Just Keep Running, Just Keep Changing
March 16, 2009 by Jenn
By this time in two weeks, I will have run my first half marathon. It’s insane to me what the body can do after training for a mere 12 weeks. When this whole adventure started, I was confident in my ability to run 2 to 3 miles. Now, I know I can go out and run 10 miles. It may not be easy, but I can do it. (My motto is kindly borrowed from Dory in Finding Nemo: “Just keep running. Just keep running.”)
A few things other things than my mileage have changed since I started on this journey, too. My workout clothes, for example. In the past, I had grown accustomed to wearing mismatched outfits only fit for the eyes of my dog watching me Zumba around the living room at 6 a.m. When it came to workouts at the gym or outside, I’d get myself decent looking, often sporting some fun new piece of workout clothing for an official FBG review. These days though, fashion and convenience have flown out the window. I know what I like to run in and what I don’t. I know which sports bras stack up and which, ahem, don’t keep the girls happy. I know at exactly what mile that once-perfect-for-group-ex pair of capris will ride up (mile 4), and that these never move from where they should be. The hair? Who cares—just get it out of my face.
The most dramatic change in my attitude has come with my footwear. My normal socks, which were previously fine for a workout, no longer make the grade. I need support, wicking properties and extra cushion (and apparently a $12-a-sock price tag). And if the three pairs (due to said price tag) that I own are not clean, I’ll wait to wash and dry them. (The more I type this out, the more I realize I may have running OCD…)
The shoes? Lordy, lordy. I religiously alternate between two different pairs of shoes to minimize blisters. And when I recently went shoe shopping, I didn’t pick the cutest shoes on sale. Shocker. Instead, I went with the sneaks best for my overpronating tootsies (and a $90 price tag). Not to mention that I DIDN’T CARE IF THEY GOT DIRTY. In fact, on my first run with them, I ran through not one, not two, but three puddles. Three months ago, a brand-new shoe would probably only be worn while working out inside the gym and wouldn’t even be worn to get to the gym if there was the slightest chance of rain. Nowadays, I could care less about what they look like or if they’re clean—it’s all about getting the run done and me being more comfortable and supported.
Read more about running in this love fest to FBG readers and how running is everywhere lately in Erin’s life. And don’t forget this guide to buying new running shoes!
Photo grabbed from bfick on Flickr.
Sounds like all of the changes you have undergone have been positive (may even including the $12 socks). Good luck at your half marathon! I know you will kick butt
congratulations on all your progress!! one can definitely read the positive mental attitude, as well as the thrill in all you’ve accomplished these last 12 weeks! Good luck!
It’s gonna be fabulous ;D YAY!!
I’ve been sporting the Champion Duo Dri socks (6 pairs for $9!)lately. They work just as fine as the Balega ones I have but without the $10 a pair price tag.
That actually is fairly normal running behaviour. We tend to be a bit of an OCD bunch…
Good luck with your half!
(I try to find socks on sale. Often the sports stores will put them on sale whereas the “running stores” will not)
Loved reading what you have learned on your running journey. I hear ya about the hair. I don’t care what mine looks like it just can’t get in my eyes. That drives me nuts!
You are going to do great! You should be so proud of your hard work!
sounds like you are an official runner to me! Congratulations!
Bravo! And you’ve not only inspired me to move up my mileage, but explained why buying expensive gear can be justified. I’ve gotta stop being cheap – I admit it.
Why is it that the proper pair of running shoes is never on sale, and seldom cute? Ah, well. Yes, since I have only two Perfect pairs of socks and two Perfect sports bras I find myself doing laundry twice weekly.
What a great post! These are all things I love about running… its a sort of healthy obsession and with each increasingly longer long run, you begin to realize how much fun it is to set and achieve easily measured goals! What an inspiring post!
Dude, so funny! I am so proud!
Congrats! I wear WrightSocks, double layer, because I have bunions & need the extra layer for those. These are the best socks I have found for preventing blisters for me. I know there are lots of good ones out there though. Keep up the good work!
yay Jenn, you can do it!! we both can!
i’m on the same journey you are on, except my race isn’t until september so i have a bit more time to train. i started running almost a year ago, and since then have lost 80 pounds and went from running/walking a 46 minute 5k to running 4.5 miles last friday at a solid 12 min mile pace! 
i’m not fast but i’m doing it! keep up the good work, and know that you’re not alone!
Your post made me smile. I’m in the process of the “runners transformation” as well. I still need to get me a pair of those $12.00 socks
Woohoo go you! Keep it up!
I can’t afford socks right now. I swear, all of mine have holes in them. Why are socks so darn expensive?!
The shoes can be cleaned easily too. Just run them on the short cycle in the washing machine (I don’t even use soap). Then leave them out to air dry. A friend of mine just hoses them out. Its amazing how much cleaner they look after.
Hahaha this post makes me laugh, I’m totally the same apart from being a male….
Shoes are a big issue with me cause i have fat foot syndrome.
May have to look into these $12 socks.
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