I love researching running equipment and gear on the internet. I think it is a majority of what I do online. Research and compare prices of running gear and read running blogs. Yup. Before any purchase for my running habit is made, a minimum of one 1/2 hour of internet research has taken place. Ok, well.... maybe not a half an hour... I am pretty fast with Google Chrome. Anyway - the point I am trying to make is that I like to be informed before I get to the stores because:
A) We are on a budget. A small budget. I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE (seriously) love to outfit myself entirely in UnderArmour coldgear, and NorthFace, and then not even mentioning all of the new brands that I am learning about - like Runningchics and LuluLemon and so many others, but--- I usually end up at Target, Kohls or Walmart.
B) I like to know what I am looking for so that I can find similar products for less money so that my children can still eat, have diapers, and be clothed.
Running is deceptive.
You start out thinking that it is so inexpensive... just you and the road!
Then you realize that the shoes you have are ALL wrong for the gait that you have -- or else they are worn out and tired and making you more injury-prone.
Then you realize that the clothes that you have are all wrong.
Then the seasons change, and you realize that the clothes that you have a REALLY all wrong.
Then you find out about the uber-cool technology out there.... Nike+ and Garmin Forerunners
Then you learn about needing to "re-fuel" on longer runs... and what the heck IS Gu, anyway!!
All of this is to say that it is a CHALLENGE. I am trying to hard NOT to be materialistic, and to not be wanting everything that is out there -- and to be practical with our money. BUT I WANT EVERYTHING!!!!
It is hard for me to justify the purchases, but some of them I know that I absolutely NEED in order to be safe and protected in the elements. (Reflective gear, cold weather outfits) So I try to be as informed as possible so that I can know an adequate substitute when I find one.
SO in the mean time I just enter ever giveaway that I can find, and just keep learning. :)
Happy running!
Tomorrow I am going to try my longest distance -- 4+ miles! :)
