I mean that title very literally, as I type this on the last day of my honeymoon. Between the wedding, the move, and the honeymoon, I’ve run maybe 1/3-1/2 of my prescribed mileage the last 4 weeks. Which is totally fine! But I am trying to squeeze out some summer (and fall) PRs, so back to consistency I go. I’m skipping the 1 Mile race on 5/19 because I’m so far from my speedy fitness; will try to find another track mile soon or do the Brooklyn Mile August 7. TBD on the Memorial Day 5K.

I’ve picked up some new gear the last few months so I’ll try to do mini reviews.

Shoes

Brooks Launch 8 – I wore my Launch 6 into the ground since getting them spring 2020 and finally got rid of them this spring (there were of course long running breaks in 2021 where they sat unused). I also had the Launch 4 for a while (2018-2020). Over the years and versions, they increased the drop from 8mm to 10mm. The 8’s were $90 from REI on sale since I missed the Launch 7 sale window last year. These are usually good daily trainers for me, with the occasional long run. The (pink) HOKA Clifton 7 was 2021’s main long run shoe, so we’ll see if the Launches make a return to that purpose or become my main easy/recovery run shoe.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 – I got these from the REI member 20% off spring sale since my top pick (Hoka Clifton 8) did not qualify for the discount. They got great reviews as speedwork shoes from my online running club, as they have a nylon plate (as opposed to more expensive carbon fiber plate). The fit is great in my usual size (full size up from street shoes) and they have been so responsive during my faster work. There was a bit of calf tightness when I first used them, but that’s cleared up since.

The others: I just moved and am very aware of how many running shoes I own when I usually use the same 3-4 pairs most weeks (with the Next% as my race shoe going forward). Some of them have under 200 miles but I just don’t reach for them much anymore (Adidas Boston, Adidas Adios) and others aren’t near 300 miles but just don’t feel responsive anymore (Nike Pegasus) so they might be up on the chopping block. I finally ditched some really old ones (Saucony Ride which I wore for the NYC Marathon in 2018 and kept at the office, Adidas Tempos that had a narrow toe box even for my narrow feet). I guess that just leaves the Hoka Rincon 3s in the hot pink/turquoise (obsessed) and the old Saucony Freedom ISOs (worn during my half marathon PR in 2018) and the specialty trail running shoes and track spikes (which in my defense, were free).

Clothes

Janji – I joined Janji‘s membership collective in spring 2020 because I liked their mission (to provide clean drinking water to communities across the globe), reasonable fee (it was $50 and you got a singlet but is now $25 and you still get the 15% off all product for life, compared to Tracksmith’s pricier and term-limited Hare AC), and was looking for an online sense of connection during the height of Covid. They also sold bandanas which we all thought might be good for running face protection at the time. Times have changed with regard to bandanas and buffs, but I have slowly added more Janji to my wardrobe since. They put out a neat line/artist collaborative last year of reflective stuff and I got a hat and singlet, plus I wear the 4″ Transit Tech shorts for hiking or walking Herbie all the time. One of their new prints really caught my eye and I had to see if I could rock the sports bra/shorts combo in it. I also got a cute tshirt just because. I don’t usually run in tshirts (it’s either long sleeve or tank weather) but I’ll wear it for errands.

I got the same shorts as the photo but with the regular shorter Groundwork Sports Bra since long line bras usually hit me in a weird place because I’m tall. I’m a M in tops and L in bottoms at Janji. The bra works for running, but just barely. I’ll get one of their higher support ones for running and use this one for the gym. The shorts are great; I tend to buy compressive 6″-8″ length shorts like this to fit my phone and also avoid thigh chafing. I love how the colors and prints work together and definitely want to wear the full kit with my brightest shoes (the afore-mentioned Hoka Rincon 3). They also have a singlet in this print!

Tracksmith – I’ve ordered fairly regularly from Tracksmith since 2018. I love the long-sleeved wool harriers and run/live in them throughout winter. I had a couple of singlets from their Van Cortland fabric and wasn’t a huge fan (though I love my VC Grand shorts from last year) and am still experimenting with their other offerings and fabrics. My latest order was a Session Tank and Lane Five Short Tights, neither of which I’ve had before. The tank fits and feels great; super lightweight, generous cut (I’m normally a M in singlets and L in long-sleeves here but went with a L in this top since I got it in ivory). I have so many colorful tops but not many light colors. The shorts are still untested; my shortest tight shorts are 6″ (Lululemon Fast and Frees) and these are 5″. I’m scared of chafing since I do get it with 6″ sometimes on hot days (again, I’m 5’9 and thicker thighed so 7″-9″ is usually a bit better for me). I might try the Allston Long Shorts next time,

Other Gear

Currently rocking a Garmin 245 and still using my Stryd, but I change all my other stuff up to suit the weather or length of run. My Nathan Speedshot handheld is amazing but I need up go up to my hydration vest if I won’t be near water fountains.