Cushy Socks and Equipment Update

I know I like to write a lot about the equipment and things I'm considering. Running is just running, so I rationally understand that I don't need all these luxuries, but I'm an uber-planner by nature. I can best explain this by saying that when I am planning for something like a trip or an adventure, I want to be able to fully enjoy every minute of the actual experience, so I like to do a lot of pre-planning to make sure that some little annoying detail that could have been planned for, doesn't get in my way. Same thing here. I don't want to set out on my first long run, only to have my dog leash or something, really annoy me the whole time. Okay . . . .I will admit it . . . I also like to shop.

Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, I got some new socks! I decided to invest in a few models of cushy running socks, so I headed to Sports Chalet on Sunday. I found this article AFTER I bought socks, so we'll see if I regret not researching before I buy. These are the three I tried:

• Nike Women's Elite Running, Cushioned, No Show
  
• Adidas Running Zone Cushion, Low Cut
  
• New Balance Performance Running Socks, Low Cut

I wore the Adidas pair pictured above this morning, and they were delightful! The feel almost silky in my shoes, and they compress my feet and give them support. I think I am convinced that well-made, cushy socks are worth it!

Bella and I headed out this morning, and I fired up the Garmin Forerunner 305 for the first time. Love it!! Today, I set it up in a time/pace, quick workout mode. 30 minutes at a 16-20 min./mile pace. It beeped at me whenever my pace fell too low or high (but not in an annoying way), and it monitored my heart rate, so I can start to get a feel for what certain levels of exertion are doing to my heart. The thing that made me the happiest this morning was that at the end, it told me that we made it just over 2 miles!! It seemed easy. It was easy--I was just walking. However, it was nice to have a gage for what 2 miles feels like when I start running based on distance shortly.

Update on other equipment:

• Hydration Pack. When I tried it at a jog, it bounced more than I would have hoped. It also feels kind of hot and bulky around my waist. I'm not ruling it out yet, but after talking to my friend at work, Sandy, who is a "real" runner, I may just try carrying a small water bottle in my hand (switching hands occasionally). That's what she does, and she said it actually stretches her hands nicely (which sounds really nice because my hands are always so fatigued from work.)
• Leash (and hooking it to the hydration pack). This actually worked really well and I really liked not having to hold the leash. Depending on what happens with the hydration pack, I may consider that other hands-free system which would work similarly to the hydration pack but with less bulk
• Ipod. For now, I have decided against taking my Ipod on the workouts. I don't feel bored on the woggles yet, and I actually look forward to the time to wake-up and think. I'll definitely consider it if I start to get bored or if I need it for motivation on the long runs to come.

When we completed our woggle, I did the stretches I mentioned in Week 2 Goals. It took more time that I had hoped (over 10 minutes) but felt amazing and was worth every minute. It also just served to reinforce in my mind that I MUST go to yoga. I haven't stretched (besides at yoga) in a while, and I had no idea how stiff my body feels when I'm not in the super hot room!