If you’re new here, I’m doing a crowd sourced series of posts featuring your favorite running gear. I’m reaching out to all the runners that I know to share their most favorite running gear; after I’ve shared all the posts, I hope to do one summary of the most popular items from my most “unscientific” survey.
(You can catch up on part 1 , part 2 part 3, part 4, part 5, and part 6)
I’m also turning this into a link-up for other bloggers to share their favorites on their blogs, see below to add your post to the link-up! If you don’t have a blog and are interested in being featured to share your favorites, please let me know.
Today’s featured runner is Sydney!
Sydney is quite an accomplished runner on both trail and pavement! When she’s not running, you can find her working as a manager at Gear Running Store, my neighborhood favorite!
All of her favorites are available for purchase at the store. Stop by to say hello to her and purchase some of her recommendations to test out!
Sydney:
Hi! My name is Sydney, I’m 27 years old and a manager at Gear Running Store. I’ve probably been running since I was five years old, doing 5k’s with my parents. I did the running legs of a few short triathlons with my younger brother on the bike leg, my dad on the swim, and me on the run… But, I would say I’ve been serious about running for 14 years now (since 2004/2005.) I’m currently training for an 100k that’s down in Southern Illinois.
Sydney’s Favorite Running Top:
I have two purple-striped merino wool long sleeves (Smartwool) that I have had FOREVER (pictured in the introductory photo above).
One has tears in the back from an old washing machine in a house I lived in back in college. Wool is a magical fabric that keeps you warm, wicks/breathes really well, and is anti-odor.
[Jessie: I did a review of a Smart Wool sports bra that I got at Gear last summer that I still love!]
Sydney’s Favorite Shorts:
My favorite shorts are the “golden kiwi” “mountain climber” shorts from rabbit. They have 7 pockets. Light – can barely feel that you’re wearing anything. And for those really hot races- I put ice in the two front pockets – AMAZING.
Sydney’s Favorite Sports Bra:
Honestly, I have a couple Target ones that I love! Having a small chest means that I don’t need anything major.
Sydney’s Favorite Shoes:
My two current favorite road shoes are the Newton Gravity 7 and the Salomon Sonic RA.
There is a lot of research behind the idea that variety helps prevent injury. So rotating shoes and changing up the terrain you’re running on is huge.
Both of these road shoes have a lower heel to offset (which I’m now used to.) I’m a midfoot runner and the lugs that all Newton Running shoes have under the forefoot provide that perfect amount of cushioning right where I need it. While I’m a firm believer in looking for comfort over looks, I love how bright and happy their shoes are.
The Sonic RA from Salomon (who only just started making road shoes- they are a primarily trail based company) I’m loving more and more every time I run in them. While being a mid foot runner I also land on the outside part on my foot. The way the base of the shoe is designed with two different materials and separated by groves it provides a stiffer landing platform on the outside 3/4 of the base- which provides more support for how I strike the ground.
My favorite trail shoe has been the Mizuno Hayate for a while now. It’s light, firm, responsive.Their latest model has a rock plate, which made them that much better! I’ve used them on all types of terrain.. and a couple years ago have learned how great trail shoes are on winter roads. The Mizuno Hayate 3 consists of three different sections which gives it a more flexible feel while staying firm and responsive.
[Jessie’s note<– the Baabuk Urban Woolers are very similar to my favorite Allbirds, but apparently even better and they are the ‘original’ wool shoes! Find them at Gear!]
Sydney’s Favorite Running Glasses:
Sydney’s Favorite Hydration Source?
Unless I’m crazzzy thirsty I’m not always the best at staying hydrated. Not just during running, but throughout the day as well. Staying hydrated is huge for training, not to mention just staying healthy in general. Nuun Hydration has saved me. So many different flavors and some with caffeine – keeps you hydrated and replenishes the electrolytes and other nutrients that you lose throughout the day and during exercise. Blackberry Citrus (Energy + vitamins) and Fruit Punch are my favorite flavors.
Sydney’s Favorite Energy Source for Long Runs?
My favorite nutrition has become Spring Energy. While I use almost everything out there- I love my variety. Spring is awesome. They used real food, nothing artificial and it really seems to hold me, especially when I’m out on a long training run. We can’t all be like Dean Karnazes and have a pizza guy meet us on the street corner and continue running while consuming a large pizza and a slice of cheesecake. But we do sometimes need real food in our stomach, and sometimes other gels are just not enough. And that’s why I love Spring. And for anyone out there with a sensitive stomach, Spring being all natural will keep your stomach happy. “Long Haul” and “Canaberry” are my favorite flavors.
Thank you Sydney for sharing your favorites with us, and best of luck at your 100k!