Tag Archives: running

Feb 28 2010

Gym Day 1

So, who’s done their homework? I still don’t have my motivational list–I’m planning on compiling that this afternoon. I’m going to work for two or three hours, but will get right on it after that.

Who went to the gym or did cardio elsewhere this weekend? How’d you do? Remember that our assignment was to exercise at a moderate pace for as long as we could. I went for 30 minutes today and managed 1.89 miles on the elliptical. That’s an average of 3.78 miles per hour. Disney Princess Half Marathon participants must maintain a 3.75mph pace (a 16-minute mile). It’s a start; I just need to greatly increase my milage and maintain my pace. And transition to a treadmill and then outdoors….

Ready for your next workout session? Let’s all do 20 minutes of cardio tomorrow on Tuesday. If you can’t make 20 minutes, don’t worry about it! Just go as long as you can. I’m trying to help us all get started as I frantically read and develop a bigger and better training schedule. Our goal is just to go!

But I think we should all keep track of our times and milage so that we can look back in six months and be amazed at how far we’ve come.

Feb 25 2010

The Road to Running

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!

Feb 24 2010

I Haz a Dream!

Alrighty. No drama, no buildup; I’m just cutting to the chase.

March 2011. Disney’s Princess Half Marathon. I’m running it.

I don’t know how I’ll afford it. But I’m going to do it. If you have some ideas about how I can get money, let me know. At the absolute very least, I’m going to run 13.1 miles on the day of the half marathon, even if I have to do it in Phoenix.

Is anyone interested in undertaking this task with me? Training starts this weekend. I’m going to post my training plan and what I learn, but I’d love to have people who have the same goal reading here and offering input.

Also! Don’t forget to enter my CLICK giveaway!

Nov 3 2009

I’m Gonna Be a Runner Someday

Several weeks ago, I went to a chain running store in a nearby shopping center. I’d been to this store before and was fitted with Saucony Progrid Hurricane 10s. I needed a new pair of shoes both because the Hurricanes were discontinued and because they just weren’t a good fit for my feet. I supinate when I walk, and the Hurricanes made the motion worse–my shoes made it look like i was literally walking on the sides of my feet. I was concerned that, since I was planning on starting my exercise regimen, I was going to injure myself by twisting my ankle.

I went into the previously mentioned store and waited for assistance. There was a cute, blonde, athletic girl in there, however. Guess who got the attention of the two male employees on staff? Not the fat girl. I was able to get one of the guys’ attention and got him to bring a few pairs of shoes out, but it took no time at all for me to tell that nothing they had to offer was going to work.

Great. I left, not wanting to disturb the cute girl and two employees further than I already had.

I came home and did some research to find other running stores in the Phoenix area. I read some good reviews about Runners Den. “Okay,” I thought, “I’ll go in and give them a chance.” Honestly, I expected a repeat of my experience at the chain store. A staff member would look at me, point to the shoes, and (if I was having a lucky day) bring a couple of pairs out for me to try on.

Barry blew me away with awesome, though. He watched me walk barefoot and immediately brought out three pairs of shoes to try on. He told me that the first pair would probably be the most comfortable for me, but that I should try all three on before making a decision.

(Interesting factoid: when you put your shoes on, tap your heal before you lace them up and tie them. This will help your foot rest in the right place in your shoe.)

After walking around inside and outside, I decided that the first pair was indeed right for me. I bought the ASICS GEL-Fortitude 3s that evening and haven’t looked back! My foot pain is almost gone, even without the orthotics I’m waiting on.

The only problem is that I wear the shoes all the time, not just for exercise (thank God I have a casual dress code at work)! I really need to purchase another pair; I just don’t know when I’m going to have the money to get them. Hopefully I’ll be able to make the investment with my next check so I can rotate my shoes out and help them last longer.

If you’re planning on starting an exercise regimen, I really encourage you to find a local running store where you can buy your shoes. Look on Google and Yelp to find one with good reviews. If you live in a small town, make a trip to a larger area if you can. Really, this can save your feet. Good shoes that are correct for your feet are vital to prevent injuries to your feet, legs, back, etc. It’s worth the investment!

Barry also gave me some tips for getting started toward the path of running, which I will share with you in an upcoming entry.

Have recommendations for running stores in your area? Tips for shoe searches? Leave a comment and let us all know!