Night time running

     Living in Pittsburgh we get to see beautiful changes in the weather. The fall brings leaves turning from green to orange and red. We also get to see our sunset go from around 9:00 pm to around 5:00 pm.   The Pittsburgh marathon is ran in early May. This means most runners, like myself, are forced to train in the dark night or the dark early mornings.  There are many things you can do to help with running at night.  Wear bright colored clothes so you will be visible to cars in the dark. If you are going to wear your head set while running, listen to the music at a low volume so you can hear the traffic around you. Some drivers have trouble seeing at night so you want to make sure you are aware of your surroundings. Technology has also helped night time running.  There are many little gadgets and lights you can purchase from blinking red lights that clip on your clothing to hand held neon lights that give off a fluorescent glow. I recently purchased knuckle lights from TRUE RUNNER. These are LED lights that you strap to your hands. These lights allow your hands to still be free to run, yet they illuminate the path you are running on and allow cars to see you. I was also informed by the employee assisting me at TRUE RUNNER that there is also a head band with a built-in light and an Under Armour hat that has small lights built into the brim. Prices range from $40 to $55 for these products. These prices might seem costly, however after using the knuckle lights I purchased, I believe they are worth every penny. A way to completely avoid night running is to use the treadmill. I suggest running on an incline of 1 or 2 to simulate the various elevations of running on pavement. The question is, can you stand to be on the treadmill in one spot for a long period of time. My preference is to invest in a gadget that will help when I run at night and get out on the pavement.  However, each person is different so run anyway that makes you feel comfortable, just do it safe.

Do you prefer to run on a treadmill or on the pavement? Share your opinion in the comments.

Footwear

I am sure alot of runners get this question.  What shoe should I buy if I want to start running?
I wish there was just one answer to this question, but unfortunately every person's body is different and every person has a different way of running.  If you really are just starting out I would suggest you go to your local running store and have an employee tell you what type of foot you have.  The type of foot you have depends on the type of shoe you need.  Take me for example I am in the small percent of people that underpronate.  So my shoe selection is always not as good as everyone's but if I try to wear a shoe that is not made for me i get blisters real bad and start to get shin splints.  I am also a huge Brooks shoe fan.  Brooks seems to make the perfect shoe for me.  I know when you are starting something new the tendency is too start cheap and once you see if you like it then start spending money.  I would highly advice for running you not do that.  Wearing the wrong shoe can cause more damage.  Pay the extra money for a good pair and start out running in something that is for you. Hey if you decide that running is not for you put the shoes on ebay. There is always someone looking to buy a cheap pair of shoes.   I would like to hear what shoe works for other people, so please feel free to tell me what brand stand by and why.

Running Sport or Not?

Many people will ask the question is running a sport? The answer is yes, not only is it a sport but its one of the oldest sports,  dating back to the early Olympics.

       As a runner I hear it everyday, running is not a sport.  This statement cracks me up when people say it.  One argument I hear is "well anyone can do it."  This is true, anyone can run.  But not every runner is competing in races and training for marathons or races week in and week out.  I can go outside and pick up a bat and ball but that doesn't make me a baseball player.  There is a difference in a person who is running to lose weight and a person who is running for the sport of it.  If anyone had the chance to watch the NYC Marathon this year they may have picked up on just how much of a sport it is.  A group of runners bunched up for 20 miles jostling for position, looking back and fourth at each other to see who will make the "move".  And then it happens one runner takes off as if to say lets see what you guys have and pushes the pace and soon you have a race within a race.  Its a tactical sport in which people draft off each other and wait to use their kicks at the end.  So yes anyone can run but not everyone is runner.

       Hopefully with this blog I can give some advice to other runners and people looking to run for whatever reason it may be.  Also i would like to hear what works for other runners, what shoe they prefer and why, some race tactics they use and so on.....  And last but not least i hope to inspire people who are on the fence about running to give it a try and come into the running circle.  Once you give it a try you will soon see this is an addicting sport.