I wanted to take a moment to just expand on what little I’ve learned and what I know is very important. I haven’t learned nearly enough, but I’ve already updated a few links off to the right===> I use these sites, they have given me a lot of insight. So without further blather . . .
First key: Shoes!
I know we all wear them, but they are important. It’s really the only item between us and the ground. As for me, I had some old Puma ‘running styled’ shoes. I started the first few weeks in these. I quickly found my feet to be sore and just plain in pain. It was the shoes, I learned from my local running store that they were designed as trail running shoes. These will kill your feet if you spend any significant amount of time running pavement. Easy fix, I spent more than I thought, and bought a new pair. Feeling guilty at first, I was unsure of returning them for something cheaper. After even the few weeks of wearing them, they are now my best friend. They were custom matched to fit my stride style, of which there are three. I tend to run on the insides of my feet. These shoes are made to level out my foot, so it strikes flat instead of placing the weight bearing load on the inside. Plus being new, shiny, and comfy always helps.
Clothing
Even though shoes are great, you may still want to wear some clothes. I’ve found that what all the experts say really is true. Go light! The lighter the clothing, the less restrictive it will be. You want minimal excess weight when you’re running distance. Since I’m a large hulking hairy guy, I find that anything that dries quickly and wicks away sweat is suberb. No need to spend big bucks on these though. Wal-Mart, Target, Ross will all carry some version of this that has sufficed for my padawon ways. I’m still hunting for the perfect pair of shorts though. I just can’t get into the tiny tiny shorts you see. I know they will have their place, just can’t do it yet. I have invested in true running socks. These are great, I wish I could wear them all the time. They help keep my feet dry and also provide some cushion too. I sampled both the thin and medium thicknesses, but have found the thin to be my choice. It’s still hot in AZ!
Belts/Packs
Like I said, lightness is key, but I still feel the need for water. I know that once I pass the 4 mile mark, I will need to rehydrate along the way. I’ve honestly been meaning to buy a simple belt with water bottle pockets. I’ve seen them at my local running store, just haven’t dropped the dime on it. It will happen soon, and I will provide my insight then. I do know, running with bottle in hand gets extremely annoying, plus gives me sweaty palms.
“Even though shoes are great, you may still want to wear some clothes.”
Nice.
So how long did it take to progress to running full miles?
I didn’t view the running in terms of miles until around the 5th week. Until then, it was just running for a set amount of minutes. I really think this helped, because if I looked at the situation as running for 2 miles immediately, I’d have freaked a little.