A few of my favorite things...

If you know me, you know I believe everyone has their own journey.  We all learn along the way, right?  Well, while I know all of you athletes out there are stoked to be figuring things out on your own, I thought maybe I'd just blog about a few of my favorite things.  For starters, raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens.  Did anyone get that?  I digress.


I've been on this triathlon journey for some years now.  I have had some unique obstacles that have led me to a slightly different approach to certain things like nutrition .  But regardless, isn't it always nice to hear what works for someone, and maybe(just maybe) you try it and don't HAVE to learn the hard way?!  So here are a few of my favorite things, in no particular order:


For the swim:
*Silicon swim caps- Such a wonderful thing!  They don't pull your hair out, which is wonderful when you don't have much to begin with(like me).
*TYR two piece swim suits-I have a long torso and can't find a one piece that doesn't ride up and make me uncomfortable.  They last forever too!
*X-1 Audio Player- By far, my FAVORITE swim aid.  Makes the workout so enjoyable as you wind up choreographing your swim to music.  Also, you can use you iPod Shuffle that you probably already have and this thing does not leak.  And no need for earplugs anymore!  The ear buds keep water out! www.x-1.com
*Body Glide- For those open water swims.  Prevents chaffing!

For the bike:
*Terry saddle- Made for a woman and has some give so you get a comfortable ride.
*Speedplay pedals- Oh man.  Everyone raved about these and I balked.  But after I finally got them I can't imagine riding in any other clip in pedal.  Easy in, easy out, means less crashes at stoplights for me!
*Coeur tri shorts- This is a newer female specific clothing line for athletes.  I am honored to be sponsored by them, as well.  Their tri shorts are just, wow.  I call them my sexy shorts.  I want to wear them everywhere...on the bike, out to dinner, to spin class, you get the idea.  The material is like butter.  Silky , soft, like a second skin.  There are three pockets in the back that happen to be so strategically placed that I am obsessed with my butt in them!  The chamois is one panel of soft fleece, to prevent chaffing.  After riding in them, I realized I had actually forgotten that I was riding in them!  The waistband is wide so no muffin top, and the legs are large enough to accommodate a cyclists beefy quads.  Total win, Coeur!  www.coeursports.com


For the run:
*Brooks Pure Flow- If you have a wide foot, and an arch high enough to make a ballerina jealous, these are the shoes for you!  They are a minimalist-ish shoe, but are substantial enough to run long distances.  I did Ironman in these and had no problems.
*Brooks Pure Grit- For trail running, these are by far the best I've ever had.  Not bulky like a normal trail shoe, just the right amount of grip and stand up to even the most complicated, technical trails.
*Feetures socks- A sock is just a sock, right?  Nope.  After wearing these I wonder how my feet survived without them.  The perfect sock.
*CEP Compression socks/sleeves- Do I need to explain?  Compression is a wonderful thing and these socks are the ones that started it all.  The hot pink are my favorite.
*Coeur headbands- I am a headband kind of girl, and these are my absolute favorite.  You can wear them wide or narrow, and they stay put.  They also do a great job of keeping my bangs back and the sweat out of my eyes, which is a must since I wear contacts. www.coeursports.com

Nutrition and etc:
*Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof- Look, I am a triathlete, but I'm also a girl.  And I need mascara.  But after many trials, this is the mascara that won't go anywhere.  Seriously.  I wear this for spin class, triathlons, Ironman.  No problems.  And you still get to look good in those post-race photos!
*Baby Lips Chapstick- Made with an SPF and very smooth.  Doesn't have an awful taste and fits in to your little pockets.
*Secret Clinical Strength Waterproof-  It's deodorant.  It is waterproof.  Need I say more?
*Picky Bars- Designed by a triathlete and a runner, these are gluten free, dairy free and vegan.  Real food, balanced, and delicious.  This was my go-to nutrition for Ironman.  And it sat well.  I had no GI issues and I am so thankful for that!  Since I don't do gels, or any of that stuff, this was perfect.
*Sprout's trail mix- My next go-to for Ironman.  I picked the one with cashews, almonds, pepitas, sunflower seeds, cranberries.  Love, love, love it!
*Dried mangoes- I  don't know why, but these little buggers are so good.  I put them in my special needs bag during my Ironman marathon.  A couple of these and I was feeling pretty decent. 
*Osmo Hydration- Look in to it, ladies.  The science behind it is so forward thinking, yet so basic.  Women are NOT small men.  We need a different hydration strategy because we aren't made the same. www.osmonutrition.com

That's it, for now.  I probably left something out.  But then I suppose as I try more, I'll find more things to love!  I hope that you can use some of these to make your athletic endeavors even more fun, comfortable and stylish!  Thanks for reading!