new runner | onebadmotherunner

This is my mantra… Just Run!

I am not an educated runner, I do not know all the fancy lingo, I do not own the expensive running gear, I didn’t know what taper meant for a whole year ( I still don’t know HOW to taper), I don’t know what tempo runs mean, BUT I know enough to get out there and JUST RUN!

So what DO you need to be a comfortable runner….. first things first you need HEART!

You will not understand this right away but in time with consistency one day in the middle of a run/race you will say ahh now I get it…..

Let’s talk about what you DO need.

You will need GOOD running shoes. Let me repeat you NEED GOOD RUNNING SHOES!

Every body is different, our feet are different, our techniques are different so you will need a shoe that’s tailored to your needs.

Let me elaborate on this, you will NOT go to Big 5, Target, Dicks, Sports authority and pick out the cutest pair you can find or the most affordable pair. I promise you , you will run in them for a week or two and wonder why it hurts so much and then you will give up because you will think “running is just not for me” when reality is you need better shoes !

This is what you will do, you will go to your local sporting good store who does shoe fittings ( REI) OR a local running store ( my favorite is Sole 2 Soul in my local town) and you will get fitted properly. I PROMISE you this, it will make a world of difference. Now you may be frightened by the price of shoes but believe me it plays one of the biggest parts in your running career.

Now remember I said I wasn’t an “educated” runner? I can not tell you the difference between shoes/brands/types/fits etc. this is why I trust the proffesionals! This is why you get fitted, try the shoes on, most running stores have treadmills so you can get a feel for them. Even better, if you have membership for certain online stores you can try the shoes for up to 90 days and still be able to return for exchange! I am what I like to call myself a Mizuno mama … I love the brand & they work for me !

I have membership with Roadrunner Sports but luckily have not had to return any shoes I have purchased from them. Buying running shoes is a whole new world! Have fun!

OK so you will need good compression pants/capris/shorts if you got junk in the trunk. ( too much wiggle) trust me on this one, it will be sore from the bounce! Plus your backside will look GOOD in them compression pants! Some compression pants can be pricey so what I did in the beginning before I knew any better, I would double up… wear two pairs of tights to reduce jiggle. Then when I was able to afford a pair or two I splurged a little. You can find great compression pants on sale at Dick’s Sporting ( reebok to be exact).

For the men, my husband also recomended some compression pants under your shorts for “bounce” hee hee

Next you will need a GREAT sports bra…. Once again you’re moving, you’re shakin, you’re definately bouncing! It will hurt! I am well in doubt when it comes to being chesty and when I started I once again had to layer up. I started with champion brand sports bras from Target. Pretty inexpensive and was easy to buy multiples to layer up. Now I have to be honest with you, I stil have not forked out the money for a VERY GOOD sports bra as these can easily be between $45-$60 But I did find a couple random SB’s that work for me from Marshalls and Ross. I keep telling myself instead of a new pair of shoes I will buy a new SB but I just can’t bring myself to do it…… yet!

All of this sounds pretty straight forward right? See you don’t a million little gadgets or fancy attire to be a runner. As you get out there more, put in more mileage you will know what is needed and not needed to make you comfortable out there…..

I would like to tell you about a couple more things I like to use when I run now that I have become more familiar with what I am doing…..

OK so I have this hair that when my scalp gets wet ( from sweat) it gets very unruly so ponytail and these awesome little headbands called Bani Bands. They are slip resisent, affordable, stylish little gadgets! You can check them out on facebook or their website www.banibands.com

My Road ID: This is for safe running outdoors or for anyone who may have medical history. Its an ID that can be worn on your wrist, ankle or shoe that has your name, emergency contacts and if you sign up it can be interactve for those who have medical history. Once again very affordable and quality is top notch. Check them out here. http://www.roadid.com

My runners belt: basically a redefined fanny pack to hold your phone, Chapstick, goodies etc … These can be found on Amazon for pretty cheap or any sporting good store !

My Tom Tom gps watch … Now the funny thing is that I own this nice fancy watch that I love … When I actually use it ! See phones these days have so many apps to use for GPS I tend to just use either Runkeeper or my Nike plus app … But I’d like to get away from that eventually and depend solely on my Tom Tom!

My headphones: ( when I’m wearing them) are Phillips sport wireless over the ear headphones ! They’re awesome! Sweat proof, waterproof but discontinued now! So I’m VERY careful with them !