Running: Love/Hate

I recently made the decision to get more serious about running. This has not been an easy pursuit so far, and I find myself wondering if I will ever truly become a real runner. Yeah, so I’ve completed two 5Ks in the last two months and am preparing for another one next weekend, but I really don’t FEEL like I’m wholly into it…yet? First, as I think I mentioned in a previous post, I honestly just loathe running outside. Aside from the whole feeling self-conscious thing, I really just find it to be a huge pain to run outside. At the gym, you can just plop all your stuff (for me, this usually means: keys, cell phone, iPod, water bottle, and tie wallet) on the treadmill and go.

Running outside, I have to figure out what I really need to bring (license, insurance card, metro card, some cash or a credit card…you know, so people can identify me if I pass out, get hit by car, fall over, whatever, or so I can get home if I, say, run to another metro stop and can’t bear the thought of running back home, etc. etc.), what can stay at home (this usually involves minimizing my key chain, among other things), where I’m going to put the crap I have to bring (jacket pocket, miniscule shorts pocket, hold in hand, put in shoe, blahhh), and whether the fact that I’m carrying all this stuff is going to annoy me while I’m running. Obviously, I’m over-exaggerating a bit, but you get the idea.

Generally when I’m running outside (and during those two 5Ks), I hold a water bottle in one hand. This is somewhat annoying. What is also annoying is that fact that I can’t run (even these short distances) without water. But oh well. I’m not going to not bring water and then die on the course. Plus, I’m not really a fan of those water stations things – they always seem so chaotic, and I like to have water on me when I need it, not just at some preordained point. Anyway, so I’ve been researching hydration packs and different options, trying to figure out what would be a good product to try out.

Well, I ended up getting a waistpack from the Nike factory store when I was home in NJ this past weekend. It seemed sturdy, plus it was not expensive at all (I know, since it was an outlet store, but seriously, some packs are really $$$), and when I tried it on in the store my brother noted that it didn’t look THAT bad. Anyway, I tested it out on the treadmill at home, and it seemed to stay put, with easy access to the water bottle. It’s pretty comfortable too, the strap “sits” on your hips, and the bottle holder rests on your lower back, so it doesn’t impede arm movement at all. Plus, it’s got a couple small pockets, which solves my problem of where to put keys, etc. that I was complaining about above. I’m probably going to test this out next weekend at the Komen 5K, since that isn't a super competitive race (you can walk, too), so if something happens (like the pack falls apart?), it won’t be a huge deal.

Oh, so previously, when I’ve run outside recently, I’ve worn a lightweight Adidas jacket (made of that swishy material) that has an interior zip pocket, where I can secure the bare essentials (minimal keys, cell phone, credit card/cash). It’s somewhat bulky and awkward looking though, plus I’m not going to be able to wear long-sleeves much longer, what with it being 8 million degrees outside soon.

On the matter of running shorts, I’m really not a huge fan, honestly. I have a pair of Nike ones, with that lightweight swishy material and interior brief, with that special material that wicks away moisture or whatever. They’re OK, but I feel sort of naked/ridiculous wearing them. Yes I know most running shorts are short. But still. Anyway, I picked up two pairs of similar shorts at Target (by Champion), and…I’m so far not impressed. I wore them to the gym on Tuesday and had such a terrible time running on the treadmill that I ended up switching to an elliptical trainer. They were basically bunching up everywhere, which looked so awkward, plus was uncomfortable, and every two seconds I was pulling them down which was not efficient at all. I was thinking maybe I got a size too small, but I don’t think that’s the case. I think they’re just not cut as well or something. I think if I throw on some spandex underneath them, they’ll be fine, but really know, spandex? Eh. So usually I run in yoga-style pants, probably not really meant for running, but they’re so much more comfortable that I can just focus on running.

Other Nike purchases: (1) a sport armband, that I haven’t tried yet, but I think could probably fit my cell phone OR keys/cash/cards, but not both. Definitely wouldn’t fit my iPod Touch, but probably my smaller Nano would fit. I’m not sure how often I’ll use this…but it was only something like $5. (2) shoe pocket thing, also haven’t tried yet, but I had previously considered getting a Nathan Sports brand one. Basically, this is a little pocket for keys, etc. that you can secure to your shoelaces. Seems really sturdy, lightweight, I doubt I’d even notice it was on my shoe. (3) a couple technical t-shirts, with that special wicking material, and breathable fabric on the sides and back, really airy, I worked out in one yesterday, and it definitely kept me cooler than regular cotton tees. I actually think I might like these better than the UnderArmour ones I like so much.

After next weekend’s Komen race, I’m not currently registered for any races until the MCM 10K in October. I’m not really that keen on outside races in the summer months, but I might do one if I can find one that sounds interesting/fits my schedule, etc. My goal is to try for a half-marathon next spring (I’m looking at the SunTrust one), but first I really need to improve my time, endurance, blah blah blah. Unrelatedly, I’m currently researching/searching for a heart rate monitor and am hoping to buy one soon.

Honestly, I feel like a fake runner sometimes (but don’t you dare use the J word – see previous post). Oftentimes, when I’m at the gym, I’ll look at the treadmill and think how I would so much rather get on an elliptical or bike. The treadmill doesn’t always win. And often when I’m running, all I can think about is how much I hate running, and why am I dong this, and why don’t I just stop and go home and eat ice cream. But, I still keep doing it. I may not run every day, and I may not train as much or as hard or as diligently as I should, but I guess what matters is the fact that I still do it. So far I’ve found that the only times I don’t think “I hate this” is during a race. Granted, I’ve only done two, but I think that probably says something. Maybe?

Who's in?

CNN had a recent article about Racing the Planet (check out the website). There is (is? are? whatever, grammar police!) both the "4 Deserts" series and "Racing the Planet." The 4 Deserts are the Gobi (China), Atacama (Chile), Sahara (Egypt), and Antarctica. I believe that in order to do Antarctica (penguins, what what!), you first have to complete two of the other deserts. Racing the Planet looks like a similar event, except that the location changes each year (Vietnam, Namibia, Aussie Outback, etc.). They are 250-km, weeklong events, where you basically fend for yourself, carrying all your food with you, and somehow the event people get you rationed water, etc. It looks like everyone from true athletes to regular people do it, and the website notes that many participants have never done a marathon before doing one of these events. It just seems like a unique way to experience a country/culture/natural environment, and a great experience to share with other people doing the course with you (hint! hint!). Obviously, some participants go in with a very competitive mindset, but I think it would be cool to just go and do one for fun. Some people run the entire thing (the total distance is something like five marathons put together!), but the website notes that the time allotment is generous enough for walkers as well.

This definitely looks like a brutal challenge, but I also think that it would be an unparalleled experience. I'm adding this to my informal list of things to do before I die. I'm particularly eyeing the China one, thought it would be interesting to see what new locations Racing the Planet picks in the coming years (Vietnam would be awesome).

Will it actually happen? Who knows. But I am currently obsessed. Anyone else?! Camping? Hiking? No toilets? Rationed water? Carrying your food on your back? Unbearable heat? Creatures? Sand in your eyes (and everywhere else, for that matter)? YES!!

Words That Annoy

I think this will be an ongoing list of words/phrases that for one reason or another (or for no real reason at all) annoy the hell out of me.

Jogging: I'm sorry (actually no, I'm not sorry), but I just loathe this word. I don't know. Jog. Jogging. Out for a jog. Jogging suit. Vomit. Vomit. Vomit. To illustrate how much I despise this word (and all its derivatives), I freak out every time someone uses it, ESPECIALLY if it is in some way directed at my (Mommom!?). As in, "Do you still go jogging around the monuments?" NO, damnit, I go RUNNING. Ugh.

Teachable moment/Take-away: As in, "How can we make this a teachable moment?" or "What can the take-away here be?" I think my loathing for these phrases started during my summer 2005 internship at State. Okay, fine, FINE, FINE! Yes we were working on a center/museum, with the focus being to make it accessible to the public and whatnot. So, yeah I get the need for teachable moments and take-aways, but O.M.G. Do we have to look at EVERYTHING in these terms? What would be the take-away from this exhibit? What kind of teachable moments can we squeeze out of the Cuban Missile Crisis? Again, I figuratively vomit. J.F.C.

Papers: As in, "We filed some papers with the Court" or "Some papers came in from opposing counsel." I'm not really sure why this bothers me. I think it's just because I'm used to hearing the word "document" or "filing" instead of "paper." Paper just seems like such a...je ne sais pas, a generic word, perhaps? I much prefer phrases like "We just received a document filed by opposing counsel" or "We have a filing due today." Really, I know, there isn't all that much difference in the terms, but seriously, my skin hurts when I hear or read the "paper" phrase. Oh, this includes the phrase "motion papers." Why not just say "motion." Isn't the PAPER implied? What, is this to dispel any possible confusion that one might be submitting a motion on something OTHER THAN PAPER? Why not then go one step further, and be even more specific, say: "We filed some premium multipurpose 99.99% jam free extra bright 20 lb 8 1/2 x 11" PAPERS with the Court today."

I also particularly dislike the term "issue-spotting," but, thankfully, since I'm no longer in LS, I really don't encounter it.

Speaking of legal matters, can someone explain the origin of the phrase "Image File Wrapper" (a la the USPTO)? I obviously understand what it is and what it contains, but what's the deal with the "wrapper" part? Yes, they are images. And yes, they are from a file. But wrapper? I feel like it sort of makes sense in the abtract...since the wrapper theoretically contains all the file history of a patent application, it's sort of like an invisible force field wrapping around all the documents in that file? Sort of. Not really. Meh.

More to come.