Sixth (and final) attempt

Bright blazing sunshine. Hour long lunchbreak. New running shorts. What else could I do?

This post marks the sixth and final attempt to go running. Why final? Because I’m enjoying it enough that I’m no longer attempting it – I’m just doing it.

Sticking to the shorter circuit is paying off. I know that I’ve done it, but I’m not dead after doing it. This meant that I could go the day after my last attempt. I know that’s not advisable, and I probably won’t be doing that when I’m onto the longer runs but I want to make the most of the good weather.

I ran the same direction as yesterday, and the pedometer claimed practically the same distance (just over 2½ miles) although I was quicker today. I still haven’t re-calibrated it – I’m going to drive the circuit (it’s all road based) to see how it compares before I do.

I’ve a now added a few additional items to my list:

• Running/lightweight vest/t-shirt/top
• A (working) shower
• NIKE+iPod

Let me explain each of them.

1. Running top

My brother-in-law (who runs marathons) once told me a story about his brother who being typically disorganised turned up to run a marathon without his gear. He managed to borrow some shoes and shorts, but ended up wearing a normal t-shirt. He crossed the finishing line with bleeding nipples.

Today I had a glimpse of how he felt. I was just going to run in just shorts (to help my tan) but decided to wear a (normal cotton) vest to prevent blinding anyone with my pale skin. When I got home I vowed to buy a proper running top ASAP!

1. Shower

We have two bathrooms. One has a broken shower (and is incidentally filled with junk), and the other has a shower head attached to the taps. I’m currently having to make do with a “hand shower” whilst sitting in the tub.

My mission for this weekend is to:

1. Empty the second bathroom
2. Get the shower working or replace it
3. Put up a shower curtain of some sort (I’m told this is quite important)

Later in the year I may invest in a power shower, but for now I’ll be happy with something that a) I can stand up in and b) drops water from above without me holding it.

1. NIKE+iPod

OK this is me being sucked in by NIKE and Apple’s marketing, but I just can’t help it.

Basically it’s a transmitter that goes into your NIKE+ shoes and a receiver that connects to your iPod nano. The nano becomes your pedometer. On top of this there’s the NIKE+ site which allows you to track, share and compare your runs.

If I had an iPod nano and NIKE shoes I’d be clamouring to get this being the good consumer that I am. I don’t however, so this one is much further down my wishlist (plus it’s not even out yet).