The Couch to 5K Running Chronicles: Gearing Up

We are in the midst of week four.  This rainy Summer has been quite the challenge to our running game.  But we are back with a vengeance this week despite my earlier apprehension about surviving a full five-minute run.  It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.  I am learning to push myself.  By push I mean running harder and faster while my teen-age running buddy hardly breaks a sweat. Brat. He is at day camp all week and the wimp in me actually waits for him to get home because I cannot run by myself.  He did clarify with me that when we run the race he will not be running my pace.  The boy wants a medal and a record-breaking time, I just want the free donut.

Next week will be exciting. I am mentally preparing  myself to run for twenty minutes with no walking.  I'll be sure to bring a cellphone and have 911 on speed dial.

As promised on my last post I am here to blog about running gear on a budget.  Other than my shoes (which was a birthday gift from my sister), every gear I own was either purchased on clearance or found on the sale rack.  My many years of serving at the retail altar have taught me the art of not paying full price unless absolutely necessary.  I have yet to put running gear under the absolutely necessary list.  Except for shoes.  You have to get good running shoes.  I know most running experts tell you to go to a running specialty store to get evaluated.  I get the wisdom in that.  If you have the budget for that go for it.  I am currently running with Newton's and I love it.  If I don't fall out of love with running I see myself going to that specialty store.  For now Newton it is.  I only ever use it for running.  I have an old ratty pair of Nike's for P90x, found at the clearance aisle at Sports Authority.

My favorite compression capris are Avia that I found at TJ Maxx for under $10.  It's plain black but I am currently drooling over those trendy and fun printed ones.  Pretty sure I could run faster with fun prints. Old Navy has a couple that I have my eye on.  Speaking of Old Navy, that's where I buy most of my running tanks.  And they almost always have a sale. I get my sports bras from Target (clearance aisle, always).  I'm sure there are better brands out there than C9 Champion but I really have no point of comparison, it's all I've ever owned.  

Other than running shoes I think the next most important consideration is socks.  You must not run in ratty, non-surgical grade socks.  I just threw in the non-surgical grade for fun, I don't think they make surgical grade socks, do they?  Anyhow, the point is to wear good socks.  The most popular (and most expensive) brand is Thorlo.  I don't buy those for myself but we got it for (daddy's) girl when she ran track this Spring, found at TJ Maxx of course.  My feet are quick to get hot so my preference is for breathable socks that's not heavily cushioned.  I currently use these Asics ones - http://www.amazon.com/ASICS-Quick-Cushion-Single-Socks/dp/B00IGU7M66/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1436977978&sr=1-1&keywords=asics+womens+quick+lyte

The miser in me had this idea way back when that you can exercise in just about anything.  While that is true I am finding myself a little bit more motivated (by vanity first) when I feel good about what I'm wearing. Trust me, wearing my husband's Hanes t-shirts that quite literally did not flatter anything is not as motivating as tank tops that make you look good covered in sweat. And can we please say thank you to the brains behind sweat-wicking material?!  

As usual, my blogging time is up.  I need to get my rear in gear for P90x.

Alright, running experts let's hear your gear advice, those with unlimited budgets are free to chime in, we need to see how the other half live :-)

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