If you’ve missed my posts over the last two days here they are:
And continuing on today…..
- Run Outside!
I do not understand, nor do I like running indoors. When you train yourself to run outdoors, I think it’s easier to learn to love it. Every run is different. Even if you take the same course over and over (I do this a lot) each time is a little different. The people you see and the environment around you will be interesting each time. This will help distract you and let you slip into the mental zone. Also, if you are always running on a treadmill, it paces for you. Treadmills are for sissies. It’s easier to run on a treadmill because it propels you forward. While this is a good starting point, don’t depend on the treadmill or you’ll be missing out on 80% of what makes running awesome. It’s much different to find your own pace outside and learn to run at a consistent pace. If you ever sign up for a race or run with friends, you’ll have to learn to run outdoors. Running outdoors of course has it’s pitfalls: traffic lights, sidewalk traffic, weather, SPRINKLERS and jerks that pull into the crosswalk. These far outweigh the feeling of running outdoors. Time your run to go at sunrise or sunset and you’ll never be sorry! (Another plus, when you feel like quitting, you can’t! You have to get home somehow…..)
My Experience
I never run on treadmills unless I absolutely have to. Outside is really the only way to go! I love to run in the early early morning (Still getting used to not laughing after I say this) because the city is asleep. When you live in a larger city, the time of day changes it’s feeling dramatically. I love to run when everyone is in bed and it’s just me and the paper delivery boy on the road. As I run, I can feel the city coming to life as the sun rises. It’s pretty cool! Yes, I have been caught in a rain storm and even a hail storm. I’ve decided it was way to hot during mile 3 of 6. I’ve not worn enough clothes and worn too many clothes for the temperature. Running outside adds an element of the unknown but it’s worth it for sure!
2. Gear!
After you’ve gone of a few runs, you’ll want to invest in the proper gear. What matters: SHOES. Other than that, you should make the best call for you. Avoid cotton materials in your running clothes, as they will begin to rub after long distances. Most people I see run with headphones, arm band and sometimes water. I’ll put the models I use in the following section. The truth is: you only need what you need. You can run in whatever clothes you want, however you want, as long as your shoes are good. Luckily, I’ve already blogged a whole page about this! Find it here. You might experience a little bit of sticker shock when you’re shopping for shoes, but a good investment is a good investment. If you’ve been buying $40 Nikes at Farm and Fleet your whole life, it’s time to branch out. That being said, I usually spend $100-$150 on my running shoes and this gets me about 200 miles of running. Some tips to save: Buy at the end of the season (June, December) when the previous models are on clearance, research online, and shop a few stores. If you’re looking at current models, they will be the same price no matter where you go.
The truth is, there’s no perfect gear for every person. You’ll learn what you like and don’t like with experience. So, don’t go buy 5 pairs of running shorts. Buy 1 and give them a try, then buy 5! The more you invest or get excited about your gear, the more you’ll want to use it!
My Gear:
What I run in changes with the season/day/hour sometimes. I used to think I HAD to run in specific clothes, with the specific headphones, with specific music………Now, I just run. I loved the consistency at first to mentally prepare myself and allow myself to zone. I used to focus on my clothes being annoying, my headphones being annoying, my sunglasses being annoying…….now I don’t notice them. I’ve run in double sweat suits and almost my underwear and the runs were the same. I encourage you to find what you like, but don’t limit yourself to only a few things. Here’s what I grab to leave the house:
Clothes: (Varies every day, usually pants, tank top, and running socks)
Arm Band: I only use this sometimes, when I don’t have pockets. Sometimes I just carry by phone. This is the one I have and I love it. Easy to wash and comfortable to wear. I don’t take my phone out once it’s in so that doesn’t matter to me. I reccomend black because it doesn’t get gross as fast.
Sunglasses: Varies each day, I’m not a big sunglasses freak and wear a special pair or anything. I think I got my pair free at a parade 🙂
Headphones: This is something I struggle with. I have small ears and as soon as I start sweating, my head phones tend to fall out. These are the best pair I’ve had and I’ve bought them a few times now. They usually last about 100 miles. Don’t forget: You’re headphones are bouncing the whole time (I tie mine to by bra) so they will wear out faster than you’d expect. Also, if it rains, they might die. These are what I have and hubby has the mens version. Again, I’m not a big geek about headphones so these are sufficient for me. Also, I don’t want to spend $200 on a pair of great ones that get ruined in the rain although I see other runners wear them all the time. I’ve tried bluetooth headphones and I never remember to charge them OR they die before I’m done running.
Water: I don’t ever take water with me on a run anymore. I just don’t need it. However, my husband does and this is the bottle that he likes. Again, I just don’t bring any. I sometimes bring a dollar in my pocket in case I’m dying and want to stop at the gas station. Or…..I just drink my hubby’s!
Shoes: I’ve been a die hard Nike fan until my current pair. Find a brand you like! I usually have more than one pair in rotation for different distances but this pair gets me through everything. I can’t wait to get my next pair!