Me wearing my sweet, hot, tights!!! Alright, so not really hot, but it is of me during the half marathon, an action shot! This picture was taken by the area where my right quad was complaining, I was probably concentrating on not crying or probably thinking, "crap, I should stop and sit down".
Wardrobe talk:planning for a race is an important part of my pre-run preparation. I have to pack everything in advance to make sure I don't forget something important. A brief on my favorites.
Tights: I do love my tights. They are CW-X Stabilyx tights. They are snug, really snug. I have found that compression tights provides my legs with enough support and after the run my legs do not feel as tired (compared to when I run with regular running shorts). They are flashy looking but the stability they provide my lower back and around my knees make me forget completely about how tight they are and how "exposed" I may look with them on. Definitely, my favorite pair of running tights. Tip: commando is the word.
Ball cap: my new hat made by Under Armour. I have a small head, it measures a little over 18 inches in circumference and finding a hat that fits me properly is a difficult task. I had another one that I liked but the fit was not right, I had to secure the strap at the back with a few bobby pins. A few days before the Ogden Half, I stopped by a local sports store and I decided to look at the caps. I tried a few and even at their smallest setting, they were too big. I grabbed the Under Armour one and set it to the smallest it could go, it fit! Not only that, I could wear it and the strap would stay secure in the small opening at the back of the cap. Why a ball cap? It keeps the sun from my eyes. The band around the head keeps the sweat away from my eyes and face. When running long distances, I take a sip of water and then dump a bit of water on my head soaking my hat. By soaking the hat, I stay cooler longer.
Socks: I have a problem with my smallest toes, they are very close together and when running long distances, they rub, sometimes the rub is so bad that I end up with blisters. I used to have to wear moleskin to keep them from rubbing but it was uncomfortable. Then, I found the pair socks for me, Injinji socks. I love them. If I could have a pair for each day of the week, I would be a happy camper. They keep my toes separated and provide me with a blister free run. They also have no seams...anywhere! They are truly the most comfortable socks I have ever worn while running.
Shirt: just a nice tech shirt. No cotton shirts for my running. Also, I have learned that a bit of Glide on the back/inside triceps aka chubs on my arms keeps me from rubbing them row against my shirt. I prefer to use a shirt with no sleeves and with very nice sewn seams--the smaller and neater the better to avoid any chaffing.
Sports Bra: The wrong one can provide you with the worst running experience ever. No one likes anything bouncing around. Being in the C/D of the spectrum, it is difficult to find a supportive bra, however, I have found a great supportive bra in the Fiona by Moving Comfort brand. Great support, breathable, and soft fabric that does not chaff anywhere. Tip: if you sweat copiously, I suggest putting a little dab of Glide on the n!pples to prevent chaffing.
Shoes: my shoes are the first to be packed. I am an overpronator and I have found my perfect pair of shoes in the Mizuno Wave. They provide me with a comfortable ride and with enough stability. They have now over 500 miles on them and they are looking a bit sad. I have a new pair of Brooks and a new pair of Mizunos that I have to break in and mold to my feet. Note: don't wear new shoes when doing a race/event, break them in first on a shorter runs.
Glide: I have mentioned it a couple of times. What is it? Glide is a lubricant that prevents chaffing. It is my miracle on a stick. Let me tell you a little story, last year, when I was a *ahem* a bit chubby (okay, shut up, a lot chubby), I went out for a run in the middle of a summer day. I was happily running a 10 miler. I was wearing a sleeveless shirt, my arms kept rubbing my sides and I didn't think much of it. At mile 8, I noticed a burning on my inside arm chubs, I stopped and inspected closely, the sweat and the motion of my arms swinging were rubbing me raw. It hurt, especially with my sweat. I got home and I started searching for a way to prevent this, one way was to *ahem* lose the chub, another way was to wear a lubricant. I didn't want to wear vaseline as the stuff is a little messy and sticky and get all over the clothing, then I found Glide. I love the stuff. It works wonders. I wear it when I bike, when I run, and when I do triathlons. It is not messy, not sticky and it doesn't go all over the clothes. Perfect stuff.
Garmin Forerunner 305 or short Mr. G: It is my pace keeper, my trainer-on-demand who is always there to go with me on a run. I love seeing my performance on the go and being able to see my previous workouts.
Well, these are my favorites and what I usually pack in my running bag. What's in your running bag?
I am not a runner and had absolutely no idea the amount of equipment you needed to be one. Thanks for the info.
Posted by: Emily | June 01, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Look at you go! I love these pictures! (and it makes me miss running so much!)
Great tips on running gear!
Posted by: Lisa | May 29, 2009 at 08:46 PM
Glad the tips helped. I believe in the Glide stuff 100%--it works great for both men and women. My hubby wears it too. Good luck with your class.
Posted by: Isela | May 27, 2009 at 11:14 PM
To get started all you need is just a good pair of sneakers. All the stuff above is just items I have learned to like over the months. I started with just a pair of sneakers and some big shorts I had at home. You can do it!
Posted by: Isela | May 27, 2009 at 11:13 PM
Wow, I learned so much more about running than I ever thought I would need....but at least now I know some stuff and maybe, just maybe, it'll come in handy in the future. But it seems like you really need money to buy the right gear before you get started, so we'll have to find some money first. Then running shoes and some running clothes to show off my 'chub'. LOL!
Posted by: Robin McCoy | May 24, 2009 at 05:56 PM
this blog was so helpful because my husband and I started a jogging class today for p.e. credit and there are alot of helpful tips in here. Also, I always thought that people just jogged and were naturally good at it and didn't have those kind of minor problems that could make running so uncomfortable, because I have had them. thanks so much for the tips, they will become helpful for me in the future. Especially the Glide and making sure you have the right clothes!
p.s. My head is always too big for hats...
Posted by: eunjee | May 23, 2009 at 01:26 PM