Brooks Running | TooTallFritz

Christmas may not be on your mind but it is on the mind of some, myself included. I’ve been asked to identify a few of my favorite things as a few ladies I know are starting to pen their Christmas lists.

My current absolute favorite thing is the new ~~GPS Running Watch for Dummies~~ Garmin Forerunner 10. At $129, I believe that this is the best bang for your buck on the GPS Running Watch market. I own the green one. Aby put a pink one on her Christmas list. This is a simple device that doesn’t create a mountain of data ~~that you don’t have time to study anyhow~~ out of your run. What you do get is a constant update of your time, pace and distance. There is also a virtual pacer, which will tell you that you are ~~constantly~~ behind, ahead or on your desired pace.

Aurelia & I’s run last night is below. We both had tired legs and were talking non-stop but damn we were consistent!

Smallest, most comfortable GPS watch on the market for women.
It fits my arm very well and I can actually wear the watch all day long.
Looks somewhat fashionable in a casual sense.
Uploads to the Garmin Connect, shows a map of the run, plus mile splits (but I personally can’t get it to connect to Daily Mile).
Device records 7 runs before overwriting, so don’t be lazy about uploading or you’ll lose the data ~~if you care~~.
Device records “Run Records” for the fastest mile, 5K, 10K, Half, & Full marathon.
Auto pause feature which pauses the time/pace/gps when you need to hit the bathroom/stretch then it automatically starts back up when you get moving again.

Second, you know I love the Wrist Saver (starting at $12.95) from Personal Savers. They are currently running a Facebook Special for the next 3 days and if you buy a Personal Saver product, you get a free (refill) bottle of pepper spray. Discount Code: FB-FREE-PEPPER

Third, Whooha Gear products. I love the things I own in addition to their message. I did a recent post and giveaway HERE. This purple I Run Burnout Hoodie for $40 is on my Christmas list. I’m hoping that Santa buys me a large using the 10% off coupon code: TTFWhooha

Fourth, another wish list item of mine is this pair of Keen – Laken High Boots that I have been ~~stalking~~ “watching”. At $190, they are a bit outside my budget ~~and probably Santa’s~~ but hey, this is a WISH list, so I can wish! Plus, with our cold, windy Chicago winters, I think I actually NEED a pair of these or at least that’s what I’ll be telling Santa. 🙂

If Santa can’t afford the Keen Laken’s above, then my second choice which ~~isn’t that much cheaper~~ would be these Keen Sunriver High Boots at $130. These cute purple boots (more color options) also just so happen to match the purple I Run Burnout Hoodie that’s also on my list.

Last but not least, I have several new favorites from Brooks Running. Aby and I have the Nightlife Essential LS 1/2 Zip for $65. It’s bright, plus very soft and has a great fit. There are other color options if you’re not into pink. I wore it for the Hot Chocolate race and I think it helped others pick me out of that massive crowd, see the ~~crappy lit~~ photo below. 🙂

The Brooks Pure Cadence are another favorite at $120. I have two pair of these (different colors) but I prefer the bright pink color. These aren’t my training shoes but I love them for short races! They are cute, flashy and they are comfortable enough to wear all day long if necessary. Win, Win!

Since running makes me happy, I’m of course drown to the Brooks Run Happy campaign. Therefore, I grabbed one of the EZ T LS Run Happy shirts off the women’s sale section for $23. They have several color options but I picked the orange.

Always remember when shopping online to first check the sale, clearance or last chance sections before making a final decision. You can get a lot of great deals in the sale section and save some serious cash!

Good luck making your wish list! Remember your blessings and do your best to not get swept up in Holiday Fever. I personally pledge to limit my holiday spending to fit within my budget. I pledge to cut back on a few expenses now in order to have a cash Christmas so as not to have extra debt hanging over my head at the start of the new year. I pledge to remember my local charities/food pantries this holiday season and throughout the year.

I wish each and every one of you a joy filled, healthy and happy holiday season!

** Happy Holidays ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

This was a great weekend but certainly one that has been in the planning for many months. It’s was Chicago Marathon weekend but alas, I wasn’t going to be able to have much marathon “fun” so I was ecstatic when Maggie’s PR contact at Brooks Running hooked us up with an opportunity to meet Desi Davila at the expo on Friday night.

Me, Sara, Jeni, Desi, Maggie & Kelly

After our initial intro, Brooks performed a gait analysis for each of us and recommended shoes. I’m currently in a light stability shoe (guidance shoe in Brooks terminology) and apparently that was right on target. They recommended I choose between the Brooks Ravenna or Pure Cadence ~~which I already own x2~~.

While we were taking turns for gait analysis Desi hung out and chatted with us. She was very ~~tiny~~ shy, cool, down to earth and didn’t seem to mind hanging out. She too is on the injured list so that was our main topic of conversation when I was personally talking with her. She is currently on total rest but plans to return to training soon.

I’ve been a Desi fan for quite some time, probably before she was on the radar for most, specifically because she trains close to Chicago and has ran the Chicago Marathon a few times. So I was excited to meet her and happy to have had the opportunity. Thanks, Maggie. Thanks, Brooks Running. Thanks, Desi for coming out to spend a bit of time with us. Thanks to whoever stuffed the goodie bag with this amazing Brooks Infinity Wind Shirt:

We were also introduced to a few gear testers from Brooks and hit the lakefront with them for a run. Although we only ran a few miles, it was so much fun to meet other local runners and spend some time doing our favorite thing…..running!

After the expo fun, I was off for my busy weekend. Aby had sectionals on Saturday morning. She ran her heart out but didn’t qualify for state. She hit the hills like a pro and pretty much pushed the entire race and was very happy afterwards. It wasn’t an easy race or an easy sectional and I’m super proud of my baby girl for giving it her all this season. Now time for her to rest a bit and run some local 5Ks with her momma. 🙂

After ~~freezing our bums off at~~ sectionals, we were on the road to Indiana for my High School 20 year class reunion.

I had lots of fun & enjoyed spending time with my classmates. However, I was honestly a “bit” sad that I was in Indiana instead of Chicago on Marathon Weekend. I even got up ~~very~~ early on Sunday morning to look for the marathon on tv but nothing. I tried to stream it live on my phone but nothing. However, I did manage to receive the runner tracking and Facebook updates!

Since I couldn’t be there in person, my girl April took the time to make a “Flat Fritz” just to make sure that I got to go, enjoy the atmosphere and encourage the members of our F’N Running Club. It was hysterical, very sweet and absolutely made me feel like I was part of their day! Thanks, April!

Flat Fritz & April April, Flat Fritz in backpack & Kim