Dress Like A Runner

75 Days To Go

I am happy to report that shortly after my bellyaching over last week's progress, I actually had a very nice conclusion to my week of training. My long run was a success and I even hit a few "runner" milestones during the week's final run.

For my first milestone, I swallowed a bug. Actually, there was no opportunity for swallowing. I was gasping for air in through my mouth and a bug streamlined down my throat like an F-15 jet on a rescue mission (which reminded me to focus on my breathing - in through the nose, out through the mouth. Hopefully, then I can avoid future open-mouthed gasping inhales in which unknown insects are launched down my throat with no opportunity to hack, cough, or perform any other demonstration of extraction before digestion occurs.)

For milestone two, I found out why compression shorts are a necessity.

This leads me to this week's wrap-up. I have decided to focus on another segment in my "Like A Runner" series (I have also decided it is now a series). This week's focus - Dress Like A Runner.

Now, you might say - what's the big deal in what you wear when running? Yes, I thought this myself too - however, I have come to learn that an educated choice in running apparel not only has functional advantages, but can also lead to an unforeseen boost in confidence. This, in turn, adds a little extra pep in the step when approaching those often dreaded last few miles of your long run. Without further adieu, let's begin with my first three.

1. Compression Shorts

What I thought this was: Undergarments only for men - to keep the junk in the trunk (for lack of a better term. Pardon me.) I will admit, I purchased a pair a while back in an effort to prevent what I have heard referred to as "hungry butt." Otherwise known as the wedgie.

What it actually is: Well, I get half credit. Compression shorts do serve the aforementioned purpose, but they actually have other very positive functions for females. I have mentioned before that I like to think of my thighs rubbing together when I run as a means of producing energy (aka: the chub rub). However, too much energy can burn. And then my friends, enters the wonderful purpose for these wrestle-to-pull-them-on, tight, little-bitty, shorty shorts, also known as, compression shorts. (Such a clever name.)

Some also believe they can help prevent lower back pain, warm up muscles, yadda, yadda, yadda. Bottom line (and I'm going to be frank), they prevent chaffing.

My afterthought: I have some favorites already. I own the Nike brand - but I had no idea they came in pink! I love Sports Authority. Asics has a variety of styles including this pair which boasts elastic material that helps stabilize the spinal column. Fancy.

2. Understanding the Phrase "Cotton Is Rotten"

What I thought this was: When I first heard this phrase among runner chatter I thought it was like back in high school, when the cool kids made fun of those kids that wore the generic Keds tennis shoes or non-Guess jeans (I know, I'm going middle school vintage on you).

What it actually is: Basically, the idea is that moisture-wicking material is best. Why? Due to the fact that cotton becomes soaked when you sweat and stays wet. Moisture wicking material helps decrease this and aids in keeping you dry. Keeping you dry helps prevent the forbidden chaffing situation that I previously described.

My afterthought: Some of my favorite running shirts are cotton. I also have a few cotton sports bras. There, I said it. Due to the current Florida heat, I admit these cotton favs are some of the last items I will wear when choosing my daily running attire. But the fact is, I hate laundry and I can't justify spending much more on running gear in order to transform myself into a total non-cotton wearing runner. Hmmmm, as I am thinking about it though - I do like to reward myself when a milestone is hit. And the way I handled that whole bug situation was really big of me. I just kept on running. I think my local Nike outlet is due for a visit from me.

3. Running Skirts

What I thought this was: I'm going to be honest. When I first spotted these I thought it was similar to when I was a kid (man, do I relate everything to my childhood? I'm beginning to see a pattern here.) when many of the socialite moms of my classmates pranced around in tennis skirts when picking up their kiddos from school, picking up groceries, picking up new clothes...pretty much when doing anything but picking up a tennis racket. I mean really, running in a skirt? It just didn't make sense to me.

What it actually is: A HUGE trend in the running world. Serious female athletes are sporting their skirts in style. And the more I read about the reasons why, the more of a proponent I become. Why shouldn't a woman look and feel good when working hard and forcing others to eat her dust (as her skirt gently flaps in the wind as she passes)? These skirts also provide a great compression short lining and a very discreet way to hide a hungry butt. There is even a Skirtchaser 5k series nation-wide.

My afterthought: Okay, I''m not there yet, but I am intrigued. I am a fashion junkie. I often utter the words "Hello, Lover" when I pass certain stores. I am having a hard time justifying why I haven't taken the running skirt plunge yet. We shall see.

If your finding yourself intrigued too: Check out these images from runningskirts.com that I have been eyeing. I'm actually kind a touch obsessed with this site now that I found it. They even have a maternity line! Love that.

Okay, now it's your turn. I want to know your running apparel must-haves or what new apparel you found to be a necessity in your journey in becoming a runner?

My Latest Inspiration

112 Days To Go

I've talked many times before about my son being my primary inspiration for striving to complete November's half-marathon. And it is true, he is. I want him to be able to look back and realize I was able to be a strong, healthy, be-all-she-can-be woman who reaches for big goals, as well as a nurturing mother. I think that if he realizes this, he will also strive for his dreams and work hard to achieve them. However, moving forward in this journey I have also picked up other bits of inspiration along the way that have helped me keep up the motivation to stumble out of bed each morning and fall directly into my sneakers, despite sore muscles and excruciating heat. It's this network of other runners, particularly mother runners, that I have found serve as an alliance to help fuel my spirit as I move closer to my goal. From seasoned marathon vets who can tear up a 5k in 21 minutes, to the mother who is lacing up her first pair of running shoes in hopes of finishing a 5k on no particular date, but someday, that each provide encouragement and support to their fellow mother runners. Each make it seem possible. Each make it seem relevant. They understand the balance, desire, and often struggle that it requires to continuously nourish this ambition - to be a runner...and a mother.

I know you must all want to hold hands and sing "Kumbaya" by the campfire now, right? Here's the point I was leading up to. My latest inspiration has been this book I recently stumbled across, Run Like A Mother. Now, I'm a college instructor and mother to an 8 1/2 month old - so leisurely reading most often consists of a marketing textbook that I'm using as a refresher for an upcoming class I'm teaching or an instruction manual on how to install child safety locks on my cabinet doors. However, this book has served as my retrieve from necessity reading and turned into my fuel that I use each night to recharge. I read a chapter each night. It's an easy read written by two runners who have numerous marathons under their belt (don't worry, they don't take themselves too serious which can be such an intimidation to us novice-ites). They are relatable and share their story as beginning runners to advanced marathon vets. They actually look to other mother runners, the wanna-bes (like me) to the seasoned experts, who offer advice ranging from what sports bras are best to picking your best running distance, all in a light, conversational, and humorous approach. I truly appreciate the laugh-out-loud candor from the authors and contributing mothers that make this read relatable. I have always said, if you can't laugh at yourself, well, then your likely missing out on some pretty big laughs.

It's for this reason, I decided to represent my latest inspiration at the 5k I attended today (despite the heat advisory with 100+ heat index temps). I was sans a babysitter so I decided to push my jogging stroller with pride and sport my motto (see below). I ran the entire race (not without a roaring internal battle with the non-runner in me that still maintains 75% of my being) and actually got quite a kick as I approached the finish line, battered and exhausted, and heard a man yell, " Go, Mother!" I wish I had the strength to turn my head and find his face - but I didn't. But I finished.

Highlight of the Week: Knocking another 5k out and successfully completing my first week of the new Hal Higdon training program (well, tomorrow I complete the week).

Lesson of the Week: I had to think hard about what to share for this week but I think I am going to go with remembering to appreciate all of the strong women in my life - both new and old. Also, the beauty of knowing that empowering others leaves you with no less power (an Eleanor Roosevelt quote, I believe).

Power Song of the Week: Live Your Life by T.I. and featuring Rhianna. Great beat and great live your life for you message. Good running song!