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Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Burning a Hole

I feel unfulfilled fellow runners.  It's been at least 3 weeks since I have bought some new type of running gear.  Hell, it's been at least a week since I've set foot in a running store or even online.  I'm suffering from withdrawal.  I'm not a big shopper, per se.  Occasionally, I will reluctantly tag along with my wife when she goes shopping.  She says it has something to do with bonding, quality time, blah blah blah.  I hear Z Gallerie and then I zone out.  But, if her shopping locale is near a decent sporting good/running store or - better  yet - an Apple store, I'll gladly conversate with my bride until we get there.  I'm a giver that way.

So, rather than work on a video project today, I find myself shopping online.  After spending last week with high school kids, I'm feel it's only appropriate that I treat myself to a little something.  

What to get?  Seeing as though a 26.2 mile run may be in my future, a fuel belt might be in order although I don't know how crazy I am about running with 4 water bottles attached to me.  Running shorts are always something good to have on hand.  I need some shorts that have the key pouch.  Do you know how time-consuming it is to have to lace my key through my shoes?  Socks are always handy.  Finally, there are shoes.  Do I need new shoes?  Not right now.  Usually around my birthday (only 48 more shopping days, people!) I ask for a new pair of shoes.  The ones I have are fine, but I swear that they may have been a bit uncomfortable during this morning's run between mile 2 and 2.25.  Ouch! 

So there you have it.  A little extra in my wallet and it's burning a hole in my running shorts.  Any suggestions for a semi-dedicated runner, devoted gadget-geek that still hasn't registered for his marathon is always appreciated.


P.S. - Are anyone else's times suffering due to this heat?  I was sailing along this spring and early summer and, lately, I've noticed a discernible increase in my times.  I'm blaming it on the fact that my neighborhood association is now testing for HGH.  

P.P.S - This post may seem similar to that of Xenia's.  I assure you that I had this idea before she did.  She just has the advantage of posting 6 hours before any of us.  Damn you time change! *shakes fist violently*

12 comments:

Xenia said...

The one advantage I have over you North Americans, I get the jump on you post-wise. ;)

My long run this past weekend was significantly slower than usual due to the heat & humidity. I guess it's just part of summer running. Or so I assume. I'm a newbie. What the hell do I know?

Marcy said...

How about you just give me your wallet and I'll buy all the stuff you need :P

Vanilla said...

"Running shorts are always something good to have on hand."

Running shorts are even better to have on your legs. Please don't post pictures of you running with your race shorts on your hands.

Laura said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Laura said...

I still haven't gotten a fuel belt. For races, they (usually) have water you can rely on. For training, I run through the city and carry money to buy water if it's a really long run. If it's 10 miles or less, I just hydrate when I get home. (Lam is sure to scold me for that).

Meg said...

I think an iphone would greatly enhance your running experience!

Kevin said...

I am definitely feeling the heat here in georgia

Jess said...

I have been very slow lately, and I am for sure blaming the heat. July and Augues are bitches for running.

If you have money burning a hole and no where to spend it, you can send it my way. I'm sure I could find a use for it :)

Steve Stenzel said...

AHH! Don't do it! Don't feel the need to buy more running stuff!!!....

;)

Viper said...

Monday, I broke down and bought a handheld water bottle. (I just can't bear to get a belt.) It's a Nathan with the handstrap and small pocket.

Yeah, I hit the heat shield last night. Don't worry, you're working just as hard.

RunnerGirl said...

I bought a fuel belt, wore it once, spent the entire run bitching about how much it bugged me, and then threw it in the back of the closet when I got home. I hate those things!

How about your use that extra money to pay the registration fee for that marathon :)

USJogger said...

Fuel belt: Never had it, never will.

How about a subscription to Marathon & Beyond magazine? It's one of my favorites. Lots and lots of personal stories, not a lot of the same old running advice. (In this month's Runner's World: 15 tips to your fastest 5K. Next month: 5 tips to your fastest 15K.)