The Hairy Truth

Running appears to be fairly inexpensive.  It is free, after all, to just go out and hit the streets. One does not have to pay league dues nor kick down cash for a fancy team uniform.  However, this fine sport is a sneaky little stinker, in that one could possibly drop hundreds of dollars getting the supportive gear.  On that, take sports bras for example.  I once stupidly wore a cheaper sports bra for a 13 mile run in the heat.  To my chagrin, I ended up with a little something I like to call Frankenstein Boob.  The seams of the cheap bra seriously rubbed me raw.  It looked like I had gone down to TJ to get a boob job and it had gone horribly wrong. Anyhow, lesson learned.  I don't want to scare you off in these budget minded times, but it is a good idea to purchase certain items that are made for making your running experience as pleasant as possible. Here are some investments that you won't be sorry you made:

ABSOLUTES:

1) Sports Bra that keeps them locked down solidly (I wear two)  

2) Running Shoes (that are made for your type of gait)

3) High SPF Sport Sunblock (that won't sweat off of you) 

4) Water 

EXCELLENT TO HAVES:

5) Hat or Visor (They sell some that are made out of sweat wicking fabric or SWF or its called "technical fabric.")

6) Running Socks (SWF, they really help with blisters.  These can get expensive.  But I found some at Walmart that have been working well for me.  They are Danskin running socks.)

7) Running Pants or Shorts and Tops with SWF  (I don't always go for these.  Often, I just wear regular cotton, although it is most likely going to be hot at the R & R Half.  These fabrics are made to help your body from overheating aka being less miserable.  Marshalls has a pretty large selection for way cheaper than places like Sports Chalet or Dicks.)

8) Pepper Spray

9) Energy GUs or Beans (They help restore your depleted energy, mid long runs)

10) Magic Underpants

LUXURIES:

11) Garmin GPS Forerunner (It keeps track of distance, time, calories, etc) 

12) IPod or MP3 player

13) Running Earbuds

14) Subscription to Runner's World Magazine

These are the things that I have gradually purchased and use on a regular basis.  You will figure out what you need, as you go.  You might have different needs.  Obviously, the guy in the picture has a different list of running necessities.  Possibly, body lubricant.  I'm just sayin'.

SIDENOTE:  Remy Runner's Rule #1.45

BE CAREFUL WHERE AND WHOM YOU ASK FOR LUBE

Crack is Whack!

I, of course, am referring to the CRACK of dawn. Which is when we are going to have to be getting up in order to beat the blistering heat.

The other day, when I casually rolled out of here at 7:45, I confirmed that it is either, get up redonculously early, or suffer having buckets of sweat pour down our CRACKS.

One way to endure: Soaking your fiery tootsies in the icy cold ocean after a run feels sooooo good! I always take my gear with me when I am on vacation, that way, if I have a chance to, I get CRACKalackin' around town. Better yet, if I can then bound down to the beach.

(Since I refrained from adding a picture of some sweaty, hairy, greeeeasy butt CRACK, I had to, at least, inlude this Whitney-JJ mash up. Because this shizzy CRACKED me up!)

That is some Dyn-O-Mite CRACK!

Sea of Sweaty Elvi

The San Diego Rock & Rock Marathon got me pumped up for LA! It was a super fun race. I only did the Marathon relay, but I was able to run with the marathoners and half marathoners, on the closed down freeway, no less. There were bands at every mile, playing mostly Gen Xesque music. The best part: costumes galore! It is a tradition at the Rock & Roll race events to dress like an ass. It is not only encouraged, it is celebrated. I saw Fred & Wilma, Captain America, Wonder Woman, Superman and an array of strangeness. And...we received a free beer at the end. Who could ask for anything more!?

SIDENOTE: From Mark Remy's The Runners Rule Book: Everything a Runner Needs to Know-And Then Some

Rule 2.32

DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO FINISH AHEAD OF A COSTUMED RUNNER

Because being outkicked by Elmo is too much to bear.

Nova Marathon Challenge

This is pretty interesting. Nova trained these people for the revered Boston Marathon. They went from living sedentary lives to being marathon ready in 9 months. Well, they didn't break any records but they did finish the marathon, which is quit an accomplishment. The amazing part is how much their overall health improved.

You can watch it for free on Hulu http://www.hulu.com/or on PBS http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/

It does confirm that some people have genetics based running abilities. But it also dispels the myth that not all "types" (pack mules, hobbits, apples, pears, etc) can run marathons.

So let's get out there and run, friends. If this Nova motley crew can do it, so can ours.SIDENOTE: Speaking of Motley Crue, Nikki Sixx is dating Kat Von D, of the acclaimed reality show, LA Ink. Amongst her many hobbies, she is also a runner. She ran the 4th leg of the San Diego Rock & Roll Marathon Relay for the LA Ink team. So if you are into that, we might see her and others at the R & R LA.

Hot Damn!

Runner Perk: the balance of carbs and protein in 8 oz of low fat chocolate milk, make it one of the best recovery foods out there. It's not just freaking delicious but it will also fuel your body, post long-run. So rock that chocolate milk mustache, guilt free!