Being home is the worst place I could be for training... But the best place for shopping!
Mom and I ventured out at about 10 this morning, to the mall (we live less than ten minutes from Mall of America). We meandered around and got sunglasses and other fun things, but then we hit up Galyan's! Wooohooo! New shoes, clothes, the whole bit. Here is what I learned...
Go to a place that will really talk to you. The girl at Galyan's helped me for 45 minutes, and I tried on every stability shoe and a few cushion shoes that htey had (New Balance 765s). In the end I went with the very first pair I tried on, but I don't feel a bit bad about it it, they feel perfect. And they were on Clearance, only $60! So, I bought two, and am putting one pair aside for November.
Cool Max, Dri-Fit, Dri-Lete, Hydrator, Whatever. Wear it. It is so comfortable! I only have one running outfit, and then a few little tops and one long sleeve top. I don't have a washer/dryer, but I plan to wash them in the sink a few times a week. These same rules apply to underwear. Champion makes some very nice microfiber, wicking material underwear and they aren't expensive. They were only $7 because they were on sale. I also got CoolMax socks from Gold Toe, and I really like them. They are a little cushioned, very comfortable, and not too expensive. They were buy 3 get one free, and the 2 packs were $10. Go spend hours at your local sporting goods store! I must say, though, I am a huge nerd and could not help being excited when I got home and found that the shoes matched the outfit, I didn't even notice while I was there, but they are even more perfect than I noticed in teh store. Also, they threw in a free training journal, so some of my motivational quotes will come from there. It's funny, because I almost bought this very same one at B&N for $10! Such a bargain shopper I am!
I am going back tomorrow to get a Camelbak. Does anybody have one of these? I like the idea of being able to carry my water, CD player, ID, Mace (my boyfriend is in law enforcement, he says that I am not allowed to be without it...my mom agrees), keys, etc in it. So please, let me know what you think of it if you have one. I am just planning on getting the 1.4 liter pak that goes around your waist like a fanny pack.
Anyway, since I didn't give everybody a thought this week, I will give you one to close it, and then post another next week...
"Good things come slowly--especially in distance running."
-Bill Dellinger, Oregon Track Coach from 1973 to 1998
Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and stay motivated! I know I need to work on that! But hey, now I have cute training clothes!
Ashley