Friday Five: 5 Faves for Running This Summer

It’s Friday, so I’m linking up with Courtney at Eat, Pray, Run DC, Cynthia at You Signed Up for What and Mar at Mar on the Run for their weekly linkup. Each week they pick a theme and bloggers join in and link up. This year instead of specific themes, they are letting us be creative with broad themes for each week of the month. This is the a “favorites” themed week. If you’ve been around here, you know I’ve been training for The San Francisco Marathon on July 31. It marks the 20th anniversary of my first marathon in 1996. My goal is to #beat1996. I am not a great runner in heat and it is HOT in Chicago. I am hoping the cooler SF weather will make a difference. I have been relying on some old and new favorite products this summer to get through and enjoy my training.

5 Faves for Running This Summer

bugs and h20

1. Bug Spray/Haeleum Insect Repellent Shirt– I’ve been training in the woods a bunch – at Waterfall Glen to be specific. We have NO hills in Chicago, so we travel to practice for San Fran. WFG is lovely and shadier than the lakefront path, but there are LOTS of bug. I had the opportunity to try Guardian Wilderness Insect Repellent and a Haeleum technical insect repellent shirt. I am a big fan. You can see my Haeleum review HERE and I have a Guardian review and giveaway coming soon. It’s plant based, DEET free and non-toxic. Stay tuned.

2. Fuelbelt Handheld Bottle – On the trails and on the lakefront, there is water every few miles. When it is super hot out, I need more water and have not had great luck with belts (hello chafing!) I don’t mind carrying this small Fuelbelt Helium Sprint handheld. It has been a lifesaver! You can get one like mine on Amazon (affiliate link!)

Viewsport tanks

3. Viewsport Sweat Activated Tanks – I am a sweaty woman. I have been amusing myself all summer with awesome sweat activated tanks from Viewsport. This season the tanks are mostly technical and they have awesome designs. I shared with Emily (above right) and gifted some to Lynn, too. We’re all big fans! See my review HERE. Get 35% off at Viewsport with code Erica35. Sign up for their newsletter – they have awesome sales!

run gum + sos

4. Run Gum Performance Gum – To train, blog and work full time, I find that I don’t get much sleep. I don’t like to drink coffee before I run. For training and races, I’ve been chewing Run Gum Performance Gum. 2 pieces = a cup of coffee. It works for me! See my original review HERE. I am such a big fan that I’m an ambassador! I’ve also purchased a monthly subscription which includes 10% off and free shipping and can be canceled at any time. Leave a comment if you want to try a pack. I will send the first 10 people who ask a pack!

5. SOS Rehydrate – Berry Flavor – As I said, I sweat ALOT. I have been using SOS Rehydrate after all of my long runs. I like the taste and this electrolyte replacement hydration was formulated by pro runners & a physician. They say that it’s as effective as an IV drip! You can see my review here. I am such a big fan that I’m an ambassador! Interested? Leave a comment if you want to try it. I will send the first 5 people who ask a sample!

What are your summer running faves this year? Please leave them in the comments!

Have a great weekend!

PS. Don’t miss my great giveaways!