Saturday, January 28, 2006

Kitted Out

I went out yesterday lunchtime and bought some more running gear, another running top, a jacket and some more socks. The trainee said "don't you have enough exercise stuff yet?". This isn't vanity though, I've come to realise that the reason people wear specialist running stuff isn't because it looks better or makes them look like more of a runner, but because it actually does a specific job. I love running in my proper running top, but there's only so much I can do with just one top, particularly in winter when I need more than just that one layer.

So now I'm all kitted out. And I suppose it's not just purely because it makes me feel better when I'm wearing it. It does help me feel like a proper runner, rather than just someone who throws on an old t-shirt and collapses after a mile or so. One thing I've learned is that it takes more than just doing stuff to believe that you're the sort of person who does it. I need to believe that I run as much as I need to actually run. I'm getting there, and hopefully looking the part will be another piece in the jigsaw.

The other thing I've been playing with today is the Running Ahead website. I've entered most of my exercise from this month into it so I can track how my training is going, and if I've set it up right, you should be able to view it by clicking on the link to my training log in the sidebar.

No running yet today. I went out last night for a former colleague's leaving do, she's going down to London. I only intended to stay for two drinks or so, but she was late, and then I was having great fun discussing my skinniness with people I haven't seen for a year or so so those two glasses of wine turned into four.

I just can't handle my alcohol any more! I keep forgetting I've got less body to absorb it into... I got home, although I don't remember getting onto the bus I do remember getting off it about a mile from home because I felt queasy. I then walked the rest of the way home and threw up in the toilet, tried to stand up and fell over backwards into the bath. Oops! I'm a big believer in throwing up when I get in - it seems to get rid of the hangover inducing potential of the alcohol, and this morning I'm fine, although a little tired and with strange bruises.

But I will run later, I'm meeting up with one of my new running buddies from Tuesday at 3 for a quick potter round the park, and I get to wear my new stuff which is the main attraction! Then I'll do my long run tomorrow. I was considering doing it today but I'm not so sure that's a good idea even though it's lovely and sunny.

Ah well, I may get more drunk than I used to, but at least I don't do it as often.

2 Comments:

Blogger Alex said...

that running ahead training log is awesome! I have crazy little spreadsheets, as well as my garmin to keep track of things, but this organizes everything so well.

Buying the right clothes for running is so important. It amazes me when I see people doing long distances and wearing a crappy cotton t-shirt that only gets soaked in sweat and sticks to your body. Plus there is nothing better than buying exercise clothes and knowing that you are worth it and deserve them.

One thing that has changed my running is my Garmin Forerunner 205. It is so amazing. I kept on thinking that I was running more than my running group's schedule listed and I was. It is very satisfying knowing exactly how far you have run and seeing it broken down to minutes per mile. They have recently come down to only $100 in the US and are well worth it at that price. I'm not sure how much they cost in the UK.

4:41 PM  
Blogger Alex said...

oops, i meant garmin 201.

wow i just looked at how much they cost in the uk and they are really expensive. you should check out amazon.com as even with shipping things from the us, it still may be cheaper than buying stuff in the uk.

4:46 PM  

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