Week four! My biggest failure thus far, I cannot deny. It’s a bit funny, too, because I thought I would have time to get in several longer runs with it being my vacation week and all, but the opposite seemed to be true! My plans were interrupted by bouts of sickness, both of the common cold and stomach bug variety, a smattering of appointments, one all-nighter, and the birth of my niece.
I ran three times this week. I KNOW! And all of shorter distances. I tried to make up for this on Sunday when, realizing I had only fifteen free minutes, I put the treadmill on a high speed and sprinted for the full amount of time in order to get as much out of the workout as possible (and with the help of ACDC and Britney Spears). It worked, save for one jump onto the sides of the treadmill in a moment of panic. The speed was much, MUCH too fast for my pokey self, but I hit 2 miles in my timeframe and felt utterly exhausted after, which has to count for something, right?
I’ve been trying to seamlessly make running a part of my life, but this last week, it felt apart from my life. I need to work on merging the two more successfully, so tell me: what do you do to ensure daily runs? How do you make them routine, even when you’re tired, ill, or busy? I found this quote a couple of weeks ago that really resonated with me, but I’m still working on the “how” part of it:
“You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired in the morning, noon, and night. But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired.”
It’s a work in progress, I suppose. I do have another question before I sign off my pathetic confession: what is the best brand for running tops? I have quite a few of the running tanks that I wear even in winter, just as the bottom layer, but many of them ride up, forcing me to adjust every couple of minutes and wanting to scream and kick innocent mail boxes. My question is strictly limited to brands that feature material that stays in place, and all other considerations for running tops are secondary for me at this moment. I just want a shirt that won’t move! It may be my undoing.
I will leave you with a photo of my two beautiful nieces, Morgan and Taylor; Taylor joined the world at 11:20am, March 3, 2013 (maybe a future runner?). Her birth marks the start of her mother’s training! Until next week, All!
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Regarding shirts, you might try running in a top that is slightly less fitted than your average tank. I find that almost all tanks ride up some and I’m convinced it’s they just run ‘tighter’ than regular shirts so they sorta work their way up and I move then stay there. When I run in short sleeves or a tech long sleeve shirt and a jacket I don’t have the same problem. That said, if it’s a tank you really want, look no further than lululemon (Church St). Their stuff is well-tested for running and yoga and it’s pretty fantastic. Though not exactly budget-friendly, you’ll definitely wear it again and again…
Everything I wear rides up, but I’ve heard magic things about lululemon as well. I haven’t managed to bite the bullet on the price yet, but I’m sure once I do I’ll probably be one of those ladies that never goes back.
I actually do have a nice Saucony tank that is a looser fitting type material – look for things named “singlet” instead of tank and it might help. I have a Reebok singlet that is the same. It’s just a different type of material… I don’t love the look of the Reebok one, but the Saucony one is so cute. I haven’t been able to find it again online – I bought it discount at a race expo, so I’m thinking it’s done.
Most of my tops are Asics, though. They ride up but they are longer to begin with so I like them. (I’m super tall so starting out long enough before riding up is a big deal for me!)
I’ll chime in on Lululemon too; if you can stomach the price tag, their stuff lasts forever, fits well and fights off smell as well. I’ve had good luck with the Danskin built in tops from Walmart and the featherweight tanks from City Sports. The former is good if you are looking for something to replace sports bra and shirt, the latter if you have a sports bra you prefer underneath. In general, I’ve found City Sports store brand to be delightfully long. Links below:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/19501141
http://www.citysports.com/CS-by-City-Sports-Core-Tank—Womens/199561/Product
Don’t beat yourself up about training weeks that get derailed. Life doesn’t stop because we train for marathons, after all. Some ways to find more time:
*Aim for 2 shorter runs a day if you don’t have a big block of time.
*Literally run your errands. By the time you park or take letters to the Post Office, you could have had a 20 minute run going
*If you’re mentally cooked, make a deal with yourself for each week that you’ll run X minutes every day (I use 15, but whatever works). Get out the door for that 15 minutes. If at the end of 15 you are still tired, head home. If not, finish up your run.
I find any top with a bra built in will ride up! I prefer a running bra under the singlet or tank. And yes, less fitted.
The people at Fleet Feet are very helpful and can assist you in finding gear. How I ensure I get my runs in (most the time) get up that much earlier…at 6am I am not Mommy or honey…I am alone to do my run.
the mind will give you a thousand reasons to put off a run. just ignore and start. the first half mile may feel miserable. continue. it all comes together. when you’re done, you feel great! you are in control.
Congrats on your new niece.
Keeping motivated to run day after day…week after week during your marathon training is indeed hard. Sometimes you do have to shut down those thoughts and just start running. Once you get going you typically will keep going. Try to make sure that your training is a priority. We all have lots of things that could always get in the way. Focus on your long runs for sure, good quality medium runs and as many of your shorter runs as you can. Don’t beat yourself up if you miss 1 or 2. remember what you are doing is pretty tough and something that not a lot of folks do. Keep it up and look forward to your next post!
I’m a rookie too (though I’ve run a bunch of half marathons) and it’s still a constant struggle to find motivation. I’m ALSO a grad student and ALSO train three nights a week for roller derby, so finding time to run is difficult! I’m learning how to not feel too guilty if I have a bad week: sometimes life just gets in the way. Good luck, I think you’re going to be great!
PS: My favorite running top is, literally, the Asics Favorite. http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/ASW2806/ I have the tee (in three different colors!) but they also make a tank. It’s the softest fabric, not too clingy, fits great, and looks good too!
I run with a running bra (Kohl’s brand) and a tank or tshirt (then layer up). I’ve never had them ride up. It must be the bra separate.
I know you do most of your running inside on the treadmill, which is how I started running a few years ago. I now run outside and usually with someone. Even in the winter. I find that if someone is expecting me, that I’ll show up, 98% of the time.
BTW, I’m a half-marathoner, so I’m impressed that you are training for the full!!!
Erin
My name is Al, and I’m also a rookie. I’m also known as Leandre’s spouse. I’m filling-in as the leader of the Hannaford group run tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 8 am. We’ll be doing 11 miles beginning at the Hannaford in South Burlington off of Shelburne Road. Would love to have you join us!
Al
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