How we train, what we eat and when we rest and recover all have a huge impact on our performance. But so does the gear we use every day to be successful. I am constantly finding awesome new athletic gear, gadgets and other fitness products that help me run and train happier. In my favorite magazines, I always love the spread that shows the 10 or 12 products or gifts that the editors are loving that month. This year, I’m going to share my favorite finds for running, triathlon and general fitness that are helping me on a daily basis. Here are my favorite finds from January. I hope you’ll share yours too!

1. Brooks PureProject Apparel (and Shoes)
http://www.brooksrunning.com/PureProject-Apparel-Lookbook/lookbook-pureproject-apparel,default,pg.html
Imagine if your absolute favorite pair of running shoes started its own clothing line designed to not only be functional on the run, but to also look cool while strutting around town? It. Has. Happened! This month, Brooks Running launched new apparel as part of its awesome PureProject line. The clothes provide the same, high quality functionality for running that runners are used to with Brooks, while introducing a new fashion statement that can easily transition to everyday life. As someone who rarely wears anything but athletic wear these days, you can imagine why this makes me so happy.

So far, I’ve tried the PureProject 3.5” shorts in heather black and the PureProject Long Sleeve (LS) in grey and black. The shorts fit like a glove and have slits in the front of the thigh that give them some extra special flare. The long-sleeve top goes just as well on a cold weather run as it would to the mall with a pair of jeans. It is super soft and has drawstrings on the side that can be adjusted to create a rouging effect. Both fit true to size and are so cute! And of course, the Pure Cadence 3s rock my world. I started running in them at the end of December and sported them in my recent half marathon earlier this month. I like them better than the 2s and I especially love the pink, grey and white colors. They are my go-to shoes and are my only long run shoe.

2. Apera Performance Duffel Bag
http://aperabags.com/puresport/performance-duffel
While I have a great bag in the Ogio 9.0 Endurance Bag for traveling to races, I don’t have a good everyday smaller bag for hitting the gym, carting all my workout gear from one place to the next and/or for long weekend workouts. That is, until earlier this month. I recently discovered the Apera Performance Duffel and it was love at first sight. The Apera team graciously sent me one to try and it is the everyday bag that has thought of everything. It is not only stylish, but it has a huge space for all your gear. It could hold multiple sets of clothes, a bike helmet and even has 2 side storage pockets for shoes. There are tons of pockets for fuel, electronics and other odds and ends, a place for 2 water bottles and some special pockets on top to keep your more fragile items from getting crushed. And, as someone who is known for being sweaty and unladylike a lot, you can bet I appreciate that all their bags have antimicrobial product protection inside and outside along with ventilated compartments, a water resistant base and wipeable linings. They also offer other types of bags for your every workout need. This would make a great weekend travel bag as well. Check out their Web site to watch a video that shows all aspects of the bag close up. That sold me.

3. NAAWK Lip Balm
http://www.naawk.com/lip-balm.html
With the cold temperatures doing a number on my lips this month, I love NAAWK’s All Natural and Medicated flavored lip balms to keep them from cracking. They have SPF 30 and contain ingredients like beeswax, shea butter and natural oils. NAAWK also makes sunscreens and aloes as well.

4. Scunci No-Slip Evolution Jelly Ponytail Holders in Bright Colors
http://www.amazon.com/Scunci-No-slip-Evolution-Ponytailers-14-Count/dp/B003DKO83E
These are my go-to ponytail holders that never slip and keep my hair away from my face for hours. I first discovered these after my mom put them in my stocking several years ago for Christmas. I now have one in my hair every day, and I love to go from neon green, to bright orange to rUnladylike pink.

5. Columbia’s Honeybee II Pants
http://www.columbia.com/Women%27s-Honeybee%E2%84%A2-II-Pant/AL8026,default,pd.html#detailsTab
These pants are quite possibly my favorite piece of clothing I own. When you run and workout a lot, you want to be comfy after a long run or ride. These are the pants to wear after a workout that will keep your body happy. They are perfect for lounging or buzzing around town. They are my go-to pants when I travel by car or plane, and I must admit I’ve also worn them to work with a dress top and jacket. The stretchy fabric allows you to move any direction you like, and the drawstring waistband can be adjusted to your comfort (although I cut my drawstring out because I like to have a completely flat front). I scored mine at the Columbia Outlet which made them that much sweeter.

Note: Some of these items I received for free, while others I purchased on my own. I am a Brooks Run Happy Ambassador and regularly receive free products from them to try. Apera sent me my performance duffel bag for free, but I was under no obligation to write about it. As always, everything I share with you is a reflection of my uncensored and honest opinions that are never biased in any way by receiving something for free. I tell it like it is.

Did you try any new fit gear in January that you love? If you’ve tried any of these 5 finds, what did you think?