Now I have said and will always say, I do not consider myself a "runner". My friends? They're runners. They run marathon after marathon at a much faster pace than I do. They're skinny and look like a "runner". No, I'm not a runner. I am a girl who likes to make goals and not let anyone stop me. So as I approached my 30th birthday and thought, "That might be cool. Running a marathon a 30," this crazy journey began.
Today, 15 weeks into my training, was the first day I felt like an almost-runner. Today I ran over 22 miles. Today I ran to Von Maur and back and if you know where I live, you know this is a really long way. So why did this quote mean something to me? "I run until I cry, collapse, or until I feel like I cannot go on". Yep, that's me. When I got to about mile 19, I didn't really want to go on. But I kind of had to go home rather than sit in the parking lot of CVS so there I was, chugging along, never stopping, unless I needed to refill my water or eat some energy snacks.
This has been hard. Definitely the hardest thing I have ever done physically. Yep, it tops carrying and having a baby. It's been time consuming. It's up before 5:00, sometimes 4:00 in the AM. It has been a family affair. I couldn't do it without the support of my family. Grant has watched Everett during every run (when they are actually awake) with zero complaints and I always get a note, a letter on the sidewalk with chalk or a "I'm proud of you" when I get home. Everett thinks I've gone swimming when I walk in the door. Yes, I'm a sweater. Which brings me to my next point as well as the title of this post.
Today I was thinking about my fave running clothes. That's what my running friends do. They think while they run. I never understood it until I had to run for over 4 hours. All you have time to do is think. Keeps you from thinking about the huge task at hand, the miles you still have to cover or pain. Back to the swag. I have compiled a list of my favorite running gear. Top to bottom. Now, all my friends who like to match their clothes, look away. We've to a lot of brands going on. Want to buy it? Click on the names.
I have yet to find a headband or any sort of sweat band that doesn't slip. I am also not a fan of sun in my eyes. I roll with the Nike Dri-FIT Daybreak Visor.
Who knew your arms and chest would chafe when you run? Found that out the hard way. It's important to apply Body Glide.
I'm a big ole' fan of the baggy big tank tops. My favorite are the loose Under Armour, but I also have few of these Nike tanks.
These are the most awesome shorts you will ever wear. Ever. Under Armour Women's Get-Away Perforated Run Shorts. They are a super soft mesh and the waist band keeps them from riding up. Absolute best!
Best purchase I've made to date...Zensah Ultra Compression Leg Sleeve. I was having some issues with blood pooling in my lower leg. These babies were an absolute life saver! Who knew? And as Grant said, "T-Rob wears them". Say no more.
These are the NIKE Cushion No Show Sock. I've tried a few brands, but these are what I wear most of the time. Great wicking. No blisters. Can't go wrong.
Shoes are a little trickier. Definitely go to a running specialty store and get yourself fitted, but these are what I always wear. I'm not a NIKE running shoe fan, but a lot of my friends wear other brands. These are the Asics GEL Cumulus 14.
