Friday, May 30, 2014

Living Out of a Bag: What's in YOUR Gym Bag?

I think there comes a point in everyone's training cycle where they feel like they are constantly packing and unpacking their gym bag.  I am definitely feeling that way these days.  My life seems to be a never ending cycle of wet towels, spare underwear & Lara bar wrappers.  Oh the life of a triathlete. 

I'm linking up with Cynthia at You Signed Up For What? (LOVE that blog title), Mar at Mar on the Run and Courtney at Eat Pray Run DC,  for their Friday Five to talk about what's in my gym bag. 


1) First things first.  The bag itself deserves a special mention.  I used to carry another gym bag and my swim team would make fun of me because it was so massive.  I could have packed for a long weekend in that bag (and I have as a matter of fact).  A few months back I saw a couple of bloggers review the Apera performance duffel bag and my interest was piqued.  I wanted one of my own.  It was a little on the pricey side ($124 US) and without seeing it in person, I wasn't 100% sure I'd love it.  As luck would have it they were at the Boston Marathon Expo and they had an expo special of 20% off.  So of course, I bought one.  Or rather G bought it for me.  I think it was the best thing I got from that trip.  The bag is so awesome, it deserves a post of it's own.  Perhaps that will come down the road....

This is the colour combo I got. 

2) Two towels.  Why two?  If you've seen my hair, then you'll understand why.  I have a regular towel and then a microfiber towel for my hair.  It's something my hairdresser recommended.  Apparently wrapping curly hair in a regular towel will make it frizzy.  So I scrunch dry my hair with a microfiber towel to keep it from frizzing.  Seems to work.  Nobody ever said that having nice curls was easy, ha ha.

3) Snack food:  This is a must in my life because the last thing anyone wants is me with the "hangries".  I usually try to make sure I have a whole food option for a snack but since things like that are perishable, the next best thing are bars.  I generally have at least 2-3 stashed in my bag.  Lara Bars are my favourite.  I currently have 1 Pecan Pie Clif Bar, 1 Cashew Lara Bar and 1 Coconut Cream Lara Bar.

4) Flip flops.  I don't think these EVER leave my gym bag and there's a good reason.  Gym & pool floors are DISGUSTING. 

5)  Hair elastics & an extra swim cap.  Nothing sucks more than getting to the pool and either ripping your normal swim cap or forgetting said swim cap.  Trying to force an afro under a swim cap without the help of a hair elastic to tame it, also sucks.  I've learned my lesson so I keep extras of both in my bag. 

Bonus items: 

A lock.  Because getting to the gym and realizing that you've left your lock at home is not fun. 

An extra bra and extra underwear.  I've forgotten both (luckily not at the same time) and going commando or wearing my stinky sports bra all day are not high on my list of things that I love to do. 

What's in YOUR gym bag? 

Head on over to Mar on the Run, Eat Pray Run DC and You Signed up for What to see what other people are toting around in their gym bags!





11 comments:

Kristin @ SweatCourage said...

First of all, I am really sad I missed those bags at the Boston Marathon Expo! What a great looking duffel! I ALWAYS have an extra swim cap in my bag.. and goggles- just to be safe! Having flip flops is crucial, just disgusting without them. In my gym bag I always have dry shampoo (for when I don't have time to wash my hair), baby wipes for after a lunch time workout when I don't have time to shower, hairbrush, extra hair ties, extra head band, extra underwear and socks! I am always afraid of forgetting something at home, so I keep an extra of pretty much everything:)

Fairytales and Fitness said...

I also saw that bag on a few blogs recently. If I went to the gym, this would be a great bag to have! I always pack my flip flops for after races to let my feet breath. It is so nice to take those socks off after a race.

Lacey@fairytalesandfitness said...

I have seen those bags on several blogs as we'll. if I went to the gym, that would be a bag I would have. I always pack flip flops do rafter my races. It is so nice to take your socks off after a race and let your feet breath.

Heather said...

Great items for you gym bag. That duffel looks great! I need to look into getting myself one. I'm also a big fan of Lara bars :)

Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner said...

Cute name for your blog! Visiting from the #FridayFive. I keep hearing lots about these Apera bags I guess I am going to have to check them out

Mar @ Mar on the Run said...

oh i'm with you on the flip flops. Gym floors ARE disgusting!

Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC said...

yep - flip flops ARE a definite must :) thanks for linking up!

rojublake said...

Blimey! What is the volume of said bag? It certainly seems to carry everything but the kitchen sink?! :)
I don't go to the gym but also have afro hair so the towels are ready on return from my runs!

rojublake said...

Blimey! What is the volume of said bag? It certainly seems to carry everything but the kitchen sink?! :)
I don't go to the gym but also have afro hair so the towels are ready on return from my runs!

rojublake said...

Blimey! What is the volume of said bag? It certainly seems to carry everything but the kitchen sink?! :)
I don't go to the gym but also have afro hair so the towels are ready on return from my runs!

Cynthia @ You Signed Up For WHAT?! said...

Great idea on the microfiber towel - I'll have to get one for my hair! Mine is naturally coarse/wavy/frizzy so I definitely need to get one of those! And yes on the gym bag - my Apera arrived in the mail the other day...