1 | I’m almost always dirty and vaguely smelly
All of my runs are exclusively outdoors, and most of them are on trails. I’m constantly coming home with dirt-filled shoes, a dusting of dirt all up the back of my legs, and a thin film of sweat over my entire body. I’ve never been so dirty so often, but honestly, I’m not complaining. There’s something about getting outside and getting kind of gross that’s undeniably satisfying.
2 | I’m constantly running out of socks and sports bras
I love running in the beautiful warm weather and the sunshine. The flipside, though, is that I usually end up terribly sweaty. These days, it feels like I go through my entire stash of running bras in about 5 seconds flat.
3 | Being sore isn’t the same
It’s been so interesting to observe the effects of endurance workouts on my body vs the types of workouts I’m more used to. CrossFit got me used to being sore pretty much all the time. But the soreness I feel from running is totally different. When my legs hurt from running (which is almost daily!), it feels more like an all-over, tired-feeling ache. On the other hand, lifting soreness felt like a more intense, focal burning. The muscle soreness doesn’t affect me as profoundly as it did with CrossFit workouts (I’ve never had a problem standing up from my desk chair), but I’ve traded it for a more generalized fatigue. Since I’m doing a more repetitive exercise, I carry a little more muscle tension in my legs now and I have to be more diligent about foam rolling to keep cumulative fatigue at bay.
4 | I have a renewed appreciation for arch support
After years of CrossFit and heavy lifting, I got used to flat shoes that have very little in the way of cushioning or support. I have high arches and my feet tend to roll inwards when I walk. Since I bought properly fitted running shoes, oh man, running feels so much smoother.
5 | Shapeshifting
Before running, I did Kayla Itsines’ BBG, which gave back a lot of the muscle definition I had lost from an irregular workout routine. Running has taken those gains and amplified them. My legs look visibly stronger, particularly my calves. I’m much leaner now too, even though I haven’t made intentional changes in my diet. If anything, I’m 99% sure I’m eating more now.
6 | I finally experienced the “runner’s high”
A lot of people say running is miserable, and for a long time, I totally agreed with them. In my experience, the key to not hating running is to get your body at least a little bit used to it (and to find your pace!). After you get over the “activation energy” (nerd alert) of getting into running, you actually start to enjoy the during-run and post-run feeling.
7 | I actually feel like I get outside enough
My northern AZ town has a fantastic climate this time of year: zero humidity, sunny almost every day, and mostly mild temperatures. In two months, I’ve only had ONE run in bad weather. Every spring when the weather warms up, I always remind myself that I need to make a point. But, almost every year I wish I did more. It’s easy to get caught up in the inertia of my daily routine of work and chores and stay indoors. Since I started running, I spend time outside almost every day, whether it’s a casual run through the neighborhood or a trail run with gorgeous peak views. Running has given me the perfect reason to get out more.
8 | I’m really into socks
Socks have never exactly been the most exciting purchase for me. I usually wait til my socks are all stretched out and/or full of holes before I begrudgingly drag myself to TJMaxx and pick up a 6-pack of something cheap and basic. But, I recently went out on a limb and discovered the magic of running socks. Oh my gosh, game changing. I have relatively small feet, and sized socks that actually fit feel amazing. Plus, the lightweight, non-clammy feel is basically magic. Nevermind new leggings, I’m about to drop $100 on an all new sock wardrobe.
9 | Awkward tan lines
Enough said.
You must try feetures socks. The elite padded ones are game changing. Just bought 5 pairs on amazon. enjoy your running :)
Yes! I love Feetures!
Feetures makes “elite padded” socks?! I have their regular ones, which are fine… but I prefer the padded thorlos for running. Totally buying the Feetures to try right now!!! Thanks!
Yes you must! So good :)
I’ve actually bought three pairs of Feetures socks and they fit my size 5 feet perfectly in the size small. It’s definitely helping with my running callouses! I still haven’t tried running more than 3 miles though. But maybe I will give it a try over the weekend~!
Funny you should mention it… Feetures is exactly what I was thinking of when I wrote #8! I bought a 3-pack from Zappos on a whim because I had a gift card. Mine are the high performance ultra light version, but I’m planning to buy one of each of their no-show styles (including the padded elites you mentioned!) to see which I like best. I always save my Feetures for my long runs. ;)
Yes for Features! I’m a 6.5 in dress shoe/ 7.5 in running shoes and wear a medium in Features. Balega socks are good, but so far my Features are better. And def better than Lulu. I’ve tried thorlos too, but haven’t been wearing them lately.
Can you share/do a review on any socks you find that fit your small feet well? I have size 6 feet (not overly small) and finding good fitting running socks is really difficult!
Yes I will! I’m a size 6.5 so I’m not too far off from you. I’m planning to try a few different brands, but once I get through them, I’ll definitely post a review comparing them.
Love your #1! It is so true. I am a runner who lives in the hot humid south and I have a big dog. Between my runs and her walks, I am constantly sweaty and icky. I go through a tremendous amount of clothes and am always doing laundry.
I used to live in VA/NC, and oh man, I can’t imagine how much more gross I’d be if I was running in that heat + humidity! I feel for you. D:
My fave for running are thorlos (I like the padding). They always have them on sale at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (coming up in only a couple short weeks!)
I too would like to hear your favorites!
Thanks for the tip! I want to try a few different brands, so I’ll add those to the list. :)
Ya, those awkward tan lines are killer. From here on out, anywhere you go, you will be able to spot a runner by the awkward tan lines! Lol! It’s one reason I stopped using an armband. And if you use KT Tape at some point, make sure you sunscreen well around that area or the awkward tan lines from that become the topic of conversation with other people. Haha
And yes, running socks are amazing and it’s easy to drop $100 on a pair. It’s all about the shoes and socks for us!
There’s a reason I am the owner of 15+ RSYB’s and 10+ Energy bras.
Welcome to the world of long distance running. You’re gonna love it!
Good call on sunscreening the KT tape, haha. I admit I’m not exactly the most diligent about sunscreen, but I’ll have to keep that in mind if I’m taped up. ;)
I regret not buying more RSYBs while I had the chance! I think my classic stripe/flash light is starting to wear out, and I’m so sad about it. :(
Just noticed, I don’t spend $100 a pair. I meant that it’s easy to drop $100 on socks. Lol!
I have several different kinds of run socks. Some shoes work better with different socks. I liked the Thorlo Experia but those have been relegated to gym because I fell out of love with them as running socks. I found I preferred a thinner sock and the thicker sock was making my toes go numb. Went to Feetures Elite Ultra Light No show, Balega (no idea, got them at Marshalls but they are thin), and Road Runner sports R-Gear DriMax thin no showi-Wick socks and the numb toes went away. Lululemon’s speed sock actually works pretty great too but I tend to just wear them with my Nikes for everyday. I have run in them though and I like them.
I am a die-hard Thorlo running sock fan. I like the low or no-show versions, and both the thin and thick cushion variety. They aren’t as sexy (if such a thing can be said about socks) as the new Bombas, Lululemon or Zella, but even with a thin, narrow, high-arched foot, those socks leave me with blisters. Happy running!
That’s two votes for Thorlos, so I’ll definitely have to give them a try! Thanks for the rec. :)
Love this!
What shoes do you wear on your runs? I’m a trail runner with high arches too and I have a hard time finding shoes that are comfortable for long runs.
You would need to go to an actual running store and have them fit you. What other people wear to run in and are comfortable might not work for you. If the shoe is fit for your gait you will be able to run comfortably. Getting properly fitted is key. I have high arches and I am a neutral. My daughter has high arches and she needs a stability shoe. I’d be miserable in her shoes, she’d be miserable in mine.
I actually had been running trails in road shoes since I was doing relatively short distances. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, it kind of tore my shoes up. D: I just got a pair of proper trail shoes yesterday (Brooks), so we’ll see how it goes in those! But like the other commenter mentioned, it definitely depends on what you need in a shoe.
“Nevermind new leggings, I’m about to drop $100 on an all new sock wardrobe.”
Haha, yes! It’s awful being in the middle of a long run (or a race!) and feeling a blister forming.
Your trails look lovely! :)
Not to mention the wrinkly, clammy feel of crappy socks. Ugh. I have 21 new pairs coming my way as we speak, haha!
Fits socks are my absolute favorite sock to run in. Most merino wool with some nylon and lycra. They are great all around workout sock!
Yes!! Someone (I think it was you?) mentioned Fits once before, I still want to try them for sure. So many socks, so little time, haha.
Part of why I want to get back into running is to lean out (I definitely have winter/spring fluff lol), but I also don’t want to lose what little booty I have lol.
Also, thanks for your feedback on crossfit! I think that I might save some money for the time being and rejoin the local YMCA. They have a weekly HIIT/bootcamp class that I like and I figure I could start a simple beginner’s lifting routine so supplement yoga/cardio.
(Btw, the aerial class I’m taking is a general intro class — so far I’ve done silks and the trapeze!)
Yeah I wouldn’t say running is much of a booty enhancer, lol. Sounds like you’ve got lots of good options though! ;)
Give Balaga socks a try too. Socks are like sports bras, you may have a try a few types before finding the style, brand, thickness, etc that you really like. Knee-high compression socks may also help with some of the leg fatigue (during and/or after your run) as will rotating through two different pairs of running shoes.
Happy trails!
Yes I bought a pair of Balega hidden comfort a couple weeks ago! So far, I’m partial to my Feetures but time will tell. :) Also, to your point, I ordered a pair of calf sleeves this week to try, so I’m interested to see how that feels on long runs. I figure with the sleeves I can wear any socks I like. And, I finally bought a different pair of shoes yesterday to rotate in. Expensive week, but all good things. :)
Love this! I agree about the benefit of being outside more. In 6 years of running, I think I ran inside on a treadmill 1 or 2 times. In addition to taking advantage of nice weather, I love that outdoor running gets me outside to experience all the seasons when I wouldn’t go out otherwise. I love Feetures but have never had a blister or foot issues so am okay wearing crappy socks too.
Yes, I’ve never had blisters either, but the clammy, wrinkly feeling is mostly what turns me off to my cheap socks. Not to mention how quickly they get holes in them!
Re: weather, at this point I expect I’ll still try to run through the winter, so perhaps I’ll have a similar experience as you. Hopefully it’ll work out–winters are so cold and snowy here!
Hi this is not exactly related to that post but I just wanted you to make sure you know about Mercer and Winnie- they have the best customer service and an amazing July 4th sale – 40% off for new customers and 25% for others. They still have the gold APL… They have been so nice to me that I wanted to share the love. Thanks for this great blog and happy fourth!
Thanks for the tip! I hadn’t heard of that retailer before but they have an awesome selection! And good to know there service is top notch too. :) I will definitely keep them on my radar!!
You might also want to try the Balega Hidden Comfort socks. Cushy, comfy and decent selection of colors. I wear shoe size 6.5 (running shoes 7-7.5) and wear size Small in Balega.
Yes I have a pair of those! They do indeed fit very well, and my pair is cobalt which I love. :)
Right now Smart wool are my favorites! Also I love cep and 2xu compression socks… great for races and super long distances. And for prolonged periods of standing up at work.
Yes I just bought a pair of CEP calf sleeves! I’ve never worn compression sleeves/socks so we’ll see how I like them. :)
Cannot say enough about smart wool socks. When I first started running, I was all about the pad – Thorlos were my faves. When I switched to padless, wow, what a difference. Padded socks hold the sweat – padless breathe. I’ve run marathons and never had an issue with blisters, though before a big run, I will put deodorant or anti rub stick on my feet and thighs ;-) I cannot stress enough going to a good running store and getting your socks. I go periodically and try new ones, and then buy online when I find ones I love. Since I have kids and do wash every day, I don’t need more than 4-5 pairs (we lose socks!) at a time.
Thanks for the extra recommendation! I got a merino pair by Feetures and they’re pretty nice. I’m definitely going to want to try Smartwool’s version. I’m also planning to try Fits, which is another merino company that a few people have recommended as well. Also: I agree about padded socks. I don’t like them as much as the lighter weight versions. A little pad is ok, but the thick ones are a little too much for me.
Just wanted to drop by and say I’ve been loving your running posts! I’d love to read about your training plan, training recaps or whatever rambling you’d feel like doing on the topic. That being said, I LOVE Smartwool socks. I’ve managed to get a few pairs on sale (check Marshalls) and they are by far my favorite. Looking on the website, I *think* my favorite model is the Women’s PhD® Run Ultra Light Low Cut Socks, but I have some Women’s PhD® Run Light Elite Micro Socks and I love them as well.
Thanks for the tips and the kind words! :) Smartwool is getting quite a few votes, so I’ll definitely have to put those on the list! And re: run posts, I’d definitely like to do more, but I’m also trying to balance it with other posts so it doesn’t TOTALLY turn into running-only chat around here, haha. The struggle is real, as they say.
I was thinking, I’d love to see a post about your nutrition, and perhaps how it’s changed to accomodate the change in your workouts! Thanks!
I realize this is kind of a cardinal sin of the wellness world, but I don’t really have any sort of plan or rules when it comes to nutrition. I try to eat real food most of the time, but beyond that, I basically just eat when I’m hungry. I don’t count or plan anything! So, not a lot to say there unfortunately, I’m not very sophisticated with my nutrition. D:
Are you going to do a post on the Lululemon Tamryn Toomey collection. It’s nearly sold out now but I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I didn’t see anything from the collection that I really felt like I “needed”, so I wasn’t planning to for now. Pretty collection though! :) I hope they do more special edition lines like that.
Psst is that sock review coming up soon in the queue? Eagerly awaiting!
Ack, I know!! D: I wanted to finish it ages ago but other things have come up. I’m planning to have it published soon–probably early/mid Dec. (On the plus side, I’ve had plenty of time to test them out and figure out my favorites!)
Yay!! My friends and I all have crappy socks and we’re looking forward to upgrading!