Three of Tiff's Favorite Things...
Are you ever curious about the staff’s favorite items in Terra? While we love and stand behind all of the products we sell, as individuals, we like some things more than others.
Read on to find out what three things are currently Tiff’s favorite!
Nuun Electrolyte Hydration tubes: “Most people know that I am obsessed with Nuun. I sweat out a lot of electrolytes (even when I am not exercising) so these tabs have been a real lifesaver for me. I never travel without carrying some with me and I take one at the first sign of cramps or a headache. They dissolve easily into water and have a much more complete electrolyte profile compared to something like Gatorade or Powerade all with only 15 calories a tab (they are naturally sweetened).”
Brooks Distance Tee: “I love the material of this shirt. It is made up of 50% poly and 50% cotton so it is a nice blend of moisture wicking without feeling or looking like shiny tech fabric. For a shirt that looks good and is both light and breathable, the Brooks Distance tee is the way to go. Pro tip: it looks especially sharp with a pair of the Chaser or Sherpa shorts in a complementing color!”
Nathan Reusable Race Day Cups: “I first discovered the concept of a reusable cup when I was training for an ultra trail race that required runners to carry one. It turns out they are amazing! With a firmer piece of plastic at the rim and a thin silicone body they roll up or fold down into a tiny footprint, perfect for stuffing into your pocket or running belt. When I don't feel like carrying a water bottle, I will bring one of these and use it to drink from water fountains along my way. They obviously will only help with hydration if there are places to get water, but they beat carrying a bottle and are better for the environment than using a bunch of aid station cups.”
Three of Brittany's Favorite Things...
Are you ever curious about the staff’s favorite items in Terra? While we love and stand behind all of the products we sell, as individuals, we like some things more than others.
Read on to find out what three things are currently Brittany’s favorite!
Brooks Glycerin GTS 20 Stealthfit: “Not only do these Brooks stability shoes feel soft, light, and supportive, but they look great! The white ‘Stealthfit’ is a knit upper that looks stylish, matches any outfit, and is breathable and cute on a run! I ran a marathon in these in September.”
Brooks Method 8 in. short: “I never knew how much I loved compression shorts until I ran in these. They don’t move, ride up, and there’s no adjusting necessary. I love the huge phone sized pockets on either side as well. I have black because I don’t like to have to decide if my running clothes match or clash. Plus, no sweat stains.”
Terra Crewneck Sweatshirts: “At only $32, these sweatshirts are affordable and super versatile. I wear mine all. the. time. We have a bunch of cool designs so you can stock up on more than one. Come try one on and you’ll understand!”
Book Review of my Favorite Running Books
Originally posted: February 3, 2021
Part of the draw of the sport is all there is to learn about running. Besides actually getting out there and hitting the pavement, my favorite thing about running is reading about other runner’s experiences in the sport. Here are some of my favorite running books and why. I have included links to the Bookshop.org listings for the books. Bookshop.org is an online bookstore that supports local and independent bookstores worldwide, so I always choose to order my books there.
Bravey: Chasing Dreams, Befriending Pain, and Other Big Ideas by Alexi Pappas: Ok, this isn’t actually a “review” because I haven’t read this new release yet, but I am so excited to hear from Alexi Pappas. When Pappas was four years old, her mother died by suicide. She admits she has been searching for female role models her whole life, and she has worked hard for everything she’s earned. In 2016, Alexi made her Olympic debut as a distance runner and premiered in her first feature film as an actress. Read along with me and let me know what you think!
Buy it here.
Marathon Woman: Running the Race to Revolutionize Women's Sports by Katherine Switzer: This is the book that helped me fall in love with running. In 1967, Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to officially run what was then the all-male Boston Marathon, infuriating one of the event's directors who attempted to violently eject her. Switzer’s experience as a runner is fascinating, especially considering she was embarking on a sport where women were simply not represented at all. The history of women’s distance running is a short one, and this book reminds us just how far we’ve come.
Buy it here.
Let Your Mind Run: A Memoir of Thinking My Way to Victory by Deena Kastor: I grew up rooting for Deena Kastor in the Olympics and had a signed poster of her on my wall in high school, so I knew I’d be reading her book when it was released a few years ago. I didn’t expect to be so interested in the sports psychology that she taught me and just how much our mind has to do with how well (or not well) we run. This book helped me learn more about how our bodies and minds are connected in activity and everyday life.
Buy it here.
Run to Overcome: The Inspiring Story of an American Champion's Long-Distance Quest to Achieve a Big Dream by Meb Keflezighi: Many of us had the privilege of hearing Meb tell his life story at the Lee University 65 Roses 5k fundraiser dinner a few years ago, or running the 65 Roses 5k with Meb the next day. Meb is the living embodiment of the American dream. His family came to the U.S. to escape poverty and a violent war; 12-year-old Meb spoke no English at the time and had never raced a mile. Thanks to hard work and determination, he excelled academically and became an Olympic silver medalist. This book tells the story of that high, as well as the hard work that came after the Olympics, where he dealt with injury, possible retirement, and ended with him winning the Boston Marathon the year after the devastating bombing.
Buy it here.
Summer Essentials to Keep You Moving
By Brittany Katz
Hot weather is coming; Longer days, blazing sun, and lots of sweat. As runners, walkers, and people who want to be generally active, we have to adapt to the hot southern summer. Here are some of our favorite summer essentials to keep you moving, even on the hottest of days!
Body Glide: No matter where chafing happens, you can use Body Glide. Toes, heals, arms, thighs, chest; you name it, Body Glide can help! Body Glide products help prevent rubbing that causes irritation, rash, chafing, blisters and raw skin. They are non-oily, invisible and blend into your skin. They stand up to sweat, humidity and water, and your skin breathes even as perspiration escapes. We have tiny tubes, great for that tiny pocket in your shorts, or a whole stick that will last you all summer and beyond.
Run’s Done car seat cover: Save your vehicle’s seats from post-workout sweat with the Run’s Done seat cover. Blue, red, or grey, these covers are easy to use, the non-slip drops on the back stick to your seat, and they’re washable. Nothing is worse than getting back in your car dripping with sweat. Cover your seat and ride without worries.
Headsweats running hat: Our white, blue, and green classic running hat are a staple for any summer warrior! These performance hats are so lightweight you’ll forget you have it on. The visor protects your face and eyes from the sun. They’re quick drying with an adjustable strap in the back for a universal fit. Click HERE to purchase.
Goodr sunglasses: These sunglasses are THE best. At $25 and $35 depending on the size, these polarized glasses are made for being active in the sun. They don’t bounce and won’t move around even when you’re running! At this price, you can afford to get 2 or 3 pairs for your car, your runs, and your night out with friends.
What are your favorite summertime accessories? Comment below and let us know!
Book Review of my Favorite Running Books
By Brittany Katz
Part of the draw of the sport is all there is to learn about running. Besides actually getting out there and hitting the pavement, my favorite thing about running is reading about other runner’s experiences in the sport. Here are some of my favorite running books and why. I have included links to the Bookshop.org listings for the books. Bookshop.org is an online bookstore that supports local and independent bookstores worldwide, so I always choose to order my books there.
Bravey: Chasing Dreams, Befriending Pain, and Other Big Ideas by Alexi Pappas: Ok, this isn’t actually a “review” because I haven’t read this new release yet, but I am so excited to hear from Alexi Pappas. When Pappas was four years old, her mother died by suicide. She admits she has been searching for female role models her whole life, and she has worked hard for everything she’s earned. In 2016, Alexi made her Olympic debut as a distance runner and premiered in her first feature film as an actress. Read along with me and let me know what you think! https://bookshop.org/books/bravey-chasing-dreams-befriending-pain-and-other-big-ideas/9781984801128
Marathon Woman: Running the Race to Revolutionize Women's Sports by Katherine Switzer: This is the book that helped me fall in love with running. In 1967, Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to officially run what was then the all-male Boston Marathon, infuriating one of the event's directors who attempted to violently eject her. Switzer’s experience as a runner is fascinating, especially considering she was embarking on a sport where women were simply not represented at all. The history of women’s distance running is a short one, and this book reminds us just how far we’ve come. https://bookshop.org/books/marathon-woman-running-the-race-to-revolutionize-women-s-sports-revised/9780306825651
Let Your Mind Run: A Memoir of Thinking My Way to Victory by Deena Kastor: I grew up rooting for Deena Kastor in the Olympics and had a signed poster of her on my wall in high school, so I knew I’d be reading her book when it was released a few years ago. I didn’t expect to be so interested in the sports psychology that she taught me and just how much our mind has to do with how well (or not well) we run. This book helped me learn more about how our bodies and minds are connected in activity and everyday life. https://bookshop.org/books/let-your-mind-run-a-memoir-of-thinking-my-way-to-victory/9781524760762
Run to Overcome: The Inspiring Story of an American Champion's Long-Distance Quest to Achieve a Big Dream by Meb Keflezighi: Many of us had the privilege of hearing Meb tell his life story at the Lee University 65 Roses 5k fundraiser dinner a few years ago, or running the 65 Roses 5k with Meb the next day. Meb is the living embodiment of the American dream. His family came to the U.S. to escape poverty and a violent war; 12-year-old Meb spoke no English at the time and had never raced a mile. Thanks to hard work and determination, he excelled academically and became an Olympic silver medalist. This book tells the story of that high, as well as the hard work that came after the Olympics, where he dealt with injury, possible retirement, and ended with him winning the Boston Marathon the year after the devastating bombing. https://bookshop.org/books/run-to-overcome-the-inspiring-story-of-an-american-champion-s-long-distance-quest-to-achieve-a-big-dream-enlarged/9781496402370
Brittany's Favorite Things
By Brittany Katz
Terra Running Company is basically a curated store of all of my favorite things! As the buyer for footwear, apparel, and all of our accessories, I get to stock up on all the running gear I think is the best of the best! That being said, I do have some favorites of my favorites I’d love to share with you.
The Brooks Bedlam 3 is beautiful and functional. My fav!
1. Brooks Bedlam 3: This is my go-to running shoe and has been for a few years. I love the DNA Amp midsole, which is a bit firmer but returns the energy back up to my legs as I run on hard road surfaces. I am obsessed with the knit upper that fits like a sock and it so stylish. It never moves, which is fabulous because nothing is worse than stopping mid-run to fix the tongue on your shoe.
2. Garmin Forerunner 245 Music: Garmin makes the best GPS watches, hands down. The GPS is accurate, the heart rate is always recording and you can watch it live, and the durability is second to none. My current favorite model is the Forerunner 245 Music, which is sporty, not too big for my tiny wrist, and holds up to 500 song files on the watch. I download workout playlists from Spotify right onto my watch and pair it with my Bluetooth headphones, and I’m able to head right out the door without my phone. I love switching the bands from pink silicone for running to brown leather when I dress up.
3. Pro Hair Ties: Me and Sue discovered these hair ties at a running trade show last year, and we were hooked! They’re the only hair ties I use now, even when I’m not running. We have lots of colors to match any outfit, and they look like a bracelet when on your wrist. There is a small plastic hook that you undo to take the hair tie out without having to yank out your hair. It’s brilliant, and makes me wonder every day why I didn’t invent these myself!
4. Stroopwaffles: These waffles are made by Gu, so they have all the properties of running nutrition, but they’re also so tasty I eat one with my morning coffee. If you can’t force down a gel on your run, or need a quick snack after work and before your run, Gu’s Stroopwaffles are the way to go. My favorite flavor is Smores.
Sue’s Favorite Things
By Sue Joyner
Here at Terra Running Company, it’s pretty difficult to find something you don’t like. With such a wide variety of shoes, apparel, and accessories I’m always able to find what I need. While all of our items are sure to please in quality, there are a few items that I simply cannot live without. One item in particular is the Women’s Brooks Chaser 5’’ short. I love these shorts because the waistband fits similarly to a legging, not too tight, but feels secure and comfortable. The material is light, extremely breathable and moisture wicking so you’re sure to have an easy breezy run. In the summertime, I live in these shorts, rotating between several pairs, you'll often find me running, working, kayaking or walking my dog in these amazing shorts.
Another item I have fallen in love with this year at Terra Running Company is the Brooks running shoe called the Transcend 7. The Transcend 7 is a stability shoe that has guide rails in the midsole to help my foot from pronating, guiding my foot to have a straighter heel-to-toe motion. The cushion is the perfect balance of plushness with a spring back in every step. Working long hours on my feet most days, as well as being a runner, this shoe has saved me from throbbing or aching feet. When these shoes are paired with the snug, breathable Feetures Light Cushion socks, my runs have never been so comfortable!
Finally, one item that has been a consistent life saver and an absolute necessity is my green Trigger Point Grid foam roller! Foam rolling serves as a deep tissue massage for any muscle groups that may be feeling sore or fatigued. By foam rolling, you are loosening up tight muscles and fascia in areas that you require a high demand of activity. This allows the body to respond by reducing trigger points, or knots, in the overworked muscles, as well as speeding up the recovery process. Those who foam roll often, should see an improvement in their body’s range of motion, muscle soreness and flexibility.
These items have been game changers in regards to my training cycles, and activities of daily living. When I go for a run in my breezy Brooks Chaser 5’’ shorts, plush and springy Transcend 7’s, moisterwicking Light Cushion Feetures, and foam roll afterwards, I feel like my life couldn’t get much better. These have become essential to my running experience and serve me in my daily life. Come see us at Terra Running Company and we would love to introduce you to items you simply can’t live or run without!!!