running Q's

please help!

i just started C25K today, love it! anyway, i have a few questions.

first of all, i'd really like to carry water with me, but i think i'd get annoyed if i had to hold it in my hand the whole time, and i dont want to have it bouncing around in my **** pocket because that will get quite irritating too. any advice? good small water bottle suggestions? i only run for about 1/2 an hour so its not like i NEED GALLONS of water. just a few sips to keep the side stitches away and my mouth from getting too dry.

also, ive been blessed with great weather the past few days, so what do i do if its raining? or bitter cold? i dont have much money to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe, but if someone has a few necessities that are worth the money (and not too expensive!) for running in the winter/rain that would be much appreciated!

i had more questions...but i forget. oh well. thanks in advance!

You could do a few things in regards to the h20. One, you can leave some halfway up your route-I know people who have done this. You can also buy a running belt-that has a holster for your water and a pocket for your mp3, keys etc...they tend to be lightweight and do not bounce as they are designed to sit on your hips. For short runs I do not drink any h20 until after-but I do chew gum along my route-this works for me!

You need a breathable [think cool max] jacket that has a hood and "bum splash guard" [fabric covers your bum for running in the rain/cold. I dress in layers [fleece hat, mitts] and take layers off [mitts first, hat last] as I heat up. I wear wind pants over running tights in the winter-I am not out there for looks, but for the exercise. The thing I invest my $ is a good pair of shoes.

Also, make sure your jacket/pants have reflective material in case you are running in low light-you want to be seen by vehicles others etc.  I live in a rural area so in the winter  when I run I wear a head lamp as well-helps me see where I am going!

 

Hope this helps!

If you're only running for 1/2 hour, theoretically you should need no water at all. Try drinking a lot of water *before* you go out.

With that said, I have never in all my years been able to run without water. I just carry a bottle in my hand. You get used to it.

As for winter running clothes, for the budget alternative, go to Old Navy and buy a polarfleece top and polarfleece sweat pants. This is what I did last winter when I was getting started. I would layer running tights UNDER the polarfleece sweats. Worked pretty well, and does repel water somewhat.

Do NOT run in cotton - it'll make you cold, soggy and miserable.

The *expensive but worth every penny* suggestion is smart wool long johns. Invest in a zip top, and a pair of tights, either wear as is, or layer them under your running tights. These run about $89 (per item) from REI. Also get a pair of smart wool socks too. Yeah, I know, they are outrageously expensive.... but trust me on this, they are totally worth the expense!!! I treated myself this year, after a full year of consistent running. And now I don't know how I ever managed without them. And they're also great for just lying around the house, or to sleep in, so you will get your money out of them.

You'll also need a hat. I like polarfleece for this. And gloves. I just use cheap gloves - the stretch kind you can buy for a few dollars at the drugstore. That's because I'm often shedding them and then losing them. So I don't spend too much here. You can also just pull a pair of socks on over your arms.

Having a balakava can come in handy if you are running on particularly cold, windy days. Something you can pull up to cover your neck, mouth, and nose.

And if you think you'll be running on ice and snow, get some yak-traks.

As for rain... can't help you there. I usually don't run when it rains.

I run quite a bit.  I do suggest investing in a couple of things.  One is a pair of very good running shoes.  Go to a specialty store and work with them, I can't stress how important this is.  Your joints and body will thank you.

Also, invest in some under armour (if you're in colder weather climates).  I'm on the northeast and with my under armour, I can run in the single digits and not get cold at all.  I have an under armour shirt and then use yoga pants in conjunction with wind pants, like mom2one said, you're not out there for looks.

Regarding rain, I've run in snow storms, heavy rain and freezing rain.  Honestly, I love running when the weather's not so good.  My best run has been in freezing rain.  I just make sure I layer and dress appropriately for the elements.  I also have a gym membership so when I'm really not up for snow storm running, I'll just hit the gym and do my "route" on a treadmill, but I much prefer to run outside.   

I never bring water with me, and typically I run for 80 minutes, give or take.  So, I've never had to hold anything.  My mp3 player straps to my arm so I can't help you there, sorry!

Good luck with your running.  I love running, it really is such a stress reducer.  :)
 

For water I use a fuel belt or a camelbak designed for running (fits around the waist). Both are very good. Fuel belt is smaller if you don't need much water.

I run long once a week (10 Miles +) in a pretty hot climate (I live in Vietnam). Though I should, I never take water as I do not want to carry and and I do not like the fanny- or camel-packs. However, I do try and stay hydrated at all times by drinking plenty. What I do need on my long runs is a Banana or two so as to not crush and burn.

Having said that, you really need neither for 30 Minutes of running.

I also do not think that you need to invest lots in all the attire EXCEPT shoes. Get the best you can, your feet, knees, shins, etc. will thank you for it. Whilst it is more comfortable to run in race-gear, I ran for years in ordinary T-shirts and some sort of gym shorts. Mind you, I am blessed in that it stays warm here all year, even if it does rain

You really don't need water for 30 minute runs...you should drink an hour before you run up to your running point. I can run 50 min without water, and I'm alright. Like Tatjana said, under armour is really good, Same as stretch yoga type of pants. With rain, I live in SOCal and I refuse to run in it when it does like twice a year, so I can't really help you there.

Yes to everything everyone else said. And then check out this site:

http://www.runnersworld.com/topic/0,7122,s6-380-382-0-0,00.html

 While you are there, you can search for other things on the site that you might be curious about! Good luck!

Can i ask what is the C25K?

it's couch to five k....you can check it out at..http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.s html