Begin at the beginning
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About two years ago, I would watch runners in the park and think, "They are so lucky to be able to run. They make it look so easy." I had tried many times in the past to run and decided that it just wasn't for me. I wouldn't even make it 5 minutes without gasping for air and turning so red that people would ask me if they needed to call me an ambulance. I gave up, I didn’t have the time to put into becoming a runner.
When my youngest child was just one year old and I was still stuck with tons of "baby fat," I decided that I needed to do something. The hours for gyms in France never fit in with my work/life schedule, so after a lot of thought and resistance, I figured that I would try running again. I used the popular program, Couch to 5K, which also has a handy application. I started on the treadmill since I was too embarrassed by my level and my jiggles to go out in public. The treadmill IS easier to run on, but once I made the transition to the road and the trails, it was much harder to go back to the treadmill and staring at a wall. If you have to use a treadmill, or if you feel more comfortable, do it, but it is so much nicer and distracting to run outside. The first time I ran 20 minutes without stopping, I literally broke down in tears of joy. It was awesome. It was hard, but awesome. I never thought I would be able to run 20 minutes, but I did. Then a little more than a year later, I ran a half-fucking-marathon! Ok, I jumped a few steps there, but the point is that I didn't think I could run. I thought runners had some mutation in their genes that allowed them to do it. It turns out that they don't, or maybe they do, but then we all have it, we just have to dig way deep sometimes to find it. Another method that you can try if you are not interested in the "run a bit, walk a bit method," is by Ruth Fields - "Run Fat B!tch, Run." After being on a running hiatus for the last two months, I am starting up again with this. The book is funny and witty even if it is not for the light-hearted. She beats you up a bit but it might be the tough love type of motivation that some need. It works much better for me than the "love yourself" method. Point is, if I can run, anyone can. I still get so red and sweaty that people ask if I need an ambulance... |
Runner gear I love
There are a few products that I am going to push not because anyone is giving me money to, although I wouldn't refuse (wink wink) if someone offered. The Gritdoctor suggests in Run Fat B!tch, Run, that when you start running, don't buy anything yet. I agree. Don't use this as an excuse to shop until you know you'll stick with it. Wear your old sneakers and some old sweats and get your butt out there. But, when you get hooked, please by all means, go reward yourself with some cool shit.
When you start running outside, there are obvious weather essentials, hats, sunscreen, gloves, whatever... but there are some things that I have become hooked on and can't run without. I love my FlipBelt. When I run, I need just my telephone for Runkeeper app and music, my keys if I drove to the place I am running, and an ID in case I pass out or get eaten by a stray dog and someone needs to inform my family. The FlipBelt totally covers this. My phone is big but I still manage to squish it in there and it's a hell of a lot cooler than a fanny pack. For Christmas, my dear husband actually listened to me when I complained that my headphone cord kept getting caught in my buttons or I hit it with my hands. I got a fancy headset! I got a Jabra Sport Wireless. The only downfall is that you have to remember to charge it! If you have big knockers like me, I would start by putting the money into a good sports bra. I have the Panache bra. It is not too expensive and it's great although the straps do tend to cut into my back. It only hurts in the shower... If you have any other gear to offer up, feel free to suggest it! |