Because New York Is Worth It

Over the past few days, I’ve been gearing up for the New York City Marathon. And when I say gearing up, I do actually mean gearing up. Among the things that I have purchased over the past few weeks:

1. Three pairs of Nike’s Tempo Track short. I adored my first pair and subsequently got a Michigan pair on sale (Go Blue!) and a discounted pair from Nike.com. They are a tad short but do not ride up at all. They’re also a bit flattering if I do say so myself. I really wish they had a Red Wings version.
2. One pair of Nike’s Sister Tempo short. This one’s supposed to be half an inch longer than the original; I just wanted to try it out and see how it works. I don’t imagine I’ll be running the marathon or long runs in the original and I hope that the Sister version proves to be comfortable for those runs.
3. One pair of Road Runner Sports’ 2-in-1 shorts. This one contains a compression short within; I am sorry to say that it totally sucked and while I’ll be using it to cross train, I will not be using it to train for the marathon. The compression short rides up and is uncomfortable. Yuck.
4. Numerous C9 sports bras from Target. For me, the most durable and dependable bra.
5. Numerous C9 sleeveless tees from Target: See above.
6. Subscription to Runner’s World: With an upcoming race, I like to feel closer to the running community, but not actually interact with them (I cannot run with anyone who isn’t a sibling; people like to talk and I do not).

Sometime during training I’ll have to buy new shoes; I’ll also be aided by the Forerunner 405 that IP gave me for my birthday. I don’t plan on subscribing to any type of online interactive training, but I didn’t do too badly in 2006 with the New York Road Runner’s version. However, the Forerunner’s software should help me track my progress.

I admit to getting more and more excited as the days go by; I am running better, have been less likely to skip, and am enjoying the feel of going faster and running longer. Given the temperature outside over the past few days, training in DC again will suck, but I’m prepared; I still have plenty of gear that I used during my last training cycle. Right now I feel strong and somewhat agile; hopefully that feeling will increase as I approach November.

Is this feeling of strength and agility somehow tied to my purchases, I wonder? Am I an incurable shopaholic (IP will say no; this is one of many reasons why I love him so) who gets a running high from buying new Nike shorts? Either way, if it’s benefiting my running and will lead me to a strong November, I’m happy. It’s not an extravagant amount of money or unnecessary spending, and it had to be done to find something comfortable to carry me through the summer — as the title notes, New York is worth it.