Roundup: NOLA Half Marathon

With a little over a week left until the half marathon in New Orleans (Our third! Remember when the only place I ran was to the car to drive to Smoker's Paradise?), I've started gathering the items I'll need for the race. This year I've decided to be so cute that nobody will notice if I don't run very fast -- a definite possibility due to my INCREDIBLY ANNOYING KNEE INJURY. And if you didn't think runners could have good outfits, please reconsider:

1. Compression socks. Not normally what you'd think of as cute, but in hot pink, they are!

2. My beloved Brooks Launch, otherwise known as The Shoe That Fixed My Knee.

3. For the past two years I have worn boring running tops, while surrounded by people wearing things much more creative than a sad blue tank. So this year I am getting all Breesed up. I may or may not put my name on the front. (Also I am going to wear my hair like that girl's, which idea I find both ridiculous and awesome.)

4. Y'all think I won't wear a sequin fanny pack to carry all of my important race items? Think again.

5. Hand-held water bottle. A must for my mental well-being. If I get tired of carrying it, maybe I can fit it in the fanny pack.

6. Arm warmers. I probably won't be wearing these, since the temperature in NOLA in March is basically summer, but they sure are a cute color.

7. Shorts. I usually wear compression running capris, but see above re: summer temps.

8. I cannot live without my running watch. It's my favorite thing on this page.

9. Shuffle. Obvs. First album up: WHITNEY.

10. The thing most runners use for energy during races, which is called Gu, is a thing that makes me vom. So my fanny pack will be filled with Sport Beans and Shot Bloks. And possibly methamphetamines.

I think that's it. Starting this weekend, it's basically super easy runs and non-stop carbs, so I am very much looking forward to that. See you on the other side (of this pile of spaghetti).

Comments

[Katie Lee]

Love the colors of running gear. Gu makes me feel gross too. I love the beans though. Good Luck!

[Megan]

Cute! The Y sets such low standards for gym attire. I should really make more of an effort.

{A commenter on a previous running post about your knee pain mentioned a book on trigger point therapy that has changed my life! It is so reassuring to know that I can help heal my own body. So, thank you, abchao commenter, whoever you are!}

[Meg]

I've never used compression socks, but am 4 weeks away from the Atlanta half, and am having some bad leg pain. Have you used the socks before? Do they work wonders? e.g. will I be able to get back on my training and finish the race if I spend $45 on socks?

[Lindsey d.]

I'll be at the RnRNOLA half too! Probably running more slowly behind you. And now I feel obligated to find a much cuter running top. Can't agree with you on Gu, though. I can't chew things during a race. #RunLA

[Zendavey]

My Gu encounter: I ran the NYC 2001 New Year's Eve Midnight Marathon and at the first imbibing station they offered either Gu, water or champagne. All the other runners were: GU! GU! GU! I looked at the volunteers and just said: "For Buddha's sake, it's NYE. Give me a bottle of champagne, please." They handed one over. After about 5 minutes (and one bottle of champagne) I walked the rest of the marathon. Did I feel guilty. Hell no! I had the best time and ended up making a load of new friends.

[Kristina]

Have you a sports bra recommendation?

[amydawnrose]

good luck with the race, hope your knee behaves itself. i'm a runner too, and i don't know why i never considered methamphetamines before!

[ALH]

I would seriously take meth before I used Gu. The entire concept is too gross to consider.

[Mandy]

Good luck! I have a couple of friends from Mississippi going to NOLA for to run in this!

[PoppysStyle]

I LOVE my compression sleeves - I'm training for the Atlanta half in March and wearing these has made a huge difference to my recovery after a long run. I thought $40 was steep but I'm a believer now:) Good Luck!

[Kim d]

My first half marathon and im scared! Whats an absolute neccessity to have on the big day? So overwhelming what you hear!!! Thanks. -kd

[Meg]

Kim d -- It's not so bad. The thing you need the most is the confidence that you can finish! That's what gets me through when I feel like walking. Other than that, some really comfortable shoes and your favorite cute shorts!

[AB]

Kim: I don't know if you'll see this, but my number one half-marathon tip is DO NOT GO OUT TOO FAST. Start slow -- like, painfully slow -- then push the pace if you feel like it later. You'll end up passing all the speed-demon jerks from the race start.

[Amelia]

Hi AB! I was wondering where you found that Brees tank? I love it, but can't seem to find it anywhere! Thanks so much!

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