When I started training for this 5k in June, just 2 weeks away by the way, I soon realized that I need these three items to keep me motivated and keep me moving.

First, I knew I have some knee problems from running in the past, so I used the handy-dandy knee wrap.  I picked this up from the Dollar Tree and it works great.  They also have ankle wraps as well.  You just slip it on, and go.  This has been a saving grace for me as my runs have gotten longer.  Another tip along those lines is to never NEVER run on concrete (i.e. – sidewalks); run on either natural surfaces (like on a trail in a local park) or on ashphault (just watch out for cars if you are running along the street like I do).

Second, I needed my music – but couldn’t stand the earbuds as they would constantly fall out!  That was distracting, and also irritated the skin in my ear.  I almost felt that soars were forming from the constant friction of them falling out and me pushing them back into place.  And then I came across these bad boys – clip-on mini speakers.  Again, I found these at the Dollar Tree and I’m in L-O-V-E.  They are loud enough so I can hear my music, and still hear my surroundings, like cars approaching.

And lastly, I needed some company.  NuNu to the rescue!  Every morning when she sees that I’m putting on my running gear and not my work clothes – she is at the door waiting for me to put her leash on.  Otherwise, this chic would be in the bed still   Sometimes I have to pull her to keep going, and sometimes she pulls me along.  I don’t know what I’ll do without her at the actual 5k