So Scared of Breaking It

Monday was the first run where I thought Maybe I can't do this, maybe I'm not made to run, maybe 26.2 miles isn't in my cards. I was on the last quarter mile of my longest run in training. I had 15.75 miles under my knees, and I just had to get to the top of the hill. Everything ached, I was so close to finishing and then I realized: You've only gone 16 miles, you'll have 10 more miles to go. Certain death was looming, and all I could focus on was how I would need to push 10 MORE miles on race day. WHATTHEFUDGEARAMA?! zomg.

I can do this. I can do this. I'm already pooping myself. It took everything in my just to do 16-but in retrospect: the headwind was retched (no excuses) and even though the weather was decent the sun was cooking. The front eight miles were smooth, but the back eight really kicked my shins. Maybe there's a correlation between the mileage with and without Goliath? Take a stab at which miles he ran with me. Yah, the front eight. We did a four mile out and back, dropped him off, and then I ran the same out back. Is that my mistake? I was almost to mile 12, when a cyclist rolled up and hollers at me "THIIISSS WIIIND IS AWFUL!" I could barely hear him over my headphones and the gusts beating against my ears.

Enough about my running let's talk about clothes! Who loves clothes?! Me. Well I love running clothes and I thought I'd share what gear I've found successes with so maybe you can too. The following is a visual representation of all my crapola. I'ma do my best to point out to my favorite products, and tell you what hasn't and what has worked.

C9 by Champion Sports Bras found at Target
They retail for like $17 so I have a million. This picture is just from my clean laundry....
When I was a larger cup size I would double up, since they are seamless-but now I only have to wear one because my chesticles have completely eroded. I adore these bras-they are cheap, comfortable and do the dang thing.

Nike Tempo Track Shorts
OH OK-you already knew I loved these? I wear these bad boys year round-short and long runs alike. They retail for $28 but they came in a million different colors, and you can find them at Factory stores for wicked cheap. They take a little getting-used-to because they have built in underwear, and I've heard people complain about riding up. WELL-don't wear underwear with them, that's what causes the riding up and bunching. They danties are built in for a reason, rock them with pride. I've also noticed that these are the new errand-running short, I see girls in these out shopping and stuff-soooo DUAL USE!!

Gnarly Old Cotton T-Shirt
Pick them up at whatever event you're willing to put your blood, sweat and tears into. Cotton isn't the best for long runs, but you bet your bottom dollar I let my sleeved badge of honor soak up every ounce of sweat, even if it will weight 2lbs when I get home. Runners don't get much for running race after race, and often the t-shirt and the bib are the only physical evidence. Obviously wearing a bib around, is silly-but not a t-shirt. Wear them loud. Wear them proud. and Wear them even if you can't wash the smell of BO out of them.

Bowerman Series Nike Shoes
So not all of the above are Nike Bowerman Series shoes, but that's what I've evolved to run in. Who is Bowerman? Well Bill Bowerman is the famous track& field coach behind the Nike Swoosh. He didn't run until college, but he ended up sayin super inspirational things and all that jazz. Well long story short, he wanted a better brand of shoes-better quality-and then many decades later Nike named some high quality running shoes after him. I was told at my local running store, a Bowerman shoe ensures the best quality out of Nike.

Other Things That Aren't Important Enough to Be Photographed:
Scunci Head Wraps-pictured and given away last post
Champion Double Dry Fit Socks-purchased at Costco, I love because each pair has it's own color so you NEVER EVER loser a sock or mismatch them.
Top Paw Nylon Dog Harness-This has changed running for G-Money and Me, he appreciates not being strangled.
Remington Hunting Leash- Long enough to loop around my waist and give him three feet of lead. The color? Fabulous! There are fancy shmancy running leashes with actual belts-but we're too country for that.
GU Energy Gels-I prefer strawberry banana, tastes like candy. Just don't vom it meters from the finish line ala Olathe Marathon ok? Also, don't look at the gel, the fact that it's clear might freak you out. With Gu ALL things are possible.

Total Mileage: 16.0
Time: 2:40:19