Must Have

Today's blog is a shopping list. These are items you must have on hand if you are training for a race, any race. Obviously there are many things you need for running itself, but this is more of a post run (or race) I-am-dying-help-me kit.

*Wine. Obviously a must have in order to handle aches, pains & the depression running can cause.

*Salon Pas. These band aid like strips are magic! To be applied to sore neck muscles, cramping legs or aching knees. They kick in immediately while you sip your wine.

*Baby Wipes. The amount of salt and grime that settles on your face after a long run is disgusting, but you are often too beat to actually hit the shower in the proper amount of time you should, so baby wipes next to the sofa are necessary for making you feel better while you whine (and wine) about the run to your loved ones.

*Frozen Grapes. There is nothing as refreshing as frozen grapes after a long run...well except for a giant glass of cold white wine, but unfortunately that isn't appropriate at all times of day... I don't know why not...but this is what people tell me.

*Ace Bandage. You should probably have 2 of these because something will hurt and you will need it. I live with one wrapped around either a hamstring or a knee, most of the time. Mine are covered in wine stains.

*Good Toe Nail Clippers. It is essential that you keep your nails short! The probability of loosing a toe nail if you take up running is high, but keeping nails short will help your chances. On the up side, when you DO loose one (or more), they turn wonderful shades of purple that make for fun games like 'match your wine to my toes' for the entire family!

*Band Aids. Blisters are a way of life for running, but if you are a man, you will need them for your nipples. Yep, you will finally understand in a small small way what we ladies go through when we breast feed...bleeding, chaffed nipples. Men tend to cry like babies over this so extra wine will be necessary for them.

*Compression Gear. Compression tights, shorts, shirts, arm sleeves & socks are available and you will need to find what works for you, but at the very least you NEED after run compression socks. Heads up, you need them to be tight to work properly so putting them on and taking them off is a serious work out. Be careful not to knock over your wine glass while struggling with these babies.

*Wine. Did I mention this already?

*Gel Ice Packs. There is a debate about the use of ice applied to swollen areas, but ice applied to your feet after a run is a horrible, but important thing to do. Don't worry, the wine will help distract you from the pain of the ice.

*Chocolate. Seriously, do I need to tell you why?

*Flavor Free Chap Stick. Helps keep the purple marks from forming on the inner part of your lips as you drink copious amounts of wine. Must be flavor/ scent free so as not to impact your wine's flavors and aromas.

*Oregano Oil. THE hot new thing that everyone is talking about. This oil can be taken if you feel like this long run may have left you open to the onset of a cold, help you get over a cold, be applied to cuts and pretty much anything else. Essentially you should have it on hand for anything and everything...bathe in it. It may be as amazing as wine. Well, almost.

If you can't get all these things, obviously wine should be the only thing on the short list.

-Cheers from the Vivác Winery Family!
www.VivacWinery.com