i used to think i was not a runner. i hated it. for years. when i was in grad school, i went through a really bad break up. like, the not eating, crying all the time, drinking bottles (yes, plural) of wine for dinner kind of break up. anyway, one day i got really angry (don't you just love that part of the break up???) and i went to the gym to lift weights. i went to the gym a lot at that time, as i had nothing better to do, but i was a walk-on-the-treadmill kind of gal. so i hopped up on the treadmill and i walked. as i walked, i wanted to go faster so i upped the speed a little, then a little more, then a little more. pretty soon i was at a sprint and it felt good. now, i didn't last too long, but that didn't matter. the next day, i ran a little longer, then longer and then longer. when i (finally) finished grad school and moved back to austin, the weather was so great that one day i decided to run outside and let me tell you, huge difference!!! from that time on, i was a 'runner.' i put that in quotes because i am NOT a marathon runner, a half marathon runner, a triathelete, a 10k-er, a 5k-er- none of that. i run for as long as i feel like it, then walk for a bit, then run more, then walk more. some days i run for 20 minutes before i stop, some days i run for 5 minutes. the point is, that i really enjoy it. it's not even just running- i love working out period. weights, running, elliptical, yoga. i'm on it. like a puppy, if i go without exercise, i kind of freak out. anywho, i thought i'd let you guys know what keeps me going when i'm running (or working out period).
first up, the clothes. i know a lot of people think it doesn't matter what you wear. i am here to tell you that is absolutely untrue. i used to wear ratty old sorority shirts and old shorts and i felt 'meh.' lp convinced me to try out some real workout clothing and just see what i thought. here's what i think: when i look good and feel comfortable, i'm more likely to keep going with my workout. right now, it's silly cold here so i've been layering my look. some pieces i like when i work out:
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1. running top: i don't personally wear the pink one, but i have it in another color and i LOVE it. it's from lululemon and one of my favorite parts is that it has a cuff that you pull over your hands to keep them warm. it's the best best best!!
2. pants: i typically prefer yoga pants, but i'll do a running tight also. the main thing it that they need to be a thick enough material to keep your tush warm.
3. sports bra: always prefer the skinnier, y-type bras. they don't dig into my shoulders as much and i appreciate that.
4. top: under my running top, i do a sports tank. now, this is really important for me, as i have a very long torso. i like these tanks to be l-o-n-g. i need it to cover my tummy because gross. i do not want my tummy hanging out.
5. shoes: i love brooks. it's my brand of choice for sure. light and sturdy and they help with the fact that i roll out on the edges of my feet.
6. ear warmer- a must. it's saved my running this winter. when my ears get cold, i get a cold headache so this is a life saver!
next thing: music. this is the hardest thing in the world and it's something i am constantly updating. i have recently realized that there are a lot of songs that i love working out to that i never listen to when i'm driving around or walking down the street or riding the metro. i do have some songs that are really keeping me going recently though:
1. straight outta compton (n.w.a): i know, sounds kind of hard core, right? ha! i have to say, it's really easy to keep running when easy e gets to his part and you just wanna say "hell yea!!!"
2. monster (kanye west): nicki minaj's part on this is awe-some and the whole song makes me just wanna beat someone up.
3. when they fight, they fight (the generationals): love this band and this song always makes lp and i dance. it also pumps me up.
4. toxic (britney spears): yeah, that's right.
5. 20 dollar (m.i.a.): there are actually a few m.i.a songs i love to run to, but this is the one that's been doing it recently.
6. the way i are (timbaland): he's a hoot.
7. lisztomania (phoenix)
8. l.e.s. artistes (santigold)
9. grolondic edit (of montreal)
10. anything off the kanye west jay z album
11. personal jesus (depeche mode): try it!!!
12. break ya neck (busta rhymes)
13. hello (martin solveig)
14. song 2 blur
15. i'm confused (handsome furs)
there are many more, but this is just the list i have in my head. hope it helps!!!!
1 comment:
I love you
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