running essentials

I have now signed up for a half marathon (!) which is in a week (!!)

Without really admitting it to myself, I've been training for it for a couple of months, and I know I'm ready at this point - but signing up still made me really nervous. Unfortunately my built-in fan base (aka Peter) is on call, so I'm all on my own for pep talks that day. I'm trying to tell myself it's just like any long run that I do.  Peter's off at work during all of those... except then I remember for this one I have to drive myself there and find a parking spot. And there's a starting line. And there are a bunch of other people. And I have to run slightly farther.

So I've been freaking out a little, but I'm still glad I signed up. It will be exciting to reach this milestone after all the running I've been doing. And while I'm busy telling myself that, here are a few essentials (aside from my previously discussed outfits) that have helped get me through lots of miles already:

1. iPhone armband: to carry my iPhone loaded up with my running playlist (I find that lots of the peppy songs from Glee keep me moving)

2. Nike+ app: to measure my speed and distance while I run. It gives me updates with my pace every mile, and it stores my run history, plus records (longest distance, time, fastest 5k, fastest 10k, etc.), which my goal-oriented self loves.

3. Chocolate milk: I've read that it's supposed to be good for post-exercise recovery, but I actually have a glass for breakfast almost every morning (before running) - it sticks with me for a long time and gives me energy.

4. Champion sports bras: I have no desire to spend more on these since after a while, they just don't come out of the wash smelling fresh any more... These ones occasionally go on sale for about $14 at Target, and then I buy a new one.

5. Smartwool socks: my favorite because they're nice and cushioned for comfort, and breathable so my feet don't get too hot.

6. Treadmills + tennis: I do most of my running outside these days, but the beginning of my training was all on the treadmill, and I've found the best treadmill tv entertainment is tennis. I can get really engrossed in a good match and just keep going - so I've reached several milestones during major tennis tournaments (such as my first hour-long run was during Mardy Fish vs. Rafael Nadal in the Cincy tennis tournament, and my first 9-mile run was during the US Open final).