I'm A Convert

54 Days To Go

Six miles...check! Sunday I was not feeling well. I fought the good old internal struggle debating on if I should postpone my run until today or toughen up and get out there and take care of business. I chose B and I can honestly say, running made me feel better. What an incentive! In addition, I also am no longer a "skirt virgin." Here's more on that.

A highlight of my week was that Athleta was kind of enough to offer me a running outfit for being part of the Athleta Chi "Share Your Chi" article. I chose the Reflective Chase Skort (you know how I have been tempted by those running skirts) and the Long Sleeve Twist Top. Truth is, I have been drooling over this combo for a while now - here's what it looks like on the model:

And now, the real life version (aka: me).

Cute, huh? I love it. To be quite honest, just slipping the skirt on gave me some added fuel to get out and run even when I was not feeling up to par. It's still a bit too warm to sport the Twist Top, but it so comfortable and I know in late fall/early winter it's going to be a staple running top. As for my first skirt running experience, I couldn't have been any more pleasantly surprised. First of all, this skirt is made of a moisture-wicking, breathable material and is lined with a jersey-type short (adios, chaff gremlin). There is a convenient zipper side pocket that was a great stash for my 1/3 Performance Power Bar I have been chowing down on to re-energize after mile 4. I mentioned my skirt skepticism earlier. I was so worried I might not feel athletic or strong running in skirt. I was wrong. I LOVED running in this skirt. I even got a honk or two on my run (okay, I'm pretty sure it was a friend of mine, but I chose to believe it was someone admiring my skirt stride). So, I'm officially a convert. Thanks, Athleta.

I have a few great things blog-wise on the horizon, so stay tuned! I have been able to team up with a few of my favorite brands for some exciting giveaways that I can't wait to share with you.

Highlight of Last Week: Um, hello. A snazzy new running outfit, of course.

Lesson of Last Week: Another pre-judgement proven wrong. Kudos to you skirt-thusiasts that caught on to this functionally fabulous trend long before I did.

Power Song of Last Week: I've been rockin' out to an old favorite, The Indigo Girls, lately. "Shame On You" has kept me light on my feet this past week.

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?

Nothing That A Little Retail Therapy Can't Fix

82 Days To Go

I am coming to you this evening on the heels of a much-needed and very non-training conducive girls weekend. This past weekend was spent with some of my best girlfriends in Atlanta engaging in some retail therapy, marathon dining, and revert-you-right-back-to-high school giggle sessions. The trip had been planned for quite a few weeks now since the Hubs arrival back to the homefront was scheduled. He was insistent that I had a little "me" time after playing single mom for three months. And with little to no hesitation, I agreed. I also took the running shoes. I even slept in my running apparel one of the two nights I was away. I did not, however, run. And you know what? I feel no guilt.

What filled this hole, you ask? (Let's just pretend you ask while I indulge in a bit of self-exploration.) Maybe it was the priceless memories that I made with some of my best girlfriends...or getting to wear a dress and dangle earrings without the threat of a baby spit-up stain and the possibility of having my ear lobe ripped in half by a tiny tot hand on a mission. Or maybe it was the Real Housewives of Atlanta housewife spotting (remember my reality-trash TV guilty pleasure/obsession?!?). It might have been the superior (yes, non diet-friendly) meals I splurged on for 48 hours straight that filled that hole of running. Honestly though, I think it just may be these teal Hunter wellies that I came home with that ate all of that the guilt away and gave me that missing endorphin spike.

That being said, I realize there are 82 training days left until the half-marathon and I am jumping right back into my training plan. I skipped the Stretch and Strengthen day today and threw my little monkey (oh, how I missed his squeezy self) in the jogger this morning for our run. I feel refreshed and ready to return to the grind. That being said, I cant emphasize the importance of taking a little "you" time. My solo runs have been a great outlet for this, but every now and then a splurge of great girlfriends, fine wine, and new shoes (that aren't for running) is just what the doctor ordered.

Highlight of Last Week: No need to repeat - see above (smile).

Lesson of Last Week: Indulge without guilt every once in a while. Everything in moderation. When you are done, pick back up, hit the ground running, and be thankful for the opportunity you had to recharge.

Power Song of Last Week: Love the Way You Lie by Eminem featuring Rihanna. While I am sure this is a great song to run to, it is even that much more enjoyable singing at the top of your lungs while driving down the interstate with one of your best friends and a fun-filled weekend destination in sight. (I did download this for my runs too. )