Running Expos

In addition to running the Princess half marathon bright and early Sunday morning, I am also looking forward to the Fit for a Princess Expo held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports.  I love to shop and OMG there is so much running stuff to buy!  This is also where packet pick-up will be, so I have to go.  I am not even sure what I will be looking for, but I am sure I will find something!

My first expo was at packet pick-up for the Gasparilla 5K last year in Tampa and I was totally amazed by all the vendors and their running goods!  The first piece of running gear I bought was a pink running hat that said “Will run for wine”.  Perfect for me, right?  I bought it at the One More Mile booth.   

They have hilarious sayings on their items:

In my dreams, I’m a Kenyan

Slow miles are better than no miles

My sport is your sport’s punishment

I’m only doing this so I can post a picture on Facebook

… and on and on and on, they have so many good sayings! 

I am not a huge fan of running in a hat, but I have used mine a few times. It comes in especially handy on rainy days.

My first running purchase & my favorite GU gel packs

I also bought a pair of socks that said “It’s all about the finish”… because really it is.  I don’t run these races to win them, I just like being a part of the upbeat atmosphere, having fun and the competition I feel with myself to try and improve on different things each race.

My most recent running purchase was last month at the expo for the ING Miami half marathon.  I bought an Armpocket and I totally love it!  I use it for the longer runs and it holds my GU energy gel packs.  For the Princess half, I’ll use 3 packets of GU, one 15 minutes before the race, one at mile 5 and one at mile 10.  This worked well for my long a couple weeks back, so I will give it a go on race day.  My favorite GU flavors are Espresso Love and Jet Blackberry.

My Armpocket - love it!

What is some of your favorite running gear?  Do you use GU or other energy gels?