My sister made one for herself.  It took about 20 years for her to finish it.  I also found friends who agreed to make me one.  I have nice friends, and I'd rather not waste their patience with me on my quilting needs.  So I decided to bite the bullet and get one from Project Repat.  Yes, Bibs2bags can incorporate shirts into bags.  But since I had enough bibs to purchase every bag in the collection, I didn't need to supplement my bags with my excess tee shirts.
Very happy with my blanket.  Let me make one thing clear-I do not consider this a quilt.  I consider this a blanket, which is actually my preference, as I wanted something I would use.  I use mine every night when I am sitting and watching TV (currently plowing through all of the seasons of Dexter).  And I keep the house at a balmy 64 degrees in the middle of winter in NH and this blanket is really useful.  It keeps me cozy warm and remind me that at some points in my life, I am not lazy and complete more than just TV marathons.

Project Repat Blanket

10.  Bibs2Bags  www.bibs2bags.com
I couldn't make this list without including us.  Yes, I said 10 gift other than Bibs2bags, but I guess I'm just a big old fibber.  At this point, its too late to order a bag in time for Christmas (although we can send your loved one a very pretty gift card/IOU letting them know a bag will be made for them in the near future).  BUT its the perfect time to think about Valentine's Day!  Or Easter.  Or Earth Day (we are upcycling your bibs into a usable item). Or a great gift just because you are proud of your runner and want them to show off their accomplishments.  Most importantly, it makes a great gift for yourself!!

From the Bibs2Bags Crew, we would like to wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy holiday season!

All I Want For Christmas...Part 1

Sure, I'm kind of biased.  I think our bags are awesome as presents.  So my number one suggestion for those looking to get a gift for the runner in their lives would be one of our bags (and like potato chips, you can't just stop at one, so buy 2 or more).  But what other gift would runners like?  I've decided to compile my favorite running items I've received as gifts or as a gift I bought for myself! (Disclaimer: I am receiving no compensation for mentioning these products-I truly just like them all!!)  I'm going to break it into 2 parts because if I wait until I've written about all ten items before posting, it may be Dec 2015 before I publish this post.

1.  Road ID-www.roadid.com
I received my bracelet awhile back and I love it.  I wanted the bracelet verses the shoe ID, as I had read numerous places that if you are struck by a car while running, your shoes usually go flying (I know, terrible thought).  This way, the ID will still be on you.  Everyone who sees my bracelet makes fun of me though.  Why?  Well, when I chose the "contact" info on my bracelet, I chose my home number, my spouse and his cell phone, and my mother and her number.  But instead of putting her first name, I wrote "Mom" and her phone number.  Hey, if she ever needs to be reached, they can just say, "Are you Lisa's mom?"  No need to know her on a first name basis. 

Yup, right there-reads "Mom"

2.  Sparkle Skirts www.sparkleskirts.com

Wearing Flower Power Sparkle Skirt

I'm a part of a lot of running groups on Facebook, and the name "Sparkle Skirts" was constantly being mentioned as having skirts with running shorts underneath that would not ride up.  I was skeptical, to say the least, as I have a closet full of cute running skirts that I cannot wear if I'd like my thigh flesh to remain intact.  After reading lots and lots of reviews, I decided to buy one.  First, the shorts did NOT move.  Thighs=intact.  Second, they have pockets.  I'm not talking those stupid pockets that aren't even big enough to hold a crumpled tissue.  These are 2 big pockets on the shorts, plus a giant pocket across the top that has a zipper.  Finally, something to hold my keys, my tissues, my jelly beans and my phone.  On top of all of this practicality, they are absolutely adorable.  Kudos to them for also realizing that runners come in every shape and size-the skirts are available in XS-3XL.  I discovered them only at the beginning of 2014, and I am now the proud owner of 10 of them. 

3.  Anything From Your Local Running Community http://six03endurance.com
I am lucky enough to live in New Hampshire, where the running community is alive and well.  We have a great support system of local runners, as well as numerous running companies and groups that put on tremendous races and training runs.   These groups go beyond just running-they foster life-long friendships and relationships.   I'm a big believer in supporting these local groups.  And there's a sense of camaraderie when you're running a race (often times, a race not even close to home!) and someone is sporting a tee shirt or a tank top with the same logo as you.  So look up a local running group in your town, support them by running their races/buying their merchandise/showing up to their training runs, and prepare yourself to meet some awesome runners and make great friends!!

4.  BeeCause Charms  https://www.beecausecharms.com/
I bought a charm each time I ran the Boston Marathon (as a charity runner through www.charityteams.org).  Running Boston as a charity runner still ranks in my top 5 running experiences, so I wanted a daily reminder on those days I cant believe I ever accomplished not only the training and the run itself, but all that came along with fundraising.  In addition, I have a very practical use for the charms.  Since I usually have 2 pairs of sneakers at any given time, and both pairs are usually the exact same shoe, I will put the charms on my newest pair, so I know which one is which!

5.  2 Toms Sports Shield http://www.2toms.com/sportshield/
I was an avid user of another anti-chafe product, but had really mixed results.  After running a few races where my skin irritation hurt more than my muscles, I knew I needed to find another option.  This, my friends, is it.  I LOVE this product.  It kind of looks (and feels) like Ban deodorant in the same roll-on style.  Ever since I started to use it, I have had zero issues with chafing.  I will sing its praises, especially when I get in the shower following a race, and I don't scream from the water hitting my cuts.

Part 2 soon (hopefully before Dec 2015)......