Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens… 

Yes. You read that right. I’m singing a little bit of The Sound of Music. But there’s a reason I’m embodying Maria Von Trapp today. I’ve been humming My Favorite Things ever since I was asked to write about my favorite things for running.

When I first got this assignment, I was a little stumped because I don’t usually run with anything more than my iPod Nano, my 2008 Top 10% Gate River Run Finisher hat, and a Nike watch. But the more I thought about it, I realized I may be light on running accessories while I’m on the trail, but off the trail it’s a different story. If you peak inside my little Honda Civic or inside my closet door, you’ll definitely see some running paraphernalia. So here are a few of my favorite things for before and during a run.

This is the crème de la crème of foam rollers in my opinion. This is the same brand my message therapist, my chiropractor, and my physical therapist have in their offices. I’ve used other foam rollers in the past, but they broke down easily. The OPTP AXIS Roller is extra firm, so I can use it over and over again and it keeps its shape.

Get them at RoadRunnerSports.com: Foam Rollers

You can also find them at Power-Systems.com: Foam Rollers

If you don’t own compression gear, my friend, you are missing out. If you’ve read some of my posts here, you know I’m recovering from PRP injection, and that my running form is changing because of it. As a result, muscles that have never hurt in my life are hurting now (because I’m actually using them, whereas I wasn’t before). 

I decided to try the Zensah Ultra Calf & Shin Sleeves hoping to help my tender legs feel their best during my recovery. I chose sleeves over socks because I don’t like to wear socks to bed. Plus, I wear sandals a lot, so I can wear the sleeves to work hidden under my pants (and yes, I’ve done that) and I don’t have to field a bunch of questions from my co-workers.

If you want to know more about the benefits of compression gear overall, check out the post by my fellow www.10k-running.com blogger Carl Leivers. He’s a collegiate coach and he says both he and his athletes notice a difference in their long run recovery days when they use compression gear.

Get them from RoadRunnerSports.com: Zensah Ultra Calf &Shin Sleeves 
Also purchase them through Amazon.com : Ultra Calf and Shin Sleeves

Before silver white winters melt into spring (forgive the second Sound of Music line, I couldn’t help myself) the 180s Ultralite CTG Gloves keep my hands cozy during cold morning runs.  Initially they’re gloves, which I think are better than mittens because you have the use of your fingers in case you need to tie your shoelace or easily pick up something during your run. 

But the gloves have a hidden compartment on top that holds what the company calls a “retractable hood.” On rainy or colder runs when your hands need more insulation, you can pull the hood over your fingers so your gloves become mittens.  The 180s also feature a raised fabric pod on the index finger so you can control your MP3 player without taking off the gloves.

Find them through RoadRunnerSports.com: 180s Ultralite CTG Gloves