A Few of My Favorite Things

Running/ Fitness Apparel

Marathon Sports  - The staff at Marathon Sports knows what they are doing.  They will do a full analysis of gait and comfort before selling you a shoe and if it doesn't work out they will help you find a replacement. They also carry the latest in all the major running brand apparel.  

LuluLemon - When you spend as much time as I do in running/ workout gear, you want it to be cute. I am a huge fan of the groove crop pant for yoga and the run swiftly tops for running.  The long sleeve run swiftly is perfect for the fall - its fitted to keep you warm but the fabric breathes so you don't get uncomfortable once your body temp rises.  

Athleta - This is my go to story for in-between gear.  Stylish threads for being active but not necessarily working out, although I have bought a couple of sports bras there.  I just started shopping at Athleta this summer so I have a few adorable casual dresses.  I'd like to try some of their cold weather running gear.  Stay tuned. 

My running shoes - I'm currently wearing the Saucony Kinvara 3.  I bought the original Kinvara on a whim when they first came out several years ago and I haven't looked back since.  Its a minimal weight shoe but provides enough cushion for long mileage.  I'm usually rotating 3 pairs at any given time and keep them up to about 350 miles. 

Staying Strong/ Healthy

Inner Strength Yoga Studio - To be honest my favorite thing about this studio is that its literally steps from my door BUT I would be a regular even if it wasn't.  The heated vinyasa classes are for all experience levels and the staff is great.  My favorite class is led by Rebecca Pacheco, aka Om Gal.  Stop by and ask to try it out - tell them I sent ya!

Active Release Therapy - Runners are often plagued with overuse injuries and many of them come in the form of adhesion and scar tissue build up which won't allow our muscles to work properly.  Google Active Release Therapy to learn more.  I have found the treatment incredibly effective to stay healthy and injury free.  Here in Boston I go to Khalsa Chiropractic in Cambridge.  

Massage - I didn't get regular sports massages until about three years ago and I have no idea how I survived without it.  Some of my favorite massage therapists in the Boston area are Sarah Coletti at XtremeTeamWorks (good luck getting an appointment but she's worth the wait), Sam Peck at Soarbody in Somerville or if you are on a budget and have limited time head to an Elements Massage.  If you have never experienced a sports massage, be prepared - it's nothing like a Swedish massage, it hurts like hell and you'll feel way better when its over.