Monday, August 22, 2022

Favorite Summer Must-Haves


It's true, we all have our seasonal favorites when it comes to fitness gear.

The summer season is no exception. While some of these favorites have been around for awhile, in my fitness gear arsenal, there are a few new-to-me discoveries that have been big players this summer.

Care to hear about a few of mine? Read on... 

In no particular order, I give you my Favorite Summer Must-Haves for 2022:

Arm sleeves.
First off, even though it gets hot and steamy in the summer months, it's not always hot and steamy in the wee hours. The majority of my runs take place before, or just during, the sunrise. Without the sun, high overhead, the air can feel quite a bit cooler in those first few miles. I don't typically need an extra layer of clothing, but my arms appreciate a little bit of cover before I've gotten warmed up. For me, arm sleeves are the perfect solution! I wear these not just for running, but they're awesome for biking as well, since the morning air always feels much cooler on wheels.


Brooks Launch GTS 8's running shoes.
While I've been a loyal Adrenaline gal (since August of 2015, thank you very much), I gave the Launch 8's a try a few months ago. Previously, I'd been wearing the Ravenna for many of my shorter runs, and heard they were being replaced with the Launch. I found these Launch GTS 8's for sale, gave them a go, and I have not looked back. Also a stability shoe, they're designed more for "faster" running since they're slightly lighter in weight and have a more flexible sole. Let's just say they've seen a lot of action, and have run a lot of miles, this summer.


Side-pocket biking shorts.
I first discovered these necessities a couple years ago, but my obsession for them exploded last summer. I often wear these shorts for running because those pockets are just too convenient for stashing my phone (or fuel, if we're being practical). In terms of biking, these don't have the "butt" pads that traditional biking shorts have, but one does not need those obnoxious things for every ride. So, yes, more often than not, these are my go-to's for bike rides. If I'm doing an especially long ride (maybe 30+ miles), I'll don the "diaper butt" shorts. Otherwise, these pad-free beauties serve me quite well.
 

Chacos hiking sandals.
I cannot say enough good things about these little beauties. You've seen me wear these for most of my bike rides (no matter the distance, terrain, or bike of choice), but I also wear these for a lot of everyday use. They're hiking sandals, after all. They're designed for support, comfort, traction and durability. The fact that the rubber soles grip the "teeth" of bike pedals most effectively is a nice bonus.


Sunglasses.
A daily necessity, not just in the summer but year-round ,is a pair of sunglasses. Knockaround is my preferred brand (because of their style and price point), but I have a few other brands in my stash of specks as well. I've been told I look young for my age (which is all relative and quite subjective, LOL), but I have to believe it's because I don't have very many wrinkles. Trust me, I'm horribly prone to those inevitable "lines of character," due to my dry and sensitive skin. Needless to say, I've spent the majority of my adult years sporting shades whenever I head outside. I mean why not? Our eyes need protection...why not go bright and colorful with that endeavor?


My new Garmin Forerunner 255!
I hope all of you are sitting or standing on stable ground, because I'm revealing my love for my new wrist candy (I'm even chatting about it on today's Talk To Me Tuesday reel on my Instagram)! I still have a lot to learn about the numerous bells and whistles on my Garmin Forerunner 255, but I am geeking-out (a bit) on this new fitness gadget of mine. At last, I am beginning to see the allure of wearing a watch, such as this, for (almost) every fitness adventure. Don't worry, I'm not wearing it 24/7 yet, nor do I feel the need to "document" every walk I take...but I am wearing it for almost every run, these days, and most of my bike rides, too. Never say never...


So, in a nutshell, these are my current favorite summer must-haves. A few old standbys, and a few new items that became quick favorites. 

A few related posts:

How about you? Do you have any "new" summer favorites for 2022? Have you ever branched out and tried something new...only to be blown away by how much you instantly loved it?

***Disclaimer***
Although I have linked a few items, none of them are affiliate links. I'm just giving you a shortcut to the products' sites should you desire more information.

  I'm linking this with Kim and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Link-Up


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20 comments:

  1. I need a Garmin FR 255!
    Since I learned that it can track open water swims I've always wanted one. I wear my current Garmin 24/7 and I love all the stats. It helps me to get more sleep and to time my workouts better during the week.
    Now, all I need to do is to wait until the current one "breaks"...

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    1. Or maybe you could sell your current one and use the proceeds to get a 255 ;-) I kind of stumbled upon mine...my other one (I'd had it for a long time, and I'd bought it used) died and I needed a watch before my July 4th race. I didn't have many choices, nor did I have the option of ordering one. I'm glad I went with the 255...now if I could just take the time to learn more about all the numerous functions, LOL

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  2. Never say never is a good motto. :) The sandals look interesting, although my feet need more protection when hiking.-- that's always the problem with sandals, everything gets into your feet!

    Of course you know about my love for lots & lots of pockets. :)

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  3. I haven't met a Brooks shoe that I didn't like! The Launches are great. I really like the Ghosts. I thought I needed a support shoe, but apparently I just didn't have the right shoe to run in. And you know how I feel about biking in sandals...

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  4. I'm still on the lookout for good sandals to wear with my "difficult foot"- i've just been wearing running shoes all the time- and these look good! I may have to try them. Oh, and arm sleeves are a great option- not for Florida summers, but something in the winter I'll wear them at the start of a long run if it's a little chilly- because it doesn't stay chilly here for long!

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    1. I love the Chacos! I'd been wearing my Keen "hiking" shoes (?), and these Chacos are so much cooler on a hot day! The treads grip the pedals great for biking, but they're really comfortable (and supportive) for walking.

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  5. I love that a lot of the running shorts and leggings now come with side pockets. It makes it SO much easier to carry the essentials on a run.

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    1. Those pockets are nice! I have a few pairs of leggings with them, too!

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  6. well, you know I love all the sunglasses as well. I have come to love my Garmin as well. I know there are a lot of features I still do not know how to use either but it is fun to discover them. I like having all of my info in my app

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  7. I wear my DIY arm sleeves in all seasons!! Love t hem.

    And sunglasses, baseball caps and pockets in my skirt!!

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    1. I wear my arm sleeves (the "real" ones and the DIY's) year-round, too ;-)

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  8. I’ve never worn arms sleeves but I sure could’ve this morning. It was a bit chilly for me. And the Chacos— I’ve been so tempted, yet something is keeping me from trying them.

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    1. I love my arm sleeves! Even in the winter, I layer them under the other layers. (In case you check back and see this...I was not able to leave a comment on your blog post. I wrote a comment, but didn't see an icon to "publish" it).

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  9. I really like the Launches too! And Knockarounds are my favorite sunglasses. I just got a new pair last week!

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  10. Shorts with pockets are the best! I like them to store my small water bottles. Very convenient. Glad to see you are loving the Launch. I am a fan too but also like the Ghost.

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  11. Funny story: I got the Forerunner 245 the week before they dropped the 255! I'm still happy with my watch though and love all the cool data you can get from it. Shorts with pockets have come in handy for me! My phone fits in the pocket and I don't have to carry a flip belt to stash my phone on runs anymore. One less thing to worry about!

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  12. I will never look at my chamois the same way again. LOL

    Sunglasses are a must all year round for me, too. I don't have any shorts with the side pockets so I still use my SPIbelt. I have old Race Ready shorts that have three pockets across the back that are perfect for fuel, but not designed for phones (I got them before we carried our phones everywhere).

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