Learning

I'm in Week Two of the C25K plan, and I've already learned a lot about myself and running.  First of all, I do a lot better waking up "early" and running.  A couple of days when the weather was really nice I didn't go running until about 11 am, and I didn't feel very good.  I got too hot, even though the weather was nice, and I just didn't feel as strong as I do when I get up around 8 am.  I also think that when I sleep as late as I want to I feel groggy when I do get up, and that makes running more difficult.

I also have to eat something before I go.  Nothing big, but I need to have something in my stomach before I go.  I also have to drink a glass of water.  While I get the dogs up and going I eat and drink, and then I'm ready for my run!

I also prefer the gravelly shaded trail over the paved open trail.  Obviously the shaded trail is nice because it's, well, shaded!  I also really like running on the gravel as opposed to on pavement.  It's so nice to have both of those options so close to my house.  I can walk to both trails, and they're right by each other, so as I get farther into my training and closer to my half I can utilize both trails.  If I do both trails it's a total of about 10 miles.  That's really great for whenever I actually have the ability to run that much.

Now for my gear.  I can't tell you how much I love the C25K app.  If you have an iPhone or an iPod Touch and you want to do run, I highly recommend it.  I always run with my iPhone and use that app.  The makers of that app also have the Bridge to 10K as an app, so I already downloaded it!  It's been great to have.

I can't tell you how much I love my running shoes.  I wear Brooks Addiction 9 women's running shoes, and they are great.  I went to Bloomington Running Company, and while I was nervous about it, I got "custom fitted" for shoes.  I was worried that the shoes would end up being really expensive, but they weren't.  They were only $100.  If you want to run you must get good shoes, and I highly recommend going to a legit running store and getting fitted.

I run with a Camelback Delaney Plus water belt, and I am learning to love it.  It's pretty lightweight and breathes well, so I don't have too much added sweat because of it.  I am slower with it, by two minutes.  However, I have issues with hydration and sweat, so I have to have it.  Otherwise I will pass out.  And passing out is a whole lot worse than wearing a dorky water belt.  So, I've really gotten used to it, and it's comfortable.  I'm pretty sure I look ridiculous with it, but I don't care.  It's a necessity for me.  And Justin found it on sale online, Steep and Cheap I'm pretty sure, for about $20!  It retails for about $40.

These compression socks are supposed to get here tomorrow.  I'm pretty sure they are a really smart purchase.  I got them because some of my other running friends can't live without them, and my husband loves them after cycling.  I got these for about $20 a piece too, because Justin gets a discount because of the bike shop!  I love getting things for cheaper than retail.

Now I need to get a running visor and some sweatbands.  I sweat.  A lot.  I'm sure I look amazing after I run, what with my cheeks as red as a tomato, sweat running down my entire body, and my awesome camelback strapped to my waist.  And I've only gone 2 miles and walked half the time. :)  Oh well- genetics!  What can I do?

So, it's your turn!  What gear do you run with?  Anything I should add to my arsenal?