Turkey Trot

  Thanksgiving day my family and I went to run in the Turkey Trot 8k. The Turkey Trot is a 8k run that benefits the Kidney Foundation.  For most of us it was our first race ever! We had to get up really early and spend the start of the day freezing outside. Not a typically start to a Thanksgiving day right? But, the excitement of the people around us kept our thoughts away from the cold!  My Mom, little brother and little sisters did the 5k fun run/walk while my older brother, Dad and I ran in the 8k. I had been training for this since we signed up, but I didn't realize how different running by yourself and running among so many other people was! I loved the energy that running with other runners gave me! My Dad and I kept together and I am proud to say that we ran more than we walked!

  Here is us getting ready for the run! My toes and legs were freezing....all until I started running! Then I wanted to take my jacket off because I was getting so warm!

  Mom and my little brother. He wasn't too happy about getting woke up so early, but he was great through the whole thing!

  The morning of the race we didn't have much to eat for breakfast, just something that would give us energy but not make our stomachs too full. I had a yogurt and coffee and I  wasn't hungry or anything until after the race.

  So since this was my first ever race, I  learned a few things. Firstly, make sure that your layers are easy to take off while running. I made the mistake of pinning my race number over the zipper of my jacket so I couldn't take it off too easily. Second, Covering up my ears and hands was a great choice! Like I said in a previous post, its important to keep your ears, face, hands and feet warm!

  The race was a mix of downhill, uphill, through neighborhoods and on highways. I was a little unprepared for this because I had been training going up and down my drive way and on the treadmill. I have made a mental note to change up my training for future races. The race started and the runners were let out in burst, so as to not crowd the running space. I was thankful for this because going around people is not always easy. As we ran through the neighborhoods there were people in front of their houses cheering us on and blasting music to keep us going! There were volunteers who handed us water and called out our times as we past the mile makers.  I was very thankful for those people, and for the running community. Every one was so nice and encouraging no matter what their abilities were!

  Like I said before, this was my first race so obviously I didn't win or finish in very good time. I started out slow and from start to about mile 2 I was still getting warm and I was a little uncomfortable. Once I got warm though I was feeling great and I was able to push a lot harder than normal for me! Running with my Dad was a lot of fun too! We were able to stay together and talk while we ran! We finished in just under an hour ( My older brother's time was 45 or 46 minutes) and afterwards the feeling of relief and pride was wonderful! I had just completed my first race and I was so proud of myself! No, I didn't have great time, but I finished and that in its self is something to be proud of!
After the race we went on to have thanksgiving dinner and I felt at liberty to stuff myself and not worry about it! After all, its thanksgiving!

This post really isn't informational or a healthy tips or anything, its just my take and story from my first race! I hope it inspires you to go out and try something new, run your first race like me or something else! Let me know if you have ever done the Turkey Trot or any other race! What did you think and how long was the race?


Remember to follow me on Pinterest and Keep Healthy and Safe!

H.Banana

Fitness Fashion

Work out clothes and gear are great motivations to work out and stay active! I love getting new work out clothes and then working out in them! Here are my favorite items and brands!

Staring at the bottom with shoes!

You need a good pair or tennis shoes no matter what you are doing! I got mine at www.academy.com and they are Nikes( Academy ). I've had them a few months and I have loved them since day one! If you have a pair of tennis-shoes you love, let me know!
Its important to have a good shoes, so don't be afraid to pay a little extra for them, as long as you are getting what you pay for. Here are a few to look into.

For Training - Training
For Training-  Training
For Running - Running
For Running - Running
Don't just pick a shoe and go, or take my word on it. Do your research, as your friends and find the shoes that is just right for you and your activities. Remember, comfort over style!

Next is sock! I never work out with out socks on because I hate stinking sweaty feet and shoes! Find a pair of socks that are for athletics and make sure they breath well.

Now on to pants/ leggings. In the colder months of the year, if you are going to workout or run outside you are going to want to bundle up a little bit. I don't wear leggings much, but here are a few that I do wear.

This pair from Athleta is great! I love them because there is a little skirt built into I feel a bit more modest. Plus, they are really soft!
Another pair are these from Oldnavy are nice because they are capris and work great for the fall and spring time.
As for pants I usually get them from Target and Old Navy. Most of them aren't even athletic-wear either. You don't have to spend a ton of money on workout clothes, just go for whats comfortable and meet your needs.

Shorts come next. I own several pairs and once again they are mainly from Target and Old Navy. I tend to like longer shorts, but shorter ones are nice for Summer. Here are a few that I have and like:

These from Target
And these, also from Target

Now, we get to Sports Bras. I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a good sports bra. If you have a good one you will enjoy your workout so much better than if you didn't. Here are a few that I like;
This one from Target
This one, also from Target
Another one, this one from Academy

Now we come to a space between bras and shirts, so we combine them! I don't own one of these (Yet!) but I can't wait until I do!
Here is one from Target
Another one from Athleta

Okay, now we come to the tops! I love working out in anything from a tank top to long sleeves! You can really get creative and have fun with this part of the outfit! Here are a few of my favorites!

Athleta , Old Navy , Old Navy , Old Navy

Now, Jackets. I don't tend to wear a lot of jacket when I workout, mainly because when its that cold I workout inside! Let me know if you have a favorite workout jacket though!

Extras:
A few extras I like to have when I work out are as follows (I won't give you links because you can find these tons of places!)
Ear Buds (Why? Music of course!)
Head Band. (The fabric kinds are best to help keep hair out of your face)
Pony Tails (You never know when you might need to tie your hair back! I always have a few with me)
Chap-stick. (No one liked dry, cracked lips!)

So that's about it for my Fitness Fashion. If I have left anything out, please let me know! Also, if you have a favorite workout must have, let me know!

Keep it healthy and Safe!
H.Banana