:We’ll leave the underwear for a minute, it’s nothing raunchy or visual. Just a few thoughts and what I wear, having come about after reading a few articles out there.
I was looking through my phone notebook the other day and came across a note from back in August last year (2014). I had done lots of 5k walks and after feeling it was too slow, started running it. Compared to now that first time was pretty slow, but I was super happy with it. I then stated my next goal – how fast I wanted to go. I have since beaten that time a lot in less than 12 months.
My goal back then for the 5.8 and 3.4 were pretty lofty. I thought they were almost unattainable. Ha, if only I had known how much I would come to love and rely on running to keep me feeling good, along with the head clearing effect it has I would have reached higher. That is the good thing about hindsight, or growing stronger. I can now change those goals, knowing where I have come from and not just what I can do but where I have come from. No pressure on where I can go if I can look back on not just my times, but my body and see where I have been.
The time for that first run…39:59. I thought it was super fast and my goal was to hit the 35 min mark. Seems a long time ago when I’m now running it in 30 at home and have got down to 28mins at my local Park Run.
I also do a bit of a tiny run, 3.4k. The first timed run there was 23:05. Not bad. My goal was 20mins, and while I have been oh so close to breaking it I am not so worried about that now as I want to pursue the distance factor. So 3.4 is like a warm-up almost now.
Distance has become my thing, and I want to be running not much less than 5k at any time I go out. I’m aiming to get consistent times in the 10 and pushing onwards to the 15 and 20. I’m laughing at myself here as I am now eager to build up and do a marathon. How things change. I remember in the not so distance past I told a friend that running a half or more was not my thing and takes a lot of dedication, motivation and strength. Total commitment. See, laughing here, as I so want to do it. Five kilometres.. pfft, takes nothing to do. Pushing myself to do more, be more. Friends are awesome!
My first 10k was a healthy time of 1:11. I wasn’t too fussed about the time, it was more of a test to see that I could do it, and what sort of time to aim for. To say I was happy with that is an understatement. I have done 4 in total and my quickest time was 1:03. I am not wanting to go much quicker really, if I can keep up a good pace and keep an average of 10K/hour I will be happy.
I was told that if I can do 5k in less than 30 then I can easily do 10 in an hour. Sure, but you have to remember one is distance, the other can be almost a sprint for some. The double distance changes how you run and how you pace. I’ve noticed that with my long runs. It is a completely different way of running. If I can do ten I know I can do 15 and 20. I have to up the distance steadily. Doing a half marathon in 2:30 is my goal, and I know when and where I will be doing it.
Goals are dreams and if we don’t have them, we wont change and grow and improve. And who wants to be stuck in the one place all the time. Not me.
Underwear… hmm. I’m not large chested but I tell you, if I run in a normal bra then the girls hurt like you wouldn’t believe. If you are large breasted then you know this pain from general activities. Aside from good runners the biggest investment a woman can make for running is her bra. A sports bra designed for the activity you’re doing and costs both your boobs will be the best thing you buy. Make sure you get properly fitted (like you should for any bra!) When I bought mine, I was asked what sort of activity I would be doing. Net and basket-ballers need something different again due to the stop start movements they do. Mine cost around $70 and I will definitely be getting at least one more. Super comfortable and keep the girls looking good outside of running. Even though it feels like I’m pancaked, pictures show otherwise. Either way, I don’t care if I look flat chested, if my boobs don’t hurt then I am happy.
Knickers…wedgie material. And there’s nothing easy about pulling out a wedgie when you run. And like most women, our knickers are meant to look good when standing still not running, or walking or hell, even sitting. They ride up are arse and get quite uncomfortable. Running is no different. Grandma undies included. Even when you’re wearing skin-tight pants knickers move. I read some article about this and one woman stated she wore a G-string, or thong. It would keep most of the sweat at bay, and meant there was no need for fidgeting with her skins. The first time I tried this it felt a little weird, then it become a kind of freedom. Your bum is going to jiggle when you run no matter your undies, so wearing none makes no difference really. I just have to find the most comfortable wide waited g-string I can now. Wide waisted?? Yes, I had a pair of Elle McPherson ones years ago with a great waist band and they were the most comfy thong thing I had ever worn. My fancy ones don’t quite cut it really.
Socks are whatever rows your boat. I wear bonds ankle sports socks from Big W. Cheap, comfy and not too hot.
This will go to publish and I shall change and head off on another 10k. After yesterday’s, not sure how I’ll go, doing a different route so shouldn’t be too bad.
Happy running, Jen
Run. Ride. Eat. 