Like most other sports the proper shoe is an integral part of success and injury prevention. In running this is everything. If done incorrectly it can sideline your progress and dampen your spirits. There is so much that goes into the process of finding the right "fit." (Hahaha, I crack myself up!) Avoid the sale rack (Gasp! Anyone who knows me will understand that this goes against my primal being. And it has taken some training of it's own to break this habit.) Don't just go to some warehouse and buy a cute pair. Find a specialist who can talk you through the process of choosing a shoe.
There are so many different options and they go way beyond the simple issue of brand or color. Each shoe has been specially designed to suit the numerous running styles, foot strikes, or types of runs one might do. It's quite like attempting to find a soul mate (Ha! I didn't even plan that pun....they just pour out of me people!) Once you find the perfect pair you may feel the need to pray and make a deal with the devil in hopes that you will never see your precious shoe on the-wait for it- "extinct shoe" chart. This is a real thing. They discontinue shoes and it can be devastating. There are lists to warn you....oh, it's too funny to even think about. But I get it.
Oh, and don't forget to double check the size. You are not the size you thought you were. Your feet will swell during long runs and your shoes need to accommodate that. Generally, it's good to buy a shoe that is 1 size larger than your foot measurement dictates. Go for comfort over style, hands down. You will not care how cute it is that your shoes match your shirt that matches your headband if your toenails are falling off. Seriously.
Now you need cushy insoles, possibly specially formed to fit the shape of your foot. There are countless options in this area as well. And, just when you thought we were done talking about the feet, there is the conundrum of socks. It is not a good idea to just grab a package of tube socks from the local Target. There's moisture and odor to consider. Non-cotton socks are the way to go. Obtaining the right socks is almost as imperative as tracking down the right shoes. You need help avoiding blisters as well as funk. Do you want ones with extra padding? Almost no padding? Maybe you need the special compression socks? They even make ones with little "l" and "r" on them to help you place them accordingly. Isn't it amazing?
I won't even get into the whole undies aspect, or support for the girls. Take my word for it, this is costly as well. It's also important to have some kind of tech shirt or tank that fits properly. It will dry quickly which is nice because you'll be one sweaty Betty after no time at all. You need a jacket for those uber chilly late night or early morning runs. Also pants that fit properly to avoid chaffing, preferably ones that are designed for running. Did you know that they even make running skirts and dresses? The possibilities are endless.
Then we have all of the other elements I never would have thought of before I took on this venture. Like the fact that because I am running so many miles a week I needed to buy 2 pairs of shoes. One of them is made for higher mileage. Blah blah blah. I needed body glide to keep from chaffing. After awhile it became important to carry water and supplements with me. Now I wear what they call a fuel belt. It's a fanny pack that holds 2 water bottles and a pouch for money, lip balm, gu, etc. I'm thinking about upgrading to one that carries even more water. Gu is expensive as well but is a huge help to get that jolt of energy and glycogen into my system (skittles and other candy work as well in a pinch). The armband I use to hold my ipod during runs....the books and magazines that I have purchased to help educate myself more on the topic. Cha-ching, cha-ching, cha-ching.
My biggest purchase that was induced by running is most certainly my stroller. As I've stated in a previous blog I sincerely believe that it is worth every penny. I have to bring my daughter with me at least once a week. Now that my "short" run days consist of 5 miles stroller quality has become instrumental. I am willing to take her with me instead of forgoing these important training sessions. Her comfort and safety are important to me. Let's face it, anything that makes pushing her around for that long easier is a huge advantage to the both of us.
There is also the matter of the race fee. It was around $145 to sign up for the LA Marathon. Luckily for me I won't have to spend any extra cash on a hotel or transportation. My sister lives near the finish line so that is all taken care of. I can't imagine having to pay for a plane ticket on top of this. I guess it would be a great way to keep one from backing out at the last minute. The entry fee plus all the other cash I'm shelling out during training is enough incentive for me to make my way to the start.
There are a lot of other things I could easily justify needing for training. Supplements, special clothes, the possibilities are endless. Some people might feel the need to purchase a tread mill. I understand this desire. It would make running easier during my busy schedule. Especially while juggling the kids. It's certainly not a necessity. So I will stick to the great outdoors. Others might spend money on running clubs or trainers. Again, that is a luxury that I can not afford right now and that's fine with me. I take it as I can with this new expensive hobby. I spend here and there to help facilitate success without deflating the family budget.
Like most things in life running ain't easy, or cheap. But I guess that's one of the reasons that not everyone completes marathons. The nice thing about running is that you can do it at any time day or night for free. No gym memberships, no fees...just you and your well worn sole mates.....and all of that other crap you need.
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