Essentials for Running Part Two...

About a year ago I did this post about running essentials and now I have part two.As a runner there are certain things that are really important to have, I believe, to get the most out of your running and for it to be more enjoyable. And now, after becoming a mother and having a few changes in my body, my essentials have somewhat changed. So here's my new list of what I think are essentials for running and they are applicable for anyone, not just Mums:

1. A really good sports bra... Some bras are just for sports, some are just for the bedroom and some are just for women (or men) over 70...

This bra is for the bedroom... Not running!
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If you are boobalicious like I am now, thanks to being a Mumma, you need a really good sports bra (or two or three all worn at once) so you are not running with your boobs around your knees... Not a good look and not very comfortable. Thanks to the wonderful people at Ruun for giving me this fantastic Shock Absorber bra, I will no longer have to tuck my boobs into my waistband whilst running. 

No, that's not me but she's pretty much my twin...

2. Always good sports shoes. This goes without saying. These shoes are for fun, not running (unless you are Cinderella running from the ball):

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I love me a good asics shoe but you need to know what works for you. Do some research about under and over pronation and find out whether you need stability shoes, cushioned shoes or whatever... Or go to a specialist and get your feet fitted for the perfect shoe. Multo importante!

3. A good training plan... You can't expect to just get out for a few casual runs and then do a marathon after... But if you can, stop reading this blog, you make me sick! You need something to follow, a plan suited to your needs and abilities. I love the 'Run Less Run Faster' training plans which you can read all about here. It is low mileage but that's what I love about it. Each to their own.

4. Look good, Feel good. This is my motto with everything and it also goes for exercising. If you wear frumpy clothes, you're going to feel like a frump, it's as simple as that.

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Labelled clothes, such as Nike and Adidas can be expensive, but save up to get yourself even just one nice outfit and you will feel the whole package. Cheaper versions of the clothes without the labels can look just as good and be half the price also, as well as doing what they are made to do. 

5. Because I am a bit of a control freak - as in can't just walk out the door and go for a run - I need my watch with me so I know how fast I am running, how long I have been running, got to go, etc. If I don't know these things I go cray cray.

If you are a pimp you would probably wear a watch like this, however I am a very respectable person so I wear this... 

My shuffle and my watch - can't wait for that GPS watch thanks Tim :)

I do not have a GPS watch (yet - hint Tim), but still find that my digital watch with lap timer works just as well. I also use Map My Run to measure the distance of my runs, then I can get a good idea of my time per kms. Sometimes I take my Smart Phone (that I am too stupid to use) with me. I have Map my Run on there so it acts as a GPS but can be rather slow sometimes.

6. If you don't so much like running with your own thoughts, music can be a great way to get yourself away from yourself, if you get what I mean. In West Philadelphia (born and raised... you know the rest) back in the day, all the cool kids were doing this...

However, this is somewhat totes inappropes for running (unless you are going for some resistance training), thus I. LOVE. MY. IPOD. SHUFFLE! It's small, clips discreetly onto my waist band and it holds more than enough music for even the long runs, as well as has a good battery life. And I don't have to listen to my own thoughts for a while - they can sometimes be dangerous.

7. Now that I have a baby the buggy was the biggest deal for me. It was the one thing I was super fussy about and had to have a good one to run with. Although I really wanted this buggy:

It's called the 'Sub-4 jogging stroller' - It would totally get me my sub 4 marathon!

It costs more than an arm and a leg - maybe my torso as well - so we opted for one that is just as running friendly, looks good and had pretty much all the things we wanted in a buggy (and was a bit more affordable).

Not to mention, Fletcher loves it too. I don't plan on doing my long runs with him so I don't really need the sub-4, although if you are reading this and want to buy it for us we would graciously accept your generosity and kindness :)
And what good is a buggy without a baby...

My gorgeous, happy wee boy x

 What are your running essentials? 

Are any of these things not on your list of essentials?

I put my new shoes on and suddenly everything's right!

NEW SHOES RULE!!! Soooo... Thanks to this awesome website I got myself some stylin' new pumped up kicks... YEOW!

As you can tell I rather enjoy a new pair of shoes. It's the simple things in life I tell ya. However, whoever said running is free obviously was a barefoot runner (and perhaps even a naked runner?!). Shoes are not cheap and when you are clocking up some serious (or not so serious) mileage you really do need to have a good pair, which means replacing them a bit more regularly than your wallet would probably like to. Thus the reason I love these new shoes so much - I had to save for them!

This is also the reason I love the aforementioned site - I got my shoes for approx $96 cheaper than they are here in stores.. But wait, there's more - they also included FREE postage - that's right - FREEEEEEEEE!! They did take 3 weeks to get here but if you want them earlier you can just pay a few extra bucks (or live in the UK where they come from), and Bob's your Uncle (or Aunty in some cases - awkward!).

I know you are dying to see them so here you are:

Thanks Asics for my super new GT-2170 running shoes. They are a dream. And sooo bright white they're like a black man's teeth (even on my pasty white legs which makes them look tanned!).

I thought my old running shoes weren't doing to badly, but when you look at this comparison you will see why I was in need of a new pair...

Yeesh! Talk about run down on The Run Down! It's recommended that you change your shoes every 800 kms and I may or may not have done slightly over that number... You decide :)

This brings me to my next part:

Wearing in new running shoes...

As I had to save for these shoes (and because I was stingy and opted for the free delivery) I ordered them a little later than I was hoping and they only just got here last week. I was hoping that I could chuck them on and they would feel like they were made for me and I would be able to run a million miles in them, however this is not the case.

Rule Number One in running: Shoes DO NEED TO BE WORN IN before a big event. You cannot and should not expect to be able to just throw on a new pair of shoes the morning of a race and be fine. Some shoes might give you blisters your first one, two, or three wears, they may rub in funny places, they may be too tight or you may need to adjust certain things.

My new shoes have not given me any blisters on the few runs I have worn them on, however they do cause my toes - particularly on my left foot which is my 'big' foot - to go numb and tingly. NOT what you want in a race! When they have stretched a bit more they will be perfect, but until then I can't go taking any risks in this weekend's marathon.

So me old faithfuls will have to do the trick! We've had some good times and this last run will just top it all off (cue tacky romance music from a Zac Effron love movie). And then what will be the fate of me old faithfuls you ask? They become my fishing shoes! Yes - that's right, they are great for getting around rocks in and walking along the beach. They might even get a bit of the old backyard action... Gardening, lawn mowing or just some casual slouching around - you name it, they're good for it!

What do you do with your old running shoes? And what is your favourite pair of kicks to pound the pavement in??

Happy running readers.

Marathon countdown: 5 sleeps to go!