Miles this week: 0
Miles total: 30
Other exercise: Swimming, Football training and a Football match
Money raised this week: £89.00
Running Total: £321.00
Still
to go: £1,179.00
Running is really, really simple. Put on some shorts, a t-shirt
and trainers and you’re off... Right?! Well, this used to be my mind set,
but since running properly I've discovered a few essentials that now I always
take with me, regardless of distance. These are what I'm going to chat about
during this blog.
It is amazing how many new gadgets they come out with all the
time. When you begin running, no matter what level you are at, you will
find a market place heaving with running gizmos and gadgets. I would
always suggest to anyone to do research before investing in
anything, by either visiting review
websites or asking other runners. You could spend a fortune
on technology and accessories, but this is not essential to start
running….. So what do you need?
Well, that question is down
to personal preference, of course!
For me, the most important thing (and, in my opinion, the one that
should not be scrimped on) is a good pair of running shoes. If you go to a
specialist running store (Sweatshop or Moti), the staff will be able
to help you choose a pair of shoes that suit your foot shape, running
gait and, most importantly, you can also try them out on a
treadmill before buying. There is no set rule regarding when you should
change your trainers, but depending upon your running style, it’s recommended
to change them at around the 500 miles mark….. Well, that’s what
I have heard on the grapevine, anyway! I use Apps such as ‘Nike+ Running’
or the ‘Adidas miCoach’ to keep track of the miles my trainers have
clocked up. If you’re new to running and are not sure
whether it’s your cup of tea, perhaps buy a cheaper pair of
trainers for the first few months.
My second must-have is my Garmin Forerunner 410
GPS watch (there are other brands out there, I might add). Since
I began running in late 2012, I have been using the
aforementioned apps, ‘Nike+
Running’ and ‘Adidas miCoach’, to gauge my runs. These had
been working wonderfully for me, I'm still very pleased with them, but my phone
is apparently not too reliable in the rain! On two of the half marathons this
year it was raining very heavily, which resulted in me running the Reading half
without any knowledge of time, as my phone stopped working. So when I
received a bonus from work, I decided that I would invest in a GPS watch. I did
get a heart rate monitor with it but I haven’t used that yet and not
sure I even will. I’ve been using the watch for around 8 months now, including
wearing it for the Windsor half, and all I can say is that it’s been amazing. It
was probably for the best that I bought it, what with
marathon training approaching and therefore long runs on the horizon;
I'm not sure my phone battery would cope with running apps and playing
music simultaneously.
If, like me, you like to run to music then a decent pair of
headphones are way up there as an important gadget too!! I spent weeks reading
different reviews on different brands and styles. In the end I opted for a pair
of Sennheiser/ adidas PMX 680i Sports In-Ear Neckband headphones
- these are the best thing since sliced bread!!! Well, that’s what I
think. I’m even tempted to upgrade to the Sennheiser/Adidas
PMX 685i (but will check reviews and speak to my mate in the
know before I do so). To go with the headphones you will need something to
play the music on. I don’t feel this is important as I flit between
my iPod touch or my old smartphone, depending what is charged up. All
I would say is to make sure that you can store plenty of music
if you’re out on a long run!
I’m wondering if I have fallen into the trap of "all the
gear, no idea"!
So there you have it, my essential gizmos and gadgets that I like
to have with me when out and about running. Next week I’ll provide you
with some inside knowledge on the type of clothing… I say inside knowledge,
it’s more what I like to wear when out running.
This week's activities are the same as the last few weeks (hurry
up marathon training!!). Two football sessions with another
league win (2-1), that’s four on the bounce. I did get a swollen nose
and a bit of bruising around the nose/eye area for my troubles in the match
though (some lovely sponsorship money from you lot would cheer me up….
Shameless plug there!) Monday saw me splashing around the pool, as well as
going on the usual runs this week. Having said that, I haven't done too
much running (only at football) as my legs have been a bit stiff, and I don't
want to get any injuries pre-marathon training!
I have also picked up more kind sponsors this week, so a big thank
you has to go to the following – My Granddad, K. Imms, S. Spindlove, S. Eastman,
P. Wilson, K. Strong, J.Mustoe, A. Wickham, T. Coxhead, J. Chatum, C. Morewood,
K. Birt, G. Fletcher.
My target is £500+ before the year is out, then I need to raise
another £500 before the end of March, which leaves the final £500 to be raised
before the end of May.
I
know there have been a lot of people asking for money this past week, what with
Children in need and the tsunami appeal but if you could spare any I would be
over the moon.
Leigh
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