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Monday, May 5, 2008

Running Revelations

This is the LAST week of our running clinic! Can't believe it's almost over...can't believe I've made it this far! I am just T-minus 5 days from my first 5K. (And, yes, I did say "first" on purpose. Trying, trying to convince myself to stick with it...)

We really did have a good session this morning and I made some big discoveries:

1. Long-sleeved t-shirt and shorts: Best running outfit. 56 degrees: Best running weather.

2. Even disciplined, seasoned runners wake up for an early run and think, "Dangit. I just knew it was going to be raining." This could, perhaps, be the most affirming discovery of this year. I thought real runners always wanted to run. Who knew that they are big slugs like the rest of us? (Although, unlike the rest of us, they are big slugs with nice firm tushies.)

3. I am going to look way more legit out there on the track with my first race shirt on.

4. It feels great when someone slows down to run alongside you. When I first realized how much our clinic leaders were having to hold back in order to run with us, it was fairly humiliating. Now I choose to embrace the comraderie and realize that everyone has to adjust their pace a little to stay with the group. (There's a sermon in there somewhere!)

5. Running shorts with built-in panties are my new-found love. So much so that I am considering sewing undergarments into all my other pants. They don't ride up! They don't show over the top of your shorts! They are always right there when you are getting dressed! One down side, however: if you keep putting your shortswiththebuiltinpanty in the dryer, eventually the panty part shrinks up so much that you cannot pull the shorts up all the way. And there you are, running with your crack hanging out.

Still waiting for this revelation: What do I eat before I run? So far I have been running so early that I don't even bother, but the 5K is at 8am, and there's no way I can put off breakfast that long.

7 comments:

Brian, Jamie, Molly & Sarah said...

It seems like I have always heard (as a non runner myself) that you are supposed to eat some simple carbs....maybe some pasta :)

Congrats and good luck! By they by, do you think they make bras like your panty pants? That would be interesting.

Polly said...

Think how much less laundry you would have to do if your underwear and clothes were all one piece!

Or...I guess you just don't have to wear any underwear.

Jenny said...

I love a bagel or banana before running. But do a test before your actual race. You don't want to find out you made a bad food choice in the middle of your race! Good luck!

Danna Ramsey said...

I'm so proud of you! I think you should invent some breakfast pasta. Maybe with fruit on it. And ... they do make those tanks with the built in bra. That's what I wear just about every day. I feel more modest for some reason.

Rebecca said...

First, let me say an early CONGRATULATIONS!!! Although it might "just" be 5 miles to some people, it is a big accomplishment. I think you learn a lot about yourself when you keep pushing yourself in physical matters, not that I am an expert or anything. Second, I will give you some "expert" Food Scientist advice. DO NOT EAT OATMEAL!!! Or anything with a large amount of fiber. With all of the muscle movement your body will naturally start to work things out, you DO NOT want any help in the area. I would say a food that is easy on the stomach, had a good amound of simple sugars to keep your blood sugar up (any fruit would be good), something with protein, and something will a fair amount of complex carbohydrates. I would suggest a banana, whole wheat toast, bagel, english muffin, and it you can stand it, a scrambled egg, perhaps a plain omlet. The night before LOAD up on complex carbohydrates and water. You will do GREAT!!! I will say a little prayer for you on Friday night.

Davies Family said...

I'm not a runner, but Brett says to eat something light with carbs....cereal with very little milk, or a banana and a granola bar...and water or gatorade to drink. He also recommends eating it a couple of hours before you actually run. :) Good luck!

Danielle Balentine said...

Sewing undergarments in all of your clothes. What a brilliant idea. Underwear drives me crazy. I never can find the ones that fit just the way I want them to. Thanks for the laugh and good luck on your first 5K. I did mine this past July. You talk about hot! And I pushed Ellie in the running stroller. That was a task--especially uphill. Anyway, have a great time!