Holy Crap That's Cute

Perusing the web this morning and found this. A little expensive? Probably. Super cute, yes?

So I want to know if anyone's found some cute running stuff lately ... I'm feeling the urge to update my workout wardrobe. :)

2.24.09 UPDATE from IVEE (they sent me an email):

At a glance, IVEE products might look more pricy than some other sportswear brands. However, IVEE is made with premium Supplex/Lycra, which has a soft cotton feel, but offers quick wicking feature and form fitting at the same time. Compare to garments made with cheaper fabrics, such as cotton, polyester or nylon, IVEE apparels will still look new after many washes and stay in your wardrobe longer. And most of all, we are dedicated to create fashionable and elegant styles that be sure to make you stand out whether you are running on the road or training in the gym.

So there you go!

They're offering 10% off online orders right now ... use the code HW34.

Running on a Budget

Great article from Runner's World. Tough times for many Americans ... but keep running!

Running on a Budget
Coach Jenny, I was laid off a few weeks ago and find that my running has been a life saver. I know you know this but it really helps keep me positive, focused, and hopeful. My question: Do you have any tips for ways I can run on a budget? I know it is a rather inexpensive sport in comparison to others, but races, gear, and apparel have found their way into my budget every year and I'm looking for ways I can cut back but still enjoy my running life! - Janet

I'm sorry to hear that you lost your job, Janet. But I'm happy to read that you are continuing to run. It is a very effective way to deal with the stresses of losing your job and it can really help you cope while you work your way through this valley. Thank you for sharing with us. I have a feeling there are a lot of other runners out there who are going through a similar experience. Here are a few tips that can keep you running on a budget. I'm hoping others will post their ideas as well.

Make a plan. Like training, it is just as important to make a financial plan (budget) for the year. By doing so, you can find ways to reduce your living expenses and carve out money to preserve your running career. Plus, when you put things down on paper, it is easier to see what you have and develop a plan.

Use your running shoes only for your runs. Mark the date you purchased and started to use them on the inside of the shoe to keep track of the mileage. You will get more mileage out of each pair and they will last longer. Put a freeze on buying new apparel and gear. All you really need is a good pair of fitted shoes (and bra) to keep running. Everything else can wait until you're employed again.

Buy local. Avoid running in old shoes, as it can increase your risk of injury which can cost money down the road in medical bills. Create a relationship with your local running specialty shop and talk to them about your situation. Ask them about deals they may have on returned shoes or upcoming sales. You may be surprised at their willingness to help keep you running. Most store owners are in it for the passion and want to help.

Run local. Identify one or two target races for the year and consider running local events. Talk to the race director about volunteering and bartering for your race fees. Many directors need help organizing the event and at expos and packet pick-up. It's the perfect way to support your local running community and continue to race!

Join a club, training group or running specialty store. Most stores offer free weekly group runs. You may have a small upfront fee to join the clubs and training programs, but you'll benefit from months of group training and other perks like networking with other runners for possible employment opportunities.

Join a charity training program. Many charities like Team in Training and Team McGraw offer a comprehensive training program for endurance races, travel, and hotel in exchange for raising funds for their cause.

Finally, don't be afraid to talk things through with your family, friends, and running buddies. You never know what may come of the conversation and it sure helps calm the soul. Hang in there, and keep running.

Happy Trails,
Coach Jenny Hadfield

What I have learned about running in Manhattan...

... is that there is no such thing as a flat run. Honestly, the only flat place to run (that I know of) is the Jackie Onassis running track in Central Park, and unfortunately, it's a little on the icy side right now, and seeing as how I'd rather not break my ankle, I steer clear. For some reason, I thought that NY would be super flat, but I was wrong. Oh well. I know it will only make me stronger. I love hills for this reason, as well as the fact that it forces me into this super focused groove, where I feel like I could go on forever. But... they are tough. It makes me a little nervous to think that all of my long runs will be filled with consistent rolling hills, and some of those hills in Central Park are long and brutal. Well, I guess if I can run 20 miles on rolling hills, I should be able to do reasonably well running 26.2 miles on a mostly flat course.

I have also learned that really cold weather + hills = tight calves and shin splints. As a result, I have become a stretching fool. But as a reward for all my stretching, I get my 2 and a half year old asking me, when I walk in the door from a run, "mommy's gonna stretch?" He then proceeds to stretch with me. It's pretty darn cute. Something else I have learned about running in the cold, is that when you run outside in literally freezing weather for an hour, the heat in your body from the run only lasts for about 5 minutes after you finish, and then after that, your core temperature drops really fast until you find yourself chilled to the bone and shivering in your warm house, and you have to take a really long, HOT bath to warm up again. Also, if you don't have warm running tights, your butt is never warm.

But on the plus side... it is beautiful. Living in NY is still very surreal to me, so being able to run through Riverside Park and Central Park, or along beautiful neighborhood streets, is so awesome. Everywhere looks like something you would see in a movie, and I love it. Running in NY makes me feel like I am a part of something, even though I'm really not. But, just the same, it is so cool to run through the city and think that I get to call this place home.

Anyway... so there you go... some nice random facts about running in NY, just in case you were planning on coming to visit sometime soon! ;) In which case, I should tell you about some cool races coming up...

The Long Island Marathon, on May 3rd, which also has a half marathon at the same time. (This is the Marathon that I am doing)
and the More Magazine half Marathon, on April 26th, which is an all women's race. It's a really popular race and is supposed to be super fun.

B and MB

They were back at spin last night. Talk about crazy triathletes. Geeeeeeez.