Everyday after class lets out, I go for run with my team, I'm in the distance crew, I run cross country when that season roles around, I usually stick to the 5K to 10K area, though I do occasionally go over if there is a race with a fun route or something fun about it.
Every now and again, I miss a day of running. For that day, it feels as though my head is clouded, and all motivation to do anything has been lost because my head is all mixed up with thoughts crossing over each other one after the other into a spiderweb. That all clears once I reach the beautiful point when runners high kicks in, and by the time I get back, it feels as though it's all been sorted into neat little bins ready for whatever next.
It seems as though after every run I will of come back with another epiphany on this that or the other thing. I never really know what it will be about, but there seems to always be one, I've only been able to recreate it downhill skiing, but the time required to reach that point is significantly more, and the logistics of being a skier from the bay are a nightmare, it's not realistic.
Equipment
Running equipment can be done in 1 of 2 ways.
1) Go cheap. Get a cheap running watch, preferably one that tracks your performance. I've found time, distance and splits are the most important things to have, the rest is extra. Buy the smallest iPod you can get your hands on, load it up if your tracks. Buy some cheap New Balance or Saucony shoes, and you should be set for most of the gear. You should be able to get all that for around $100. All you'll need is some dri-fit shirts and running shorts.
2) All In. This usually comes later down the line once you know you are a runner, it will be a if you know you know kind of time. So things to get. Apple Watch Series 4. The biggest upside for runners is the ability to stream music, audiobooks and podcasts straight from etherspace to your wrist, so convenient, I could never go back. I use the Nike Running Club app, but a strong alternative is Strava, a lot of my friends use it but I've never gotten around to trying it. Get yourself a Hydro Flask, or other insulated water bottle, 5 standard size ice cubes does the trick for my 32 oz bottle. Nike Pro compression shorts and compression long sleeves are a mandatory for cold weather, that along with a pair of running gloves and a nice toque. I use a pair of Bose SoundSport Wireless' as my headphones. Don't use AirPods, they get jocked around too much and always slip a little too much when I run. Do not use any headphones with a wire, it will make you want to kill yourself.
3 inch shorts are the only acceptable kind of shorts. I wear a dri-fit t-shirt on top of a compression shirt over a jacket, but that's really a personal preference thing. Sunglasses are definitely a no. As for race foods, I use the Gu Energy Gels, I don't like them all that much but they sell them at a store close to my place so they are the ones I use. I suggest picking up some drinks called Soylent off Amazon. They're pretty tasty (except the Original flavor) and really filling, so I usually drink those after my runs, unless I have at least one and a half hours till I run in which case I'll have it before.
For shoes and clothing. I usually wear 3 or 5 inch shorts, my brand of choice is Nike, but I'm not too picky on that, get some fun ones with tacos or cats on them, everyone likes those. Dri-fit t-shirt is really all you need for tops, I'm not a fan of tank tops, I think if you want to run light you got to commit to the no shirt. No shirt running makes you feel like a bad ass but you can't go into any establishments without a shirt so I tend to avoid it. Now for shoes. I have 3 trainers, and 3 race shoes. My primary trainer in the Brooks Levitate 2's, they are pretty springy and light, but I need to replace them every 250 miles or so because they start to loose the cushion. The Levitates also have basically no tread so they are only really good for road running. My trail shoe is the Asics DynaFlyte 3, they're comfortable and light and have a little bit more tread so they work well enough for trails. My recovery shoe is a Asics GEL-Nimbus 21, I wouldn't suggest them unless you want them for a long time. They are super heavy, but they do have a lot of support, so they are manageable.
Mini-break, ok let's go, spikes and flats. I've got a pair of Saucony Carrera XC3 Flat's for distances over 1600m up to a 5K. Over 5K, I have one of my favorite shoes, the Nike X OFF-WHITE Zoom Fly Mercurial. I'm not sure if they are a much better shoe than my Brooks, but they do make me feel faster and cooler so the psychology alone probably makes up for the difference. Finally, I just bought a pair of Nike Zoom D distance spikes I'm having customized to have the American flag on them. I'll reply to this thread with a picture of them when I get them back from the artist doing them. So that's shoes for me. I think shoes are really dependent on the person though, so I strongly suggest finding a store that will let you just try them on and do a short 50-100m jog with them just to get a feel for them in comparison with others and your current running shoe.
I have a lot to say about running equipment.
Teams vs Solo
I run with a team, I think the commodore makes the hard days better and the good days better. I think you should always run with a team that is a little bit faster than you, it forces you to push yourself so you can keep up, and it will always have you chasing, forcing you to be better.
I run solo on the weekends. I would describe it as meditative. I would say that if you find yourself as an introverted person, running solo might be a good way to get into it. It's very convenient running by yourself, as you can just go when you feel like it. Running by yourself is totally different than running with a team. You need a lot of self motivation to keep going, whereas running with a team means people expect you to be there. If you need a deadline, run with a team, if you don't, don't.
Other Notes
Every now and again, I miss a day of running. For that day, it feels as though my head is clouded, and all motivation to do anything has been lost because my head is all mixed up with thoughts crossing over each other one after the other into a spiderweb. That all clears once I reach the beautiful point when runners high kicks in, and by the time I get back, it feels as though it's all been sorted into neat little bins ready for whatever next.
It seems as though after every run I will of come back with another epiphany on this that or the other thing. I never really know what it will be about, but there seems to always be one, I've only been able to recreate it downhill skiing, but the time required to reach that point is significantly more, and the logistics of being a skier from the bay are a nightmare, it's not realistic.
Equipment
Running equipment can be done in 1 of 2 ways.
1) Go cheap. Get a cheap running watch, preferably one that tracks your performance. I've found time, distance and splits are the most important things to have, the rest is extra. Buy the smallest iPod you can get your hands on, load it up if your tracks. Buy some cheap New Balance or Saucony shoes, and you should be set for most of the gear. You should be able to get all that for around $100. All you'll need is some dri-fit shirts and running shorts.
2) All In. This usually comes later down the line once you know you are a runner, it will be a if you know you know kind of time. So things to get. Apple Watch Series 4. The biggest upside for runners is the ability to stream music, audiobooks and podcasts straight from etherspace to your wrist, so convenient, I could never go back. I use the Nike Running Club app, but a strong alternative is Strava, a lot of my friends use it but I've never gotten around to trying it. Get yourself a Hydro Flask, or other insulated water bottle, 5 standard size ice cubes does the trick for my 32 oz bottle. Nike Pro compression shorts and compression long sleeves are a mandatory for cold weather, that along with a pair of running gloves and a nice toque. I use a pair of Bose SoundSport Wireless' as my headphones. Don't use AirPods, they get jocked around too much and always slip a little too much when I run. Do not use any headphones with a wire, it will make you want to kill yourself.
3 inch shorts are the only acceptable kind of shorts. I wear a dri-fit t-shirt on top of a compression shirt over a jacket, but that's really a personal preference thing. Sunglasses are definitely a no. As for race foods, I use the Gu Energy Gels, I don't like them all that much but they sell them at a store close to my place so they are the ones I use. I suggest picking up some drinks called Soylent off Amazon. They're pretty tasty (except the Original flavor) and really filling, so I usually drink those after my runs, unless I have at least one and a half hours till I run in which case I'll have it before.
For shoes and clothing. I usually wear 3 or 5 inch shorts, my brand of choice is Nike, but I'm not too picky on that, get some fun ones with tacos or cats on them, everyone likes those. Dri-fit t-shirt is really all you need for tops, I'm not a fan of tank tops, I think if you want to run light you got to commit to the no shirt. No shirt running makes you feel like a bad ass but you can't go into any establishments without a shirt so I tend to avoid it. Now for shoes. I have 3 trainers, and 3 race shoes. My primary trainer in the Brooks Levitate 2's, they are pretty springy and light, but I need to replace them every 250 miles or so because they start to loose the cushion. The Levitates also have basically no tread so they are only really good for road running. My trail shoe is the Asics DynaFlyte 3, they're comfortable and light and have a little bit more tread so they work well enough for trails. My recovery shoe is a Asics GEL-Nimbus 21, I wouldn't suggest them unless you want them for a long time. They are super heavy, but they do have a lot of support, so they are manageable.
Mini-break, ok let's go, spikes and flats. I've got a pair of Saucony Carrera XC3 Flat's for distances over 1600m up to a 5K. Over 5K, I have one of my favorite shoes, the Nike X OFF-WHITE Zoom Fly Mercurial. I'm not sure if they are a much better shoe than my Brooks, but they do make me feel faster and cooler so the psychology alone probably makes up for the difference. Finally, I just bought a pair of Nike Zoom D distance spikes I'm having customized to have the American flag on them. I'll reply to this thread with a picture of them when I get them back from the artist doing them. So that's shoes for me. I think shoes are really dependent on the person though, so I strongly suggest finding a store that will let you just try them on and do a short 50-100m jog with them just to get a feel for them in comparison with others and your current running shoe.
I have a lot to say about running equipment.
Teams vs Solo
I run with a team, I think the commodore makes the hard days better and the good days better. I think you should always run with a team that is a little bit faster than you, it forces you to push yourself so you can keep up, and it will always have you chasing, forcing you to be better.
I run solo on the weekends. I would describe it as meditative. I would say that if you find yourself as an introverted person, running solo might be a good way to get into it. It's very convenient running by yourself, as you can just go when you feel like it. Running by yourself is totally different than running with a team. You need a lot of self motivation to keep going, whereas running with a team means people expect you to be there. If you need a deadline, run with a team, if you don't, don't.
Other Notes
- I run a 2:01 800 meter (1/2 Mile), a 4:39 1600 meter (1 Mile) if that makes me sound more credible.
- The only acceptable events for track and field are the 800, 1600 and 1200.
- If you are on the fence about running, spandex and sports bras are the typical girls team uniform.
- Buy a fuzzy blanket for waiting around before races.
- If you feel tired, keep running, you'll always be surprised at how far you can go.
- Box chocolate milk makes a good post workout recovery drink.
- Show up at least an hour before your race. Don't be late, it sucks to be late.
- If you are new to running, stretch, but once you know it isn't helpful stop doing it. I waste so much of my life everyday stretching. It's by far the worst part of running with a team.
- Did I talk about spandex yet? Girls team wears spandex. Cannot stress this point enough.
- Running will slowly turn you into one of those weird healthy people that you don't understand. You won't realize it until it's too late. Accept it and live with it.
- Always jog a half mile after you finish a sprint. It will save you from a world of hurt.
