What I'm Loving: Running Edition

As I mentioned in this post, I am attempting to train for a half marathon in October. I am happy to report that since I signed up, I have only missed one training day on the schedule that I am following. The longest run I've done is 5.4 miles, but I feel good about that since I still have 3 months to go!

Here are some of my current favorite running-related products...

I love to take Thatcher with me whenever I can - he loves to be outside, and it intensifies the work out. I am thrilled with our BOB Revolution and highly recommend this stroller for jogging. The BOB Revolution SE Single Stroller, Black makes me excited to run every day!

The only thing that is somewhat annoying is that you have to buy the Bob Handlebar Console for Single Strollers, Black separately, but I love that it can hold 2 water bottles, my keys and phone. I always run with my phone now that I have a baby in tow.
 

When Thatcher gets tired of the scenery, he entertains himself with the Manhattan Toy Baby Whoozit This is honestly a great toy for babies, and we always bring it on our runs because it's a favorite right now.
 
 

 
My new favorite gadget is the Nike+ iPod system. Some friends told me about it, and it is pretty much the coolest thing ever. You get a chip to put in your shoe, and it basically tracks your distance and pace. It syncs with your iPod (or iPhone) so that you can easily see - and, get this - HEAR your progress. Yes, it talks to you. Amazing motivation! You can tell it "I want to run 5 miles" and then it will inform you as to where you are against that goal. You can also program a "power song" (mine is totally Encore) to play when you are dragging. For runners like me that sometimes like to meander and try new routes, the ability to have open-ended workouts like "tell me when I have hit 6 miles" is fabulous! Then you can upload it all to the Nike website and chart your performance if you want (better yet, if you have an iPhone, it talks to the Nike website automatically, which is insane).
 

The website says that you have to have Nike+ shoes to use the chip, but that's not true. You can buy the Marware Sportsuit Sensor Case for Nike + iPod Sport Kit for iPod nano 3G (Black) and use it instead.

Last but not least, I am loving all of my Thriv workout gear. My favorite shirt is the Cape Elizabeth Racerback - I know that a ton of companies tell you that you won't feel the sweat in their products, but I swear that this one works. The material is the softest stuff you have ever touched, and it keeps you insanely dry. Considering that I am running in 90 degree heat and close to 100% humidity, that is saying something. I am a huge fan of their workout clothes. Plus, they are based in New Orleans, so I love supporting a local and growing company.
 

I also recently tried their biking shorts, and they are great, too.

 
The husband has a few of these shirts, and he literally does not take them off. He works out in them, he lounges in them, he sleeps in them (for real).
 

 
Now I just need suggestions for music. My iPod is seriously outdated (In Da Club, anyone?) and I could use some more recent tunes. Ideas welcome!