Wednesday was National Running Day so I am 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 Friday, they host a link up — a “Friday Five.” My first Friday Five is dedicated to running finds.
1. On Wednesday, Brooks Running asked people to post what they were grateful to running for with the hashtag “thankyourunning.” I posted this photo on Facebook with the caption “#thankyourunning for introducing me to these wonderful ladies and SO MANY more friends that I cannot even begin to try to tag them all.” I thank running for keeping me in shape, helping me to process ideas and emotions, pushing me to my limits and for introducing me to so many wonderful people and things. The last is the most important to me. I have met more amazing people through running than I could have ever imagined when I started running in the 80s (Yup, the 80s on my high school track team). #thankyourunning!
2. I listened to some amazing podcasts while running this week including the anniversary special from Death, Sex and Money. Since this was the anniversary, they asked people to call in to say where they were a year ago and what had changed for them. I love this idea and I have a whole post in mind about it. Since this five is about running, I answer the question in terms of running. Last year in June, I was cramming to train for my first ultramarathon – a six hour race and getting recruited to run a progressive race (recap). And now, I am cramming for Grandma’s Marathon. Well, sort of. I ran the Phoenix Marathon on February 28th and 3 half marathons, an 8K, a 5K and a 10 miler since then. The cramming was the long runs. Should be fine. Right? What were you doing last year at this time – running-wise or not?
3. I just got a new pair of Hoka Cliftons (my second) after several Hoka fails. Tried the Bondi 3, Stinson Lite and Stinson Tarmac. Those were not inexpensive mistakes! Well, the Tarmacs were cheap, but the others were not. Thank goodness I am a savvy shopper. Anyway, I loved the original Hoka Bondis and my Cliftons. Someone recommended the Stinson Lites which I saw on Active Gearup for about $50 less than retail. With the Hokas, I felt like Goldilocks. This pair was too stiff, this pair was too big, this pair was too small – you get the picture. I am just happy that the new Cliftons are “just right” for me! Do you act like Goldilocks with your running shoes??
4. Speaking of Hokas, Amanda is giving away some in her awesome Father’s Day Giveaway. Head over to the post for the details on all of these amazing products plus enter to win them ALL. These gifts are for “dad” or you or a friend or to share. Don’t worry, I won’t tell if you win and keep it all for yourself! Act fast – ends 6/8.
5. Yesterday, I posted a link to a post from last year to help folks get great deals on running gear from summer. I have a number of solid tips in that post. Most important, be a savvy shopper. If you know which shoes work for you or your clothing sizes in brands you like, online shopping can be the perfect option for savvy shoppers. Here are some tips:
- Search on Amazon to see prices across a variety of retailers.
- Check out Active Junky which offers cash back (+ coupons) for online shopping for major active retailers like REI and Moosejaw. It is like ebates for active folks! Check ebates, too, and compare. Sometimes ebates has double cash back deals, too.
- Check discount online running shops like Holabird Sports, Running Warehouse and Kelly’s Running Warehouse.
- Keep an eye on curated fitness sale sites like The Clymb and Leftlane Sports. They offer 72 hour sales on great active brands. You have to act fast – they sell-out quickly.
- Try daily deal sites like Groupon Goods and Zozi for great gear choices.
- Get great deals on last season’s items and closeouts from sites like Sierra Trading Post. Sign up for their email list and create an account for great additional discounts. They frequently offer last season or overstock items discounted and then coupons for an additional savings. They also have great deals on clothes for fitness and travel and a very good return policy.
- No matter what, before you buy, do a google search for promotions or deals to be sure that you are getting the best deals.
As I mentioned on Sunday, I am shaking things up on the blog with some feedback from my readers. I have not been getting a ton of love on my Friday Finds deals posts, so I am not going to post a list of weekly deals. I will post great deals when I find them and may have a monthly list of awesome deals or special posts for holidays with ideas and deals. We’ll see! If you want deals weekly, please tell me so in the comments or fill out my survey for a chance to win a Lumo Lift or Jawbone UP.
What are you up to this weekend? Have a great one!