• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

Guest Post: Heidi

March 5, 2011 | Uncategorized

 

Due to the fact that I am probably watching movers load up a truck in the rain as you are looking for a new post, I decided another guest post was in order! Please welcome Heidi! I will be back tomorrow or Monday with pictures! Have a great weekend!

Figuring out what works for YOU!

Hi! This is Heidi – the wannabe runner behind run-around-aroo. I jumped all over the chance to write a guest post for Heather here at Running with Sass…so here I am!

 Best named snowboard run ever!

I like to consider myself a runner although I’m not exactly speedy, I am definitely not an expert and I am just as likely to have a crappy run as I am to have a stellar one. See…I truly live the life of a wannabe!

Basically I am pretty average but I give myself a lot of credit for trying! I’m such a believable wannabe I’ve even managed to talk The Husband into competing in a dualthon relay with me!

 Chris and I – Minneapolis Duathlon – August 28, 2010

I have spent the last three years of my life trying to figure out works for me with running – awesome-sauce shoes, fanny pack fuel belts, and overpriced gadgets. Since you are all the dedicated readers of a running blog I thought I’d let you in on some not-so-secret secrets that I discovered along the way!

First…the most important thing to [most] runners – SHOES! If you run in shoes they are a pretty big deal for you. If you don’t…well, my advice is of no use to you as I’ve always run with shoes, sorry!

In the past I have suffered through insane shin splints and bloody gross toenails because of my shoes – not any more! I have finally found shoes that I love. I have not had shin splints in years *knock on wood* and although I have lost the occasional toenail it is not bloody and painful like in the past.

 

 Saucony Ride & Mizuno Wave Rider 13

Finding my beloved running shoes was not easy. Actually, it is a lot like trying to find a guy worth spending time with…I excitedly picked out a pretty pair of shoes that felt good, took them to the gym for a trial run and then dejectedly returned them to the store. The process was frustrating but eventually I won out!

My very credible advice…

– Don’t be afraid to try out multiple running stores in your area – if your options are limited do what you can with what you have…my closest “running store” is 1.5 hrs away, but I race in that area a lot so I stop by then.

– Grill the “experts” that are selling you shoes. Don’t hesitate to talk to different people at the same store – everyone has their own take on things and you’ll get valuable information!

– Make 110% positive they will let you return your shoes if they don’t work out in the next week or so. Try out your shoes out on a treadmill, indoor track or very clear, paved bike path. If they don’t feel just right don’t be afraid to take them back and try out another pair!

– Once you find a pair of shoes you love…buy online! Usually shoes are cheaper online, especially at the beginning of the year when last year’s model is no longer on store shelves. I just bought my second pair of Mizunos online!

The new Mizunos survived their first trial run!

When I found my shoes it was a fast and hard fall into true love. Figuring out what worked for me in terms of carrying along water and food on my runs is a whole different story. I am still trying to figure out what works the best for me! There are just so many options out there!

– Stash water and gel/chews along your route. This can work pretty well if you know your route in advance. I tend to get bored and want to check out a new, interesting neighborhood so this didn’t work too well for me! It also weirds me out to drink for a water bottle that has been sitting all alone behind a random tree…

– Wear pants with a wide waistband. Sounds odd, but if I need to carry just my phone and maybe a baggie of treats I fold them into my waist band. Works great, I promise!

– Bribe you husband/friend/mother to bike alongside you on longer runs. Ideally they will be good company and a source of water and food. This works pretty good with my mother (she even has a basket on the front of her bike!), but The Husband gets bored and ditches me…

– Carry the necessities on your body. This works the best for me. I’ve carried a water bottle in hand but it was just annoying the entire run! I own a fancy dancy Nathan Hydration Belt  and it does the trick. I don’t wear it like a normal person but it works great for holding two little water bottles, various snacks, house key, etc.

My blue Nathan belt also works great as part of my Monster Dash costume…

 Pre-race at Team Ortho’s Monster Dash Half

As for what type fuel you take on the run with you…that is all trial and error, and sometimes the error really sucks, so don’t go trying new things during a race!

I am still trying to figure out what to do for fueling on my runs – I’ve tried Gu, Chomps, Hammer Gel, Sports Beans, etc. and pretty much hate them all! The gels feel gross in my mouth and the chewier options are so sweet they hurt my teeth. I pretty much gave up…until recently!

 

Honey Stingers

Thanks to my Holiday Blogger Exchange gift from Shannon at A Better Me  I have discovered Honey Stingers and they are amazing! They are small enough to chew while running, they taste like “healthy” fruit snacks and they don’t hurt my teeth! I love them…seriously, if you are struggling to find a fuel while running check out Honey Stingers.

Now, just in case you haven’t already spent you entire year’s earnings on astronomical race fees and every other “must have” do-dad in the running world let’s talk about all of the crazy running gadgets out there…namely GPS.

Most importantly…do you really need a GPS device to run? Heck no! Does having a small computer strapped to your wrist make calculating/pacing/tracking easier? Yay, most likely.

 My very own wrist computer!

For my first 2.5 years of running I made do without any form of GPS. I wore a cheapo sports watch from Target (which I still wear, every.single.day) and I used mapmyrun.com to figure out how far I went. I had to remember street names and I know that sometimes I just guessed (I really zone out running) but it worked for me…for 2.5 years!

Just this past year I caved and bought myself a Garmin 305 for my birthday…I even let The Husband sign the imaginary card so he could feel special.

 So excited it finally arrived…at work!

I love my Garmin. Yes, it is pretty big and sometimes it takes f.o.r.e.v.e.r to locate satellites but it is so nice to know my pace/distance/HR instantly. No more doing math while running! Yes!

So…I have shared with you all of the wisdom I have. I recommend you take it for exactly what it is…wisdom from a wannabe. I’m still working on figuring out who I am as a runner and what works for me but I know it helped me to read about other people’s adventures. I hope I was of some help to you!

If you have to give one little tidbit of advice that you learned while “finding yourself” as a runner what would it be?

And if you are looking for me wisdom feel free to come visit me over at run-around-aroo. I have a whole plethora of random facts to throw out…and of course “interesting” stories about my life as a runner, wife and cat parent!

 The Cat…Frederick!

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sign up for my newsletter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Savannah @ seesavannahmarathon says

    March 5, 2011 at 4:05 pm

    Great guest post! I have the same issues with fuel options – I need to try those stingers!

    • heidi @ runaroundaroo says

      March 6, 2011 at 12:34 pm

      The Honey Stingers are amazing! I have to order mine online but it is worth it!

  2. Karen says

    March 5, 2011 at 11:15 pm

    Love that 80’s outfit!! I’m going to have to try the honey stingers! :0)

    • heidi @ runaroundaroo says

      March 6, 2011 at 12:35 pm

      I think that 80’s get up is the most fun to race in – you get great comments from other runners! 😉

      And definitely try to Honey Stingers – they are great!

  3. Lily's Health Pad says

    March 7, 2011 at 1:49 pm

    Yay! A fellow cat parent. Frederick is such a great cat name! Very distinguished. My family has had an Irvin, a Beatrice, and an Earl.

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. 🙂

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • 5 Reasons to Try a New Way of Travel
  • Experience Superhero-Sized Fun at Gaylord Opryland DC Summer
  • Digital Nomads: Safely Working Remotely While You Roam
  • Tips for Surviving (and Thriving) as a Travel Ball Mom
  • Protecting Your Kids’ Eyes In the Digital Age

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
We have been having a great June so far! We recent We have been having a great June so far! We recently spent some time in Pigeon Forge at @dollywood and @downtownflavortown, two of our faves. 

If you haven’t been to either, add them to your list! Dollywood has tons of great rides and shows (we are season pass holders so go often!) and Downtown Flavortown has amazing food, an arcade and duck pin bowling. They were kind enough to have us come visit and eat with them. 

Are you going anywhere fun this summer? 

#dollywood #downtownddlavortown #pigeonforge
From workout mode to errand mode 💪➡️🛒 th From workout mode to errand mode 💪➡️🛒 these Yvette Sports pieces do it all. Ad 

✅ Inclusive sizing
✅ Multiple color options
✅ Perfect for busy moms on the go

Whether you’re hitting the gym or just chasing your to-do list, you’ll feel supported and confident.

Check out the 🔗 in my bio to shop! Use code Heather20 to get 20% off at the 🔗! 

 #YvetteSports #MomLifeStyle #AthleisureGoals
Tiny home + lake views + s’mores = the perfect T Tiny home + lake views + s’mores = the perfect Tennessee weekend 🌲🔥🏡
We spent a few days at Natchez Trace (part of @thousandtrails), and it was exactly what we needed—peaceful, fun, and full of charm. #100daysofcamping 

We stayed in the cutest little tiny house (shoutout to “Sadie” from @petite.retreats!), and filled our time with:
✨ Lake strolls
⛳️ Mini golf showdowns
🏀 Basketball games
🔥 Campfire s’mores
🦆 duck feeding
…and plenty of unplugged moments together 💛

This spot truly has it all—whether you’re glamping, RVing, or just looking for a getaway that blends nature and comfort.

🎥 Press play for a peek at our cozy stay and all the memories we made at this beautiful campground!

AD #NatchezTrace #ThousandTrails #PetiteRetreats #FamilyTravel #TinyHomeLiving #TennesseeTravel #GlampingVibes
😎 90’s summer loading….. If you grew up in 😎 90’s summer loading…..

If you grew up in the 90’s like me, you know we had THE BEST summers. They were simple, but magical. Yes sometimes we got bored and fought with our friends, but the freedom and fun was so memorable. 

In today’s world of screen time and filling every second of the day with “fun” for our kids so they never have to be bored, it makes me sad that they won’t experience what we did. So I am trying to recreate a 90’s summer the best way I can.

Will we still travel? Of course, it’s my job. But when we are home, I’m not filling every second with fun. I’m making her figure it out. Read a book. Do some chores. Then just…go. Play. Be a ten year old while I work. Then in the evenings we can play some more, together, while I tell stories of all the crazy and fun things I did as a kid during those special 90’s summers. ☀️ 🩷

#90ssummer #summerideas #summerideasforkids #carefreesummer
✨Celebrating 70 years of Disneyland magic!✨ W ✨Celebrating 70 years of Disneyland magic!✨ 
We made it extra special by booking through Apple Vacations, which bundled our trip into one easy, affordable package — total game changer for planning a family trip! 🏰💫 (ad)

From thrilling rides to fairy-tale moments, this trip was everything we hoped for and more. If you’re thinking about going during the 70th anniversary, this is the time to do it! 🎉

📲 Link in bio to check out @applevacations and start planning your own magical getaway!

#Disneyland70 #AppleVacations #FamilyTravel #DisneyMagic #PackageDealPerfection #whereyourstorystarts #disneyland70th
Having a tween is SO much fun. 😆 #tween #tween Having a tween is SO much fun. 😆

#tween #tweenlife #tweenslang #thisisten @theprincessek
Steal my 48-hour Pigeon Forge itinerary 🗺️☀ Steal my 48-hour Pigeon Forge itinerary 🗺️☀️
We stayed at @countrycascadeswaterparkresort so my kid could splash nonstop at the new indoor waterpark 💦—then packed our days with:

🏴‍☠️ Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay @skypiratesgolf 
❄️ Pigeon Forge Snow @pigeonforgesnow 
🍽️ A meal at The Old Mill @theoldmilltn 
✨ Play at @wonderworks_tn 
🚀 Space Race Adventures @spaceraceadventurestn 
🎡 Unlimited rides at The Island with a 48-hour wristband @theislandpf 
🦖 See free animatronic dinos at Jurassic Adventure at The Island
🕹️ Play at the arcade while you’re there
🌍 Soar across America at SkyFly @skyflypf 

So much family fun packed into two days! 
👉🏻Save this for your next summer getaway to @mypigeonforge 

#MyPigeonForgePartner #mypigeonforge #FamilyTravelItinerary #PigeonForgeWithKids #summervacation

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

%d