As mentioned in my intro (BodySpiritBrain) this first post (!!!) is dedicated to the racing newbie.
I ran my first race, The Columbus, Ohio LaSalle Bank Half Marathon, in 2007. I had no clue what I was doing. Total noob. Running was my consistent form of exercise but the longest route I had completed on my own before signing up was 7 miles with my roommate. My sister asked me to run with her and I will do anything Crissy asks of me, so I agreed. I am pretty sure I didn’t follow a training schedule AT ALL. The longest training run I completed was 10 miles on a treadmill because I thought, “Hey, maybe I should run a longer distance before this race (Duh).”
Flashing forward, running has become an irreplaceable aspect of my life and I am addicted to racing. It gives me a semi structured workout schedule, a PR (Personal Record) to beat, and a BodySpiritBrain cleanser. Since 2007 I have added 8 Half Marathons, 2 Full Marathons, and a handful of 5Ks to the notches on my belt. Through the blood, sweat, and tears the runner’s high and being a part of the running community is totally worth it. While I am no expert I would like to share some pointers I wish I had known from the beginning:
1. Invest in your shoes!
Starting out I was simply avoiding the university gym, so I purchased some cheap tennis shoes on my college budget. I chose horrible shoes. My feet were beat up and blistered. After quickly becoming hooked to running my mom bought me my first good pair of running shoes for my birthday. The difference was unbelievable. My first loves were a pair of Mizuno Waverunners. For the past 4 years I have converted to barefoot/minimalist shoes (I religiously wear Merrell Pace Gloves) due to personal research after having foot surgery and repetitive knee pain. Shoes are important. They are the MOST important accessory for running. Running does not have to be an expensive sport, but the right pair of shoes is worth the money. Do research, try on tons of shoes, talk to people. Invest the time into finding the pair that works for you. If you experience pain, discomfort, or are told you need to add orthopedic inserts….I believe those are not the shoes for you. There are endless options available and if you seek out the perfect pair, that is all you should need. Invest in your shoes.
2. Don’t underestimate the power of good socks!
Since running minimally I rarely wear socks, but the ones that I highly recommend when I do wear them are PHD Smart Wool socks. I had trouble recovering from some pretty horrific blisters and these were recommended to me. They are amazing. Blisters are non-existent for me now. I designate one pair to wear at a time and I know it sounds disgusting, but you can wear these three runs in a row till they need to be washed. They wick sweat away well and odor is minimal until that third run. They are seriously worth it.
3. Running shorts with built in underwear are the bomb.
Whomever designed the running shorts with the built in underwear is my hero. They stay where they are supposed to sit on your hips and provide you freedom from awkward wedgies. No one should have to adjust their shorts during a grueling run. I have been the happiest with my Nike shorts. I still have the first pair my mom bought me in 2005. I am consistently impressed by how my different Nike shorts fit and feel. I do want to try out some Athleta shorts next.
4. Find a favorite water bottle you love and STAY HYDRATED.
Water. Water. Water. WATER. I constantly drink water. You really won’t see me without a water bottle in my hands. Give me a new awesome water bottle and I am a happy girl. I have learned to take one with me on pretty much every run (I live in FL where just walking outside dehydrates you instantly). My current love is my Hydro Flask, but it is obviously not optimal for running. Scott Jurek (Super hero, ultra marathon running vegan) has a great line of products for hydration needs.
5. My Running Must Haves: Clif Bars, Bananas, Protein, Energy Gels, Coconut 
Water.
A Clif bar and a banana are my go to breakfast before a race (A hour to hour and a half before the race). They provide enough nutrition and all the stuff your needy body demands without weighing you down. I have even started making my own homemade versions which will be a future post. Once I really start picking up my distance I need some extra help replenishing after a run so I keep a protein powder around. I currently use Plant Fusion and Vega One (Vanilla Chai is beyond yummy).
Usually races provide an energy gel, but they are great for long runs. I start to take a gel or a Clif bar with me once I surpass 13 miles in training and I eat one at the 7 mile mark during an actual half marathon. They are more important during a race because ideally you are pushing yourself a lot faster than you would during a training run.
I am obsessed with all things coconut flavored right now but mainly because they’ve helped me swear off Gatorade because of all the fake sugars and unhealthy dyes they contain. Coconut water is a natural way to replenish your body (natural electrolytes, potassium, sugars, etc…all mother nature made) after a tough run. Usually you start to require something extra after more than 45 minutes of strenuous activity. Remember companies like Gatorade are trying to make money so naturally they are pushing products before, during, and after exercise. Listen to your body! It will tell you what you need. Usually what some companies suggest is overkill.
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