Run Your Way to Success

If you're used to running in ratty old T shirts, buying some fresh new workout clothes will boost your motivation. For tops, try to avoid cotton, since it doesn't breathe well and soaks up sweat. Spandex is one of the best light, breathable materials. You can find running tank tops with built-in bras or without. For women, wearing something that provides enough support on top is crucial, and I've found that many tank tops with built-ins are a bit see-through and not as supportive as I'd like. On the other hand, they often are cuter looking.

Some shorts also come with built-in liners. Nike makes some great comfortable, loose shorts that are very airy and good for keeping cool. The trendiest running gear right now comes out of Lululemon- their clothes are incredibly comfortable, but for the amount they cost, they'd better carress you nicely. As a company, Lululemon is trying to sell the entire relaxed, fit, yoga mindset along with their clothes, and their in-person stores provide a fantastic shopping experience.

If you feel like you're in a rut with your running, a new playlist is a guaranteed way to pump your routine back up! If you're worried about running being boring, listening to music (as well as finding a beautiful route to run) is a great way to keep yourself entertained. Some people enjoy listening to podcasts or books on tape while they exercise, but I find that the beats of the music keep me running fast. Simply listening to music is not enough- it's also important to listen to the RIGHT music, the music that will boost your energy levels and keep your legs churning up the pavement. I think songs with a heavy, fast-moving beat are the best, and songs with words you enjoy also help keep your mind on the music instead of on your muscles.

Ipods, obviously, are great music listening devices. I would actually recommend one of the older iPod models rather than an iPod touch for running, though, since with the iPod touch it's easy to accidentally skip songs as you hold it in your hand. At the same time, since the iPod touch screen locks if you don't use it for a bit, it can also be difficult to skip songs when you do want to. However, iPod touches are better for watching videos, which you might want for those rainy days when you hit up the treadmill.

In my opinion, it's important to buy a music listening device that allows you to make playlists. There are songs I love to sing along to while I drive, but those same songs would only drag me down during a run. Pay attention to that as you pick one out, and then spend some time designing your running playlist. The songs that come on make a HUGE difference in your energy level as you run, and boring or slow songs can drag you down without you even noticing.

After you've got your music, it's important to make sure it stays put. Normal iPod earbuds normally don't work for running, unless you've got miraculously sticky ears- they bouncing motion makes them fall right out, and running with your hands stuck in both ears trying to put them back in is neither attractive nor fun. Earbuds that loop over behind your ear are best, as you can usually squeeze them to mold perfectly to your ear and then forget about them for the rest of the run. Even old school headphones, assuming they also rest over the backs of your ears, work well too.

If you're worried about carrying your iPod in your hand while you run, you have a lot of choices as to armbands and wristbands for keeping it secure. Make sure your armband won't cut into your arm as you run, but also that it won't fall off- you move your arms more than you think during running. Furthermore, don't be worried if you feel a little soreness in the arm holding the iPod after the run!

Stretch, stretch, stretch! You can never stretch too much. Focus on your quads, calf muscles, and hamstrings to avoid later strains and pains that will have you cursing every day you skipped this necessary step. Surpisingly, even the simple toe-touch stretch not only improves your running, but also helps stave off back problems.

If you do have a strain, don't be afraid to skip a couple days of exercise. Right after the injury, ice the muscle for 20 minutes, let it rest for 20 minutes, then repeat. After a day or so of icing, it's all right to move on to heat.

Other muscle exercises, such as pushups and situps, will also aid you in your running. You can also try moving stretches, such as high-knees, butt-kicks, and skipping to warm up your muscles, stretch out, and start burning calories even before your run.