Some running questions...

[physmom]

DH and I have been getting back into running the last few weeks. We've been running 5 days a week for the past few weeks. Anyways, here are my questions:

1. Any recommendations for a cheap running pack? I always carry my keys/cell with me when we go and it's be nice to be able to carry a bottle of water for longer runs.

2. How do you keep track of your mileage? I like to try out new paths all the time so it would be nice to have something that could tell me how far I ran afterwards... either some sort of watch or something on the computer that's good with checking mileage even on bike trails?

3. Are there any moms out there that do races? I've been thinking of signing up for what... how much did you prepare ahead of time? I was thinking of a 5K because I can certainly handle that... is it something I could take the jogging stroller with or would it be better if DD stayed with DH?

4. Any good jogging pants/shorts suggestions? My biggest problem is that my thigh rubs together when I run so they always wear out too quickly!!!

5. If you use a jogging stroller... do you give your kids any sort of toy/distraction while you run? Any suggestions?

ETA:
6. I really need a snack after running because I tend to feel sick otherwise... any suggestions of something that is filling but is not going to negate all the benefits of the run I just did?

[Jend1002]

Hi! I am just getting back into running too. I don't have answers to all of your questions, but had a few...

2. I use mapmyrun.com to track my runs. They have maps but have also added imagery so you can see features like trails or paths. You just click along your route and it calculates the distance. You can save your runs and keep a log and it is free to use.

3. I haven't run a race since my son was born but I am registered for one in Sept. I think many races prohibit strollers for safety reasons, but there are some fun runs (usually 5Ks) that I have seen that allow strollers and dogs.

4. I hear you on the thigh thing! I have found that the shorts that have the compression short inside - the tight spandex type short inside the baggier short - seem to work best. Running shorts with the brief inside just don't cut it for me.

5. My son is currently pretty anti-stroller so I haven't been able to run with him. In the past, snacks seem to help with the distraction. I have a snack cup that has a top that he can stick his hand through, but minimizes spilling.

Hope this helps!!

[RiverTam]

1. I stick everything in the trunk of my car and carry a tiny keychain with a car key. Most people just use a fanny pack.

2. I'm pretty low tech. I run on sidewalks a lot, so I use a car to measure the mileage. I also trail run on marked trails so I use their marked mileage. Runner's World has recommendations on GPS units, if you want to use one of those.

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/...1246-0,00.html

3. Some races allow strollers and some don't. They're sort of dangerous in a crowd. I leave the kids with DH. Our local Y has several events a year, and they have childcare during the races. I've seen moms with strollers during those races. They just go to the back of the pack and let the crowd clear out first.

Hal Higdon has excellent training recommendations for intermediate and beginning runners for 5ks:

http://www.halhigdon.com/5K%20Training/5-Kinter.htm

http://www.halhigdon.com/5K%20Training/5-Knovice.htm

There are a ton of 5k training plans around, though. Runner's World has some good ones.

4. I like lycra compression shorts or pants for exactly that reason. I get mine from www.roadrunnersports.com. You could also put some vaseline or other lube on the insides of your thighs before you run. I've used silicone hair products and had good results. (Frizz Ease). Several companies also make anti-chafe lube. Try Runner's Lube or Body Glide. I had a free sample of a Reebok anti-chafe product and it is pretty good.

5. My kids were militantly anti-stroller so I don't have a clue.

6. Bananas. Cheerios. Yogurt.

[jwpsgurl]

1. Not exactly cheap, but I used to use a Camelbak on my long runs.

2. If you happen to have an Iphone, they have a really cool running app.

3. Some races allow jogging strollers, I have seen them at marathons, but I personally can't stand running with a stroller.

4. I like shorts that have compression shorts inside of them, too.

5. My kids hate strollers, I just sold my jogger for this reason!

6. A low-cal protein shake should do the trick.

[chiromamma]

DH and I have been getting back into running the last few weeks. We've been running 5 days a week for the past few weeks. Anyways, here are my questions:

1. Any recommendations for a cheap running pack? I always carry my keys/cell with me when we go and it's be nice to be able to carry a bottle of water for longer runs.

I second the suggestion of a camelback. I use the kid sized ones. Just enough room for your necessities and a water supply.

2. How do you keep track of your mileage? I like to try out new paths all the time so it would be nice to have something that could tell me how far I ran afterwards... either some sort of watch or something on the computer that's good with checking mileage even on bike trails?

I don't track mine too much. I have a good idea of my pace and divide that by my time. The newer iPods have a feature where you can get a chip to put in your shoe or something and it tracks terrain, miles, speed...super cool. iPhones have the same thing as an app. I'm waiting either for Verizon and iPhone to get together or my current 2nd Gen nano to die.

3. Are there any moms out there that do races? I've been thinking of signing up for what... how much did you prepare ahead of time? I was thinking of a 5K because I can certainly handle that... is it something I could take the jogging stroller with or would it be better if DD stayed with DH?

Most races don't allow jogging strollers. There are a few mom/women oriented ones that do. I do the Title 9 9k every Mothers' day and it's so fun!

4. Any good jogging pants/shorts suggestions? My biggest problem is that my thigh rubs together when I run so they always wear out too quickly!!!

I get shorts from Title 9. They last forever.

5. If you use a jogging stroller... do you give your kids any sort of toy/distraction while you run? Any suggestions?

My kiddos don't fit in strollers anymore (15, 13 and 9) but I always gave them snacks, water, harmonicas, stuff like that.

ETA:
6. I really need a snack after running because I tend to feel sick otherwise... any suggestions of something that is filling but is not going to negate all the benefits of the run I just did?

I like a light whey protein shake about an hour before a workout. 1 scoop in 8 oz of unsweetened almond milk. I can run stronger and don't get so hungry afterwards.

[HappilyEvrAfter]

First, Congrats on getting into running!

Originally Posted by physmom

1. Any recommendations for a cheap running pack?
I can only give more props to a CamelPak or something similar. I pretty much run from home or park on a base where I leave my keys in the car.

2. How do you keep track of your mileage?
Do you have a phone that will let you download an app? I have one that tracks me by GPS and records my mileage, weight, and calories.
Otherwise, there are some awsome running sites that will map for you beforehand.

3. Are there any moms out there that do races?
I do some small local ones....nothing big. I'm more of a lone runner for pleasure.

4. Any good jogging pants/shorts suggestions? Sorry, no suggestions.

5. If you use a jogging stroller... do you give your kids any sort of toy/distraction while you run?
Sorry, again. Mine is old enough to bike with me. :-)

ETA:
6. I really need a snack after running because I tend to feel sick otherwise... any suggestions of something that is filling but is not going to negate all the benefits of the run I just did?
I grab either a bannan or apple or granola bar till my tummy settles down enough for a meal. I usually run just before dinnertime.
Would like a chunk of bread or cookie, but that would totally negate.

[LeslieB]

1. Any recommendations for a cheap running pack? I always carry my keys/cell with me when we go and it's be nice to be able to carry a bottle of water for longer runs. Spibelt. I don't like carrying a lot of stuff, but when I need to bring some small things, the Spibelt is the perfect size. I got one of their clearance belts for $14.95. Edited to add: I carry a handheld bottle with a handstrap. It was awkward at first, but now, I love it. Mine is made by GoLite, but Nathan makes a lot of them, too. You could also look into a waterbelt that has water bottles and a little pouch to put stuff in. I tried one and didn't like it, but other people swear by them.

2. How do you keep track of your mileage? I like to try out new paths all the time so it would be nice to have something that could tell me how far I ran afterwards... either some sort of watch or something on the computer that's good with checking mileage even on bike trails? I also recommend mapmyrun.com. It's great even for measuring trail runs. Or you could go the expensive route and get a GPS watch. I use both.

3. Are there any moms out there that do races? I've been thinking of signing up for what... how much did you prepare ahead of time? I was thinking of a 5K because I can certainly handle that... is it something I could take the jogging stroller with or would it be better if DD stayed with DH? I run a lot of races, most of them by myself, but I've pushed my 4 year old in a few of them. He enjoys it now, but he hated riding in the jogging stroller when he was younger.
How much I prepare depends on the distance and type of course. I do anything from a 5K to a marathon and will always pick a trail run over a road race any day. A 5K is definitely doable. The Couch-to-5K program would probably be easy for you to follow.

4. Any good jogging pants/shorts suggestions? My biggest problem is that my thigh rubs together when I run so they always wear out too quickly!!! I prefer running skirts. My favorite is from Runningskirts.com. And I ALWAYS use 2Toms Sportshield to stop the thigh chafing. It is the BEST!

5. If you use a jogging stroller... do you give your kids any sort of toy/distraction while you run? Any suggestions?
My son is pretty content running in the stroller. He'll just look around at the scenery sometimes. If he gets bored, though, I have an iPod touch with lots of game apps downloaded to it. There was a time when my son absolutely refused to go in the jogging stroller when he was 3, but now he insists on riding in it.
ETA:
6. I really need a snack after running because I tend to feel sick otherwise... any suggestions of something that is filling but is not going to negate all the benefits of the run I just did?
I have trouble eating right after a run, so I'm not much help there. I will try to eat some sort of fruit shortly thereafter, though.

[tjsmama]

Originally Posted by physmom

DH and I have been getting back into running the last few weeks. We've been running 5 days a week for the past few weeks. Anyways, here are my questions:

1. Any recommendations for a cheap running pack? I always carry my keys/cell with me when we go and it's be nice to be able to carry a bottle of water for longer runs.

I love my Camelbak. I have the Charm, which is a women's specific model. I ran 12 miles on Sunday in 90+ heat and it was great...doesn't chafe, holds enough water for me for typically 12ish miles and has pockets for fuel, keys, etc. I have friends who have Nathan packs and really like them, and other friends who really like their Fuel Belts with bottles. I personally don't like to have a heavy belt around my waist, but that's just me. If I'm pushing the stroller, I typically just stow my stuff in there.

2. How do you keep track of your mileage? I like to try out new paths all the time so it would be nice to have something that could tell me how far I ran afterwards... either some sort of watch or something on the computer that's good with checking mileage even on bike trails?

I have a Garmin Forerunner 305, which I LOVE. When I get home, I upload it to MapMyTri (sister site to mapmyrun). I use MMT for planning purposes if I'm running a route I've never done before, but I pretty much know the mileage of my regular loops, or I just do an out and back.

3. Are there any moms out there that do races? I've been thinking of signing up for what... how much did you prepare ahead of time? I was thinking of a 5K because I can certainly handle that... is it something I could take the jogging stroller with or would it be better if DD stayed with DH?

I did exactly one race with my DS in the stroller, and that was enough. it's no surprise that it's my slowest 10k time. It was a pain, mainly because I was running faster than many of the people around me, but couldn't get around them because of the stroller. That said, many people do race with strollers. Make sure to check with the race director first, though, as some races do ban them. If you have the option, though, I'd leave DD.

4. Any good jogging pants/shorts suggestions? My biggest problem is that my thigh rubs together when I run so they always wear out too quickly!!!

Body Glide. I use it on my thighs and under my breasts for every run. I have yet to find the perfect pair of shorts that don't chafe, other than my tri shorts, which I don't like to wear just for running. Every pair of running shorts I own, no matter how comfortable, usually rides up in the thigh area. I have a ton of skirts, too, and I love them, but again, they frequently ride up. The only skirt I've found that does NOT ride up at all (and is super comfortable, I ran my marathon in it, NO chafing) is the SkirtSports Gym Girl Ultra. Love it.

5. If you use a jogging stroller... do you give your kids any sort of toy/distraction while you run? Any suggestions?

Absolutely. Keeping in mind that my stroller is actually a Chariot (bike trailer/jogger) and is totally encloseable, I pile the stuff in there. I always make sure he has a water bottle, usually take a snack depending on the length of our run/ride, and there's always a handful of books and toys in there. I try to remember to rotate them on occasion. And sometimes I just ask him if he wants to take anything with us. I've run up to 14 miles and ridden up to 30 with DS.

ETA:
6. I really need a snack after running because I tend to feel sick otherwise... any suggestions of something that is filling but is not going to negate all the benefits of the run I just did?

Chocolate milk. A lot of studies have recently been done and found that chocolate milk has the perfect proportion of carbs and protein to be a great recovery drink. And it's far cheaper than the expensive packaged stuff!

[tjjazzy]

Originally Posted by tjsmama

Chocolate milk. A lot of studies have recently been done and found that chocolate milk has the perfect proportion of carbs and protein to be a great recovery drink. And it's far cheaper than the expensive packaged stuff!

that ^ i feel so decadent drinking chocolate milk, like i'm breaking a rule or something LOL. and it seems to agree with me better than regular milk for some reason.

and my kids don't mind being in strollers at all so i just carry a diaper, wipes, and a cup of milk. sometimes if he has a car with him already when he gets in the buggy, he keeps it with him (though he's been known to drop it and we've had to go back.) because i only run some of my 4k, he LOVES that parts where i do run. he thinks it's great fun. a lot of times, he falls asleep or watches the world going by.
as for shorts, i have yet to discover good shorts for walking, running, working out...it's frustrating!! i'm in search of the perfect pair that is flattering!!