crazedparent

Things I love (running edition): A good pair of knickers...

I've been running in the rain this week. This requires a decent set of running attire that keeps you not sopping wet. I can't say "keeps you dry" because hello, you're running in the rain. You get wet. (And it's fun.*)

I am head over heals in love with running tights/knickers. Flare jogging/workout pants distract me. When I run, I don't want to feel the heels of my pants hitting my ankles. It's a mental thing, but they weigh me down.

I found an inexpensive pair of running knickers a few months back at Target and once I started running four to five times a week, I knew I needed to get another few pairs to preserve the feel and structure of them over time. Also? I needed a back pocket to store my running essentials (doggie bags, etc.).

I was at my local Title Nine store gearing up as for Eat. Blog. Run. I was on a mission to find running tights (the kind that go to your ankle) for cold/wet weather training but the store was completely sold out. Apparently running tights are very popular in my hood.

But I did find these Pearl Izumi "Quicker Knicker." Arrow through heart with love.

Some running tights/knickers are super comfortable because they are thin and tight fitting to help with wind (it won't hurt) and speed (aerodynamics, y'all). The downside is that these types of tights are usually more "sheer" than others. They really feel like tights and you feel unclothed (read: nakey), like you should be wearing a skirt over them. 

While I'm still looking for non-nakey feeling tights, I am now deeply committed to the Quicker Knicker. We've bonded. They keep me warm and dry even though they are not water resistant. They are the epitome of comfort. And the back pocket? Zoinks. Perfectly sized without being the least bit bulky.

They also make me run faster. In my head.

Things to look for when you buy running knickers/pants:

• Zip-Back pocket. When you try the tights/knickers on, drop in your key, a license, whatever else you bring on your rum and see how it feels. You shouldn't really notice your stuff.
• Drawstring! I can't emphasize enough how important the drawstring is in running tights/knickers. You need to be able to adjust that waistband so that your pants don't constantly feel like they are sliding off you. Distracting and uncomfortable! 
• No chafing. Talk about ouch. I have a pair of running skorts and while I love their look, boy do they chafe my leg! (They are now relegated to "comfort walking wear.") So when you try on those knickers/tights, move around in them. Don't be afraid to jog in your dressing room or even in the store. In fact, a good running store will encourage it.

My knickers cost me US$60 minus a birthday discount I received. (Title Nine has a neat little birthday discount club. I think it's only available at stores versus online.)

If you want less-expensive but decent running knickers, check out the C9 line by Champion (you can find them at Target). They average about US$22. I have not tried the latest version of the knicker. The pair I had were spandex versus the new line, which is mostly cotton. (I happen to prefer the spandex version). But be aware that in the C9 line, the key pocket is super tiny. As in you can fit a single key and your drivers license, and you can see their outlines through the fabric.

Last note: Don't put your tights/knickers in the dryer. You'll wear them out. Air dry them. Which is why you'll need more than one pair!

*Running in the rain IS fun. This is where my dog has been whispering in my ear. She welcomes a good splash outside during a storm...and I'm happy to oblige.

A song that moves me...

One morning back in November, Jessica called me and said, "Charlene, we need another member of The Relay team. You don't have to say yes, but it would be so great if you did this with me."

At the time, I had been running for about three months and was plagued with random sinus/asthma issues. And? I had just hurt my left foot (heh) and was off to visit my podiatrist. Jessica was asking me to be a part of a team of twelve women, all bloggers, who would be running 200 miles from Calistoga, Calif. to Santa Cruz in May. I, the lady who could barely run a mile without stopping because I was so out of shape.

"If my podiatrist gives me the clear sign, I'll do it." I told her.

And the next day, I called her back. "Yes, I am insane and I will run this race with you." And we both giggled and cheered and mapped out our training strategies.

I won't be talking much about my training here, other than maybe "things I love" posts because whenever I write about fitness goals here, it always throws me a random jinx. I have to run almost 17 miles over two days in May. I don't need a jinx. I need divine intervention to make my feet light and my legs strong. (And you can follow the team at Eat. Blog. Run.)

However, however, because I love music so much, and music motivates me during my runs, I wanted to give you a tiny bit of insight into the song that powers me through. There are those who think my musical tastes are questionable. This will give them more fodder.

I cannot explain it. I make no apologies for it. Just know that at the 2:31 mark, I have to use every fiber of my being to not jump into double time sprints or god forbid, dance. So instead, I run. Fast.