Who Won Their Favorite Socks?!

The winners of the Favorite Sock Giveaway to celebrate the NEW look of See Jane Run are....

SJ, Lydia Woosley, and Anna Katherine! 

Congratulations, girls!  I will be sending you a running sock of your (or my) choice, according to your preference!  Thanks so much for reading and supporting See Jane Run!  It means so very much!

Do Not Cry in Target

I mentioned a few days ago that I am planning to hit the pool at the Y for some Aqua Zumba, Water Aerobics and good ole lap swimming.  Running is still thankfully pleasant, but I want to plan and be ready to enjoy some other cardio activities should it get too hot or too uncomfortable.  So, the hunt for the maternity swimsuit began.

Yesterday at lunch I went to the mall and hit up JCPenney to take back some dresses I ordered.  They didn't carry maternity swimsuits, but had a large regular section.  I decided I needed a tankini because I will probably need many pit stops while swimming just like I do when running, and a two piece is easier to get on and off.  I didn't see anything so I headed to Motherhood and tried on two there.  They were awful.  Beyond awful.  There was absolutely no support upstairs and even if there had been, I wasn't sure I wanted to show that much anyway.

Now, I know many women don't mind showing what they've got, and that is fine for them. I'd just rather not.  Even before pregnancy when I was in my best running shape, I preferred the sportier look over the sexy one. Surely I am not the only pregnant woman who feels that way!

I tried not to think about it as I drove back to work.  After work I went to Target.  I'd seen some sportier looking suits online so I figured those would be less revealing.  WRONG!  Not only did they also provide no support, they were so low cut!  What in the world?  Am I the only woman who just wants to swim comfortably without showing all the goods?  I stood there trying to imagine going out in public like that and I just couldn't.

And then... the hormones made themselves known...and to my horror I realized I was going to cry.  I quickly hung up my stuff, returned them to the attendant and walked as swiftly as I could out of Target.  "Do not cry in Target.  Do not cry in Target," became my mantra as I bit my lip and tried not to make eye contact with anyone. I hopped in the car, put on my sunglasses and let it all out. 

I got home and I was still going strong.  Jason was on his trainer, but he got off when he saw me come in.  You would have thought someone shot my dog.  I can't remember what exactly I said when I could finally take a breath, but if you are a female you can imagine the blathering on about weight, clothing, pregnancy, and how I must be an awful mom already since I'm worried about what I look like when this precious thing is growing inside.

Once I got myself together, we went into the kitchen to make dinner.  Jason stir fried some chicken he had cut into strips as I cut up some pineapple and strawberries for later.  I told him I'd wanted to handle this pregnancy thing with peaceful grace as my body went from being and looking like that of a runner to something else entirely.  And before I got pregnant I just knew I'd be able to do that because it would be so wonderful to be having a baby!  I knew I was a tad vain but I had no idea it would lead to crying in Target!  Can I blame this on pregnancy hormones? 

I'm feeling better today.  I slept like a rock from 9:00pm to 5:00am without waking up once (I only ate 2 cookies after my chicken, broccoli and cauliflower).  I did my weights and pilates with Chance acting as a backrest (he was probably still concerned) and then got ready for work. And yes, as I write my iced cafe mocha is here beside me.  I know I'm blessed.  Even if all designers of maternity swimsuits should be fired and possibly yelled at in a public forum, I am still able to put it in perspective (at least for the moment).  I've got a super sweet husband, a precious baby girl on the way, and for now I am healthy as an ox (I have no idea where that saying came from... are oxen very healthy?).

So what do I do about the swimsuit issue?  Jason suggested running clothes.  My sister said she has some bigger swimsuits she doesn't wear that might work. Should I just buy a bigger non-maternity swimsuit?  I don't have to look like a supermodel, but I'd like to be able to comfortably shake (not show) my groove thang in Aqua Zumba and swim laps in public. I'd also prefer not to spend a thousand dollars on this effort either. Thoughts?  Suggestions?   HELP!

Running, Dresses, and I'm All Choked Up

Yesterday afternoon I was getting ready to run a few miles when I realized my one medium sized tank top that I recently purchased was in the dirty clothes...and yes it was way passed being able to recycle.  It was hot outside and I wanted to wear a tank, so I dug around my running clothes drawer until I found one that would work.  It was tight and just barely covered my belly, but it got the job done.  I mean a girl's got to exercise, right? I had a really good run and actually ran sub 10 minute pace for my 3 miles. That is speedy for this pregnant lady these days.  It would have been nice to see if I could have held that for 4 miles, but I didn't want to overdo in the heat.

I got up this morning and went for another short run.  I walked for 2 minutes as my warm up and then started to jog.  Again, it felt really good and I was surprised.  Usually mornings are tougher these days and I need  walk breaks.  The air was cool and the sunrise was beautiful, and it made my shadow look long and lean...which is a view I don't get very often, even when I'm NOT pregnant.  I tried out my new sports bra from Target but after one mile I decided it was a no go.  I stopped by the house for a quick bra change and potty break before finishing up my run.  Again, I wanted to keep going after 3, but I knew I needed to get ready for work.

I have a new dress.  I was complaining to my mother-in-law the other weekend about not finding any cute maternity dresses that I could stand and she described one she saw at Kohls.  It sounded cute so I looked it up online and she was right.  It was really cute.  I knew from experience that cute dresses in pictures do not equal cute dresses on my person, but on Saturday I went to try it on anyway.

Success!  I have a new dress!

Now I have to find a maternity swimsuit because I'm about to take up a little Aqua Zumba at the local Y.  I have talked my sister into joining me (she really needed no persuasion since she does regular Zumba all the time), and we will be going this Saturday at 8:00am.  Stay tuned for THAT update.  And a maternity bathing suit... yikes!  Jason informed me that I didn't have to marry my new swimsuit, just tolerate it for a while.  He knows this search could go on for years. There are also two water aerobics classes in the afternoons I'd like to start taking as the temperatures continue to rise. 

So today I'm wearing a new dress, I got in a few lovely morning miles, I've already enjoyed my iced mocha for the day...it is a good day.  Despite my work worries, I think things will be okay.  I know in the scheme of things it is not a very big deal.  It is just important to me to do the right thing, to set a good example for those around me, to work hard etc., and saying no... well I'm not always sure about it.  Pregnancy is this grand new adventure and I'm sort of joyfully stumbling my way through it, trying to figure it all out as I go.

Speaking of which, as I drove to work this morning I heard an old song from one of my FAVORITE Disney movies, Tarzan (I'm in it, after all).  As I turned it up and tried to sing along, I couldn't!  I had the biggest lump in my throat!  I kept trying to sing and with each word, my voice choked up and I couldn't get it out.  The song is sung by Phil Collins (one of my faves) and goes with the scene where the mama ape wants to keep Tarzan, the human baby.  Oh. My. Goodness.  If you are a mom, give it a listen and see if you can keep those tears at bay.  I double dog dare you.

Favorite Sock Giveaway to Celebrate the New Look!

Readers and Friends!  See Jane Run has a new look!  As you can tell from all my exclamation points thus far, I am pretty excited about this!  It may be silly but I love this little blog, so I decided it was time to invest a little more into it.  And now I want to celebrate!

So here's how I'm going to do it.  Not only do I love my little running blog, I absolutely LOVE running socks.  I mean, can you ever have too many running socks?  No you cannot!  And I think we can all agree that a good pair of socks makes quite a difference, especially on those longer, hotter runs (or those super cold and icy ones depending on where you live).  So, I want to give 3 readers a pair of their favorite running socks to celebrate my new look (and our mutual love of running socks).

Here's how to participate:

1. Comment on this blog post and tell us the brand/type of your favorite pair of socks and why you love them so much (so we can get a pair too).  You might also want to include information like size and where you usually buy these socks in case you win. Don't have a favorite pair yet?  Just say so when you enter and I will pick a GREAT pair for you!  That will earn you one entry into the contest.

2. If you want another entry (I'm being shameless here and I sort of apologize, but only sort of), go to the Running Start LLC Facebook page and like it. That will earn you a second entry into the contest.

3. For a third and final entry you can follow this blog.  But really, I'd like for you to follow only if you really like it. If you DO decide to follow it, I'm going to think you really like my blog (not that all of your running socks have blood stains and holes in them).  So be careful with that third and final entry.  Hearts are at stake.

Get your entries in by Friday, April 13, 2012.  I will do the drawing with the help of a handsome assistant named Jason and announce the winners by April 16.  

Enjoy the new look and tell me about your favorite running socks!  On your mark...Get set ...GO!

Whoa

That is all I have to say about baby stuff.  Strollers and car seats and carriers, oh my!  There are 4,000 brands and each brand has 100 different types of the same item.  And then there are safety regulations and recalls and staying up to date before purchasing any of this stuff. 

So I looked at it all and asked my sister and a few friends what they used and if they liked what they used, and then I looked at bouncy seats and then I closed my internet browser and made an iced mocha run.

Did I say whoa?  Jason will be roped in to this shopping/registering spree.  I think he thinks it is all about me picking my favorite color but, I'm going to need some help if I'm to research all 100 types of each of the 4,000 brands.  Whoa.  And that doesn't even take into account bottles and thermometers and towels and bpa free and organic cotton and baby lotion.  I haven't even gotten passed baby transportation!

I think the best course of action is to first, think of this another day (something I like to call the Scarlett O'Hara Approach), and go out on my lunch break for an iced mocha and a new (larger) running tank top. I thought that since so many of my tops were loose before I got pregnant they'd still fit.  WRONG.  There's a little girl in the way now. 

So I'm thinking I'll go with tank top shopping and iced mocha sipping for now.  I'll worry about baby stuff tomorrow (or the next day or sometime in May). 

Christmas Gifts for Runners

Are you the best friend, spouse, sibling or parent of a runner?  Do you want to support their running hobby but don't know where to start?  Working with a tight budget?  This is the list for you!

I have compiled a list of gift ideas and all the information about each gift (location, price, function, good brands and brands to avoid, etc.).  I cannot count how many times friends have asked me what to get the special runner in their life and this is my attempt to help!  For any runners reading, add your suggestions in the comments section!

Socks

Most avid runners go through socks quickly and believe it or not, good socks are important to help avoid blisters and hot spots. 

• Balega socks (one of my faves) are about $12.99 a pair, unless you find a deal.  Fleet Feet sometimes offers buy 3 get 1 free.  Most specialty running stores like Fleet Feet carry these socks.  I have not found them in larger sports stores such as Dick's or Sports Authority, but you can also order them online for cheaper prices. 

• Feetures is another good brand and these can also be found at many specialty running stores as well as some larger sports stores. Visit their site here.

• Asics, Nike, and Reebok are also good brands and you can usually get 3 pair for $12.99 and they come in loud and sassy designs and colors.  Most large sports stores such as Dick's and Sports Authority carry these brands.  

• One brand to avoid when sock shopping is Under Armor.  I bought a pack of 6 socks and after one wear and wash, the toes had holes in them. I like their cotton-like running shirts, but I will not buy anymore of their socks (even if they do have some fun color schemes).

Hats and Visors

These are another great gift for runners. I like visors best to protect me from bright sun and bugs, but in cold temps, I wear a toboggan. 

• Headsweats are my all time favorite brand for visors. You can find these at specialty running stores such as Fleet Feet or your local running shop, and some other athletic stores carry them as well.  These run around $20-$25.  You can also order them online.

• As for toboggans, I think the louder the color the better.  You can get these at Target, Wal-mart, Dick's, Sports Authority, Fleet Feet, First Place Athletics, etc. 

Gloves

These are another must for cold weather running.  I prefer to buy the super cheap pairs in case I need to toss them in a race.

• Target and Wal-mart sell these for $1.50-$2.00 for 2 pairs and these come in all sorts of colorful designs.  A great stocking stuffer, and like socks, you can't have too many. 

• If you want a nicer pair, Nike and Under Armor have some great gloves and you can get these at both specialty running stores and the larger sports stores such as Dick's and Sport's Authority.  These run from $20-$30 dollars depending on the brand. 

Books

There are some great reads out there for runners so if your runner is a reader too, here are a few titles they may enjoy.  Most of these can be found at local bookstores, although a safe bet is always amazon.com.  Some specialty running stores carry popular titles as well.

• My Life on the Run by Bart Yasso.  This is one of my all time favorite running books.  Filled with stories of triumph and defeat, humor and adventure, this is the perfect book to inspire, uplift, and explain the highs and lows of a runner's journey. The paperback version is available on Amazon.com for $6.78, but there are not many copies left in stock.

• Born to Run by Christopher McDougall.  This is another adventure story that covers the issues of running form, shoes and natural running.  McDougall tells the story of a hidden tribe of "superatheletes" the reclusive Tarahumara Indians of Mexico’s deadly Copper Canyons.  A great read to the very end.  This one is $15.82 on Amazon.com.

• Run the Edge by Adam Goucher and Tim Catalano.  This is a great read full of inspiring, moving stories to motivate every runner from the experienced to those just starting out.  This book can be found at their website for $17.95.

•  Mile Markers by Kristin Armstrong.  I have not read this one yet, but it is on my wish list this Christmas.  I have been reading Kristin's blog on the Runner's World website and I really like her writing style and approach to running.  You can get this one at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com for around $11.00.

• The Runner's Rule Book by Mark Remy.  This is another favorite of mine.  A hilarious mixture of true and witty running etiquette.  I found this one in Barnes & Noble a long time ago so I'm not sure if they still carry it, but you can find it on Amazon.com for $12.23. 

Injury Prevention

Two things I use when trying to stretch out sore tendons and muscles are the foam roller (written about here) and the stick.  Low priced and easy to use, these items are a must for the avid runner in your life. 

• Foam roller - I purchased mine from Power Systems online for $18.95 (36x6).  The standard white foam roller is great for getting to those hard to stretch areas such as the IT band.  You can also find these at Fleet Feet and other specialty running or sports stores. 

• The Stick - This is another rolling self massage tool, but one you hold in your hands.  It is more mobile so runners can take it to races and events out of town if they wish.  Many specialty running stores such as Fleet Feet carry this item, and you can also find it on Amazon.com.  It runs from $27-45 depending on the brand. 

Stocking Stuffers

Below are some smaller items to keep your runner safe, visible and well fueled for those longer runs.

• Mace - Many running stores sell small mace sprayers, but you can also find them at places like Gander Mountain, Wal-mart, Dick's, Sports Authority, etc. They come in all colors and sizes and are great if your runner goes for early morning or late afternoon runs in the dark.  These range from $10-$20 depending on brand.

• Sports Beans - Many runners (and other athletes as well) use these for quick, easy, portable fuel.  They are a lot like jelly beans but with more than just sugar, and you can find these at most sports stores like Fleet Feet or Sports Authority. They cost around $3.00 each.

• Blinky lights - These are also important to keep your runner visible if they run in the dark.  There are clip on lights and even lights you can wear like rings.  You can get a 12 pack of the rings from Amazon.com for around $12.00.  They are called Flashing LED Bumpy Rings.  You can get the clip on lights from stores such as Fleet Feet for around $5-$12 depending on the brand. 

• Other types of fuel your runner might like to try are Gu, Nuun, Honey Stinger bars, and Power Bar bites and gummies.  These all make good stocking stuffers as well.

• Body Glide - This is another must for runners.  It is an anti-chafe agent and it works like a charm.  It comes in different sized tubes that look a lot like deodorant.  Prices vary according to what size tube you get and these can be found at all sports stores and race expos as well.

• iPod Shuffle - Okay, maybe a little more than a stocking stuffer, this gift usually runs around $45-$50 depending on where you get it.  For the runner who likes to rock out during a run, this is the easiest device.  It clips on apparel (and many types of running apparel provide pockets for it), so that the runner hardly knows it is there.  The controls are easy to use without looking, so runners can change a song, adjust the volume or pause it in mere seconds. You can find these at Wal-mart, Target, Best Buy, the Apple Store, and online on Amazon.com. An iTunes gift card is always a nice addition to this gift as well. 

Apparel

This can sometimes be tricky unless you know your runner well and know their sizes.  I'm pretty picky about what I wear since I like to be comfortable and feel like I look good in what I wear.  Some brands run small while others run large, so that can be tough too.  However, one safe bet is usually the tempo short.

• Tempo shorts come in all colors and are great for not only running but for gym classes, weights, walking and yard mowing.  These can be found everywhere and run around $25.00 a pair. You can even get these designed with your favorite sports team logo on them as well.

• A good rule of thumb when purchasing apparel is to keep the gift receipt.  That way your runner can pick something that works if your gift does not.  Either way, you are helping them in their running journey, so don't feel bad if what you picked doesn't fit. A running apparel shopping spree is always fun!  

Gift Certificate Ideas

Wanting to spend a bit more on the special runner in your life?  Here are some gift certificate ideas that may help.

• Deep Tissue Massage - A massage does wonders for your runner and is always such a treat.  Most spas have some sort of deep tissue massage (although you can't really go wrong with any of the other massage types), but if you are a Huntsville local I would suggest Kim Susor at the Body Reform Pilates Fitness Studio or Naomi Jacobs with Massage and Movement Synergy.  These run anywhere from $70-$100. 

• Pedicures -  I don't know a runner (at least in the female category) who does not enjoy a good pedicure.  These run anywhere from $25-$30 depending on where you go (a spa may be more than a nail salon).  One thing to check on before you purchase your gift certificate, however, is the health score.  This is usually posted somewhere inside the salon, and I would not settle for less than 100%.  

• Private coaching or a personal trainer - If your runner is seeking to improve, one of these can always be of assistance.  It is my turn to put in a shameless plug for Running Start, LLC.  I do provide gift certificates and would love to work with your favorite runner to help them reach a distance goal, work on speed and endurance, running form and injury prevention. Check out my website for packages and pricing. 

Was this list helpful?  Did I leave out anything important?  Feel free to send questions in the comments section and I, along with my other running readers will share our thoughts and comments on the matter.  I will also add anything else I think of, so check back for new ideas.  Good luck shopping for your runner.  You never know... you may discover an interest in the sport yourself.