Miles this week: 0
Miles total: 30
Other exercise: Football match
Money raised this week: £00.00
Running Total:£321.00
Still
to go: £1,179.00
The
inevitable has happened I got an injury during Sunday’s Football match! It’s nothing
major, I went in for a 50 50 ball and ended up twisting my ankle (though on the
plus side I did win the tackle). Since then I’ve been limping around for most
of the week, so I ended up missing out all of my pre-planned training. In the
light of this, it has brought the question that has been rattling around at the
back of my mind to the forefront: ‘how much longer can I play football for this
season while still undertaking marathon training?’ I had thought I’d make it to
the New Year and then take it a game at a time, but now I think I will have to
see how my body is feeling by the Christmas break.
Hmmmmm… decisions, decisions???!
Well
with nothing else to add to my week’s exercise routine, I’ll begin with this
week’s main talking point ‘Running Clothes’. Last week I spoke to you guys
about my essential Gadgets and Gizmos for running, so this week I thought I
would extend this to let you lot in on the types of running clothing I wear.
The
one thing that I love about running, over most other sports, is that you don't
need a lot of specialist gear – no expensive running clothes! All you really
need to get started is a good pair of running shoes (as I covered in my last
blog). When you first start out don't rush to buy any fancy running outfits, just
wear comfortable clothes that you would workout in… Well, that’s what I did! If,
like me, you start getting more serious about running, you may eventually want
to invest in some technical running clothes. Unlike cotton clothing, synthetic
fabrics, such as Dri-Fit, whisk moisture away from your skin. Well, that’s what
I read! Although the technical fabric running clothes may cost a little more,
you’ll appreciate the comfort, especially during long runs.
After
you have sorted out a good comfy pair of trainers, you’ll need quality socks -
there’s no point spending all that money on trainers for your feet to be let
down by your choice of socks! Of course you can run in any pair, but socks
designed specifically for running are available, and you can shop around a bit
to find something that suits you. The right socks can keep your feet warm, dry,
supported, cushioned and blister free, depending on the socks you pick. You can
also get compressions socks, which are like football socks but much tighter.
You can run in them, but I like to wear them after a long run as they help the
flow of oxygen and aid a quicker recovery.
Any
shorts will do, but it is said that choosing shaped running shorts made from fabric
such as nylon or polyester will help reduce rubbing, therefore resulting in a
more comfortable run! I do opt for running shorts, however I draw the line at
wearing the little mini running shorts. I can’t see why a guy would want to wear
them, let alone leave the house and run – they’re hot pants for guys!!!
There’s
also the second option - running tights. Hmm yer, tights, that’s my thought! I
don’t use them, but have read up on them. Basically there are two types: fleece
and compression. I think that’s pretty self-explanatory, but just in case,
fleece keep you warm and compression helps to aid recovery, in simple terms. But
I just think that at the end of day, they show every contour of your body.
Nice. Not!
I’m not one hundred percent
sure my girlfriend would let me go out rocking a budgie smuggling outfit.
Like
shorts, you can get T-shirt and vest made from wicking fabrics rather than
cotton, which can quickly become wet and heavy. The shape and fit of the top is
really down to your own personal preference and the weather conditions. Tops
designed specifically for running often have seams positioned where they are
less likely to cause chaffing. I have two of these running tops (one short and
the other long sleeved). If I’m only doing an easy/short run then I tend to opt
for a cotton t-shirt to save on expense.
I
do most of my running in the evenings after work, where, generally, it’s bitterly
cold and gloomy this time of year (again, all your sponsorship makes it
worthwhile!) So, to keep warm, I have a rain/wind proof jacket, gloves and a
skull cap that I run in, but only if the weather is bad.
Ladies,
you have the added option of a Sports bra! Now I know nothing about these
(strangely enough) but google tells me ‘a woman should wear a well-fitting
sports bra designed for high-impact activities’, so I guess that’s a must then.
The
main point is really to make sure that you, as a runner, are comfortable in the
clothes you run in. In order to facilitate enjoyable running there are many
different factors to consider when buying clothes, such as how fast you’re
running, how long your run is and what the weather conditions are like. However,
just remember that my perfect winter/summer outfit is likely to differ from
yours – we’re all different!
If
you are still unsure about what types of clothing would be best for you to run
in, then I have found an easy to follow guide on the Runners World website. All
you have to do is select from a few options and it provides you with what type
of gear you need. You can find it here - http://www.runnersworld.com/what-to-wear
If you like what you read, or even if
you don’t, please visit my fundraising page to sponsor me
Leigh
No comments:
Post a Comment