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?