You know the drill: I am neither a doctor nor an exercise expert. I’m posting what I’m doing and providing details so that others can follow along as I go. Always do your own research and use your brain when undertaking any kind of exercise routine. And don’t forget to talk to your doctor before you start working out!
For those of you following along at home: Here is my current plan for beginning to train for a half marathon. Since I (we?) have a year to prepare, I figure that taking it nice and slow will work well.
I’ll reveal more of the plan later, but there are three things we need to focus on now. Are you ready for homework?
First and foremost, go to a running store and get fitted for shoes. Plan on spending $100ish on them. Expensive? Yes, but good shoes are KEY to helping prevent injuries as we start working toward the half-marathon goal. Plan on buying at least another pair as we train.
Really, guys, I’m not joking. This is the most important purchase you’re going to make when it comes to training gear. Go to a running store, not a sports store, and grab a knowledgeable employee. He or she will tell you to take off your shoes, roll up your cuffs, and walk. Then, the salesperson will recommend a few pairs of shoes to fit the needs of your feet. Try on at least three pairs and walk/jog around in them. Your running store gets bonus points if they let you go outside and try the shoes out on the concrete or asphalt. Your shoes should feel good immediately. You should have no pain or discomfort. Also, go in the afternoon, not the morning!
I’ll leave it at that, but this seems to be a good guide for shopping for running shoes. Please please please don’t skimp on this part.
Our second bit of homework is to make a list. This isn’t going to be an easy thing by any means, and we need to remember why we’re torturing ourselves. Make it as long or as short as you need to. Feel free to post it in the comments if you’d like to inspire others. I’ll post mine in a few days, after I write it :)
Homework item number three is to start thinking about our exercise this weekend. On either Saturday or Sunday, we’re going to walk for as long as we can. Our pace should be moderate; we should be able to hold a conversation if we need to, but we shouldn’t be able to sing.
Again, walk at a moderate pace for as long as you can on either Saturday or Sunday. We’re establishing our starting points here.
There’s also optional homework. If you can do so, buy special workout clothes. I’ve invested in compression shorts, wicking tee shirts, and a tank top intended for body shaping. I have a lot of jiggle and I’m hoping that the shorts and tee will help minimize that because it’s really distracting when you feel your boobs bouncing, the upper part of your tummy bouncing, and the lower part of your tummy bouncing. They never bounce in a synchronized fashion.
From what I’ve read, cotton is going to quickly become our enemy. Fashion experts will tell you to stick with clothes that are comprised of natural fibers. Unfortunately, fashion has no place on the running course. Make it easy on yourself and look for clothes that say “wicking.” Those are what we want to go with.
I found a wicking tee at Target for $10 in the men’s section by Champion. It’s a generously sized XXL and I like it so far, though I’ve not actually exercised in it yet. I’ve also found some XL compression shorts in the women’s section, also by Champion. Note that I go a size smaller than I’d normally wear for compression shorts. Like I said, I jiggle.
Ladies, you’re on your own for sports bras. I have a couple of Enells, but they’re pricy and hot. Additionally, I’ve lost about 25 pounds since I bought them…
The reason I buy workout clothes is to send a signal to myself. I’m out of bed or off the couch and ready to go to the gym. I don’t go anywhere else wearing spandex. They help my brain get ready for the workout to come. It’s also really uncomfortable to do any meaningful cardio in jeans.
That’s it. Leave comments with your inspiration lists, fabulous clothing finds, and other tips!
