Work it

For me, winter workouts can get boring and mundane since I’m usually stuck inside to do them since it’s so cold outside and it gets dark so early…wa waaa!  I try to keep variety in my workouts by mixing it up with running routines on the treadmill, Jillian Michaels DVDs, challenging cardio/toning workout circuits I see on Pinterest and the occasional group exercise class for some human interaction.  But sometimes I just need a little pick-me-up to keep me going…like new workout gear!  The Nike Outlet had some great sales recently, and I picked up a few items including a full zip jacket with holes for my thumbs, a white long sleeve Dri-Fit shirt and wait for it…..PINK running capris!  All of my workout bottoms are either black or gray so I thought these would put a little spring in my step!  You know, because pink pants make everything better…right?!

So with March right around the corner (which hopefully means warmer temps), I hope to get outside to start running a lot more!  I am keeping a list of all the races I want to do for the year and really can’t wait to start training outside! Some of the possible races in my planner right now include:

-April: Ringing in Spring 10K (Valparaiso, IN) and perhaps Crazylegs (5 miler, Madison, WI)
-May: Color Run (Racine, WI)…not a competitive race, but a fun one nonetheless!
-June: Firecracker 5k (Chesterton, IN), Run to the Rhythm (Madison, WI), Firecracker Run (Kenosha, WI)
-July:  Run for Freedom 5k (Antioch, IL)
-August: Gurnee Days 10k (Gurnee, IL)
-September: Lake Villa Township 5k/10k (Lake Villa, IL), Biggest Loser Half Marathon (Racine, WI), Twilight Shuffle (Libertyville, IL), Emerald City Hustle 5k (Chesterton, IN)
-October: Zooma Half Marathon (Lake Geneva, WI)
-November: Valpo Half Marathon (Valparaiso, IN), Turkey Trot (Gurnee, IL or Valparaiso, IN)

And after much consideration, I think I might want to tackle my second EVER half marathon this year!  (My first was the Chicago Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon in 2009.)  Still trying to decide where/when to do it this year though…I’ve got a few options so we shall see!

Speaking of running, I’ve been keeping my eye on a few neat accessories that I’m dying to try out…

1. Sweatybands:  These adorable bands have a velvet-like material on the side that goes on your hair so it won’t slip off your head.  Plus, they come in gorgeous colors and you can even design your own!  I’d even wear these when I’m not workout out!
2.  SparklySoul: These bands claim to not budge during a workout or give you a headache (I hate when that happens!)  Plus, they come is super sparkly colors, which is always a plus!  And they are nice for friends/family to pick you out of a crowd during a race!
3.  Peekaboos: This ponytail hat is fashionable and functional for those cold days when you want to keep warm on your runs!  It works with any kind of hair and you can wear your ponytail high or low with these hats!
4.  SPI Belt: This “small personal item” belt holds any smart phone, keys, cash, credit cards and won’t cause chaffing doesn’t bounce around.  It’s like a fanny pack, but much more hip!  (I think this would be a better way to carry my phone versus an arm band…no tan lines for me!)

What races do you have planned for the year?  Do you have any running accessories (clothing or otherwise) that you swear by?