1) KT tape -http://www.kttape.com/ I credit KT tape with finally curing my plantar fasciitis - once and for all. It has also been key for a number of other minor injuries and currently helping me through a posterior shin issue. Plus, it comes in cool colors.2) Handful bra - http://handfulinc.com/ A sports bra never looked so good! I love this bra for running, wearing with my favorite t-shirt, using on it's own in hot yoga, and above all for avoiding the dreaded nippage in any setting.
3) Oiselle apparel - http://www.oiselle.com/ I swear, this love is real. Yes, I am lucky enough to be sponsored by this rad company but I put this highly functional and fashionable apparel to the test every day. And every day I am satisfied with it's performance and more importantly, my performance in it (here is one of my favorites, the Roga short).4) Nuun - http://www.nuun.com/ My go-to electrolyte replacement drink. I am drinking it as I write this. Lots of flavor choices but my favorite is tri-berry and banananuun. It makes hydrating easier for me.
6) Bone-Up - http://www.jarrow.com/product.php?prodid=205 I take a few supplements regularly - fish oil, vitamin D, calcium, and iron. But when I was taken down with a stress fracture at the end of 2010, I talked with Mike Johnson (Western Oregon University's head track & field coach) after a failed attempt at running after 7 weeks off - he suggested Bone-Up. Within a week I was running again with no bone pain and a visit to the PT confirmed the bone healed. I have discontinued taking my separate vit D and calcium supplements and instead take 4 Bone-Up capsules per day. Great find, especially for the female runner.
7) Paleo Diet for Athletes - http://thepaleodiet.com/ This book is my guide to nutrition. Although, I don't follow it to the "t" I try to abide by the guidelines and believe it has made a world of difference in my recovery and in my lean muscle development.
8) Brooks T6 (now the T7) - http://www.brooksrunning.com/ Hands down the best racing flat I have ever worn. Perfect for track workouts, road races, or any time you just want to feel and be FAST! I remember the first race I wore these shoes in, a road 5K back in 2005. Never had I finished a race an not had sore calves
until this race. I credit the racers and have continued to use them with great success.
9) Foam roller - http://www.focus-pt.com/index-1.html How could I get through a list like this and not mention the foam roller, a staple in my training routine since about 2005. It was first introduced to me by my physical therapist, Mike Devitt - video link for foam roller exercises - and with almost daily use, my IT bands and calves stay happy and healthy.
There are several other training "aids" that I use on a regular basis, such as, yoga, high-potency iron, and napping to name a few. But, how about you? What keeps your body healthy and happy?
Andrija I love this! Thanks for posting all this info. Hey I have a few questions....does the sports bra provide enough support? The straps are so thin that was my first thought when I saw it. Also, you mentioned that the protein bars are gluten-free....as a runner, do you try to watch your gluten intake? I have never heard of the "nuun" drinks before....is it sort of like gatorade/powerade? Would you take it the same times you would normally drink gatorade/powerade? Thanks again - I loved this post!
ReplyDeleteNatalie
I am SO with you on Oiselle gear (can't live without their Distance Shorts) and the foam roller. I'm going to have to try a few of the others - like the Think Thin protein bar and the Nuun sports drink. Thanks a ton for the post. I love trying new things!
ReplyDeleteHey Natalie! For larger chested gals Handful is def more of a walking, gym, yoga bra. I am a 32C though and it works great for me. As far as gluten goes, I don't try to stay away from it necessarily for training purposes but I am slightly allergic and also I try to follow Paleo diet - little to no grains. Nuun is tons better than sugary gatorade/powerade. Basically calorie free with all essential electrolytes, etc. But it is basically a hydration and rehydration thing-not a performance aid like gatorade and so on can be used for. Hope you are well!
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