April 23, 2007

I really appreciate the encouraging advice you guys have shared about running, especially the collective acknowledgment that it truly does suck at first. Several years ago I managed to stick to a running routine long enough to suffer through a 5K (which ended, no lie, at a brewery. Nothing like ten pints of hefeweizen to re-hydrate, and also to make you feel like roadkill afterwards), so I do have some vestigial memory of how running gets less shitty if you keep at it, but I definitely needed the reminder.

I ventured out again for a short run/walk on Sunday morning and it was much more tolerable than Friday’s workout, thanks to the inclusion of my iPod. The earbuds kept the cold air from giving me a migraine-level headache, plus the music totally distracted me from all the, you know, burgeoning suicidal tendencies.

Unfortunately, the iPod was also a major annoyance—I clipped it, for lack of a better place, to my waist, where it flopped against me and threatened to drag my pants down (a worrisome outcome indeed, which would not only expose my temptingly pale, veal-like rear end to any nearby hungry dogs, but would also surely provide my neighbors with legitimate grounds for a pain-and-suffering lawsuit); also the cord kept pulling at the earbuds, despite being strung underneath my shirt. I need some sort of iPod securing system, any suggestions? I have one of the video models, not a more running-friendly nano.

Although I’m masochistically eager to try again, I don’t think there will be any running this week. JB’s out of town and unless I want to trot behind Riley’s stroller—a commendable exercise but not one I’m willing to attempt quite yet—or leave him to squall forlornly in his crib, I can’t swing it. Well, except for the part where my office is located smack dab on a recreational trail and I could theoretically head to work early so I have time to head out and work up a sweat at lunchtime, but let’s just take things one step at a time, jesus, get off my DICK.

JB will be on a business trip in Shanghai until Friday (note to any potential woman-alone-stalking psychos [not YOU guys]: remember, I’m armed. Also, I have an Attack Cat who will stealth-barf disgusting brown lumps of half-digested Purina in your shoes, so step back, motherfucker), and I’m hoping Riley doesn’t get too despondent being stuck with me all week. A mother can only take so many howls for Dada before she starts to feel not only a tad unappreciated, but also like she should help Dada feel like he didn’t miss too much during his absence, perhaps by saving all the week’s poopy diapers and storing them in the backseat of Dada’s truck.

Comments

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

49 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
angela
17 years ago

I don’t own an ipod, but I know they make arm attachments for various media players for running. Or maybe get a big-ass rubber band?

Laura H
17 years ago

Hey! Your cat defends you with puke too? My cat pukes then looks up at me accusingly, as if I somehow am responsible for his hairballs. You will get no argument from me for not hitting the trails. I need a television on my treadmill tuned into Ellen to be able to keep up a 4 mile jog. Therefore I can only (ONLY) work out weekdays at 10 AM EST. I feel your pain.

Another note, on contractors. I highly encourage anyone using builders, RE agents, or RE appraisers to look up their licensing levels and any complaints on their state’s website. As an appraiser, I have found this to be invaluable. It keeps me from wasting my time. Most states have license lookups and disciplinary hearing actions on their government site.

Misty
17 years ago

I dont post much, but here is a few tidbits of info… the website http://www.coolrunning.com is a great wealth of info. they have a “couch to 5K” program thats easy to follow. there should be “pod casts” too, somewhere, that tell you when to start/stop, etc. i have the nano, so i dont know if it would work for you, but i can put my ipod in my bra, and it helps from slapping around (wires in the shirt, etc). good luck!!! As soon as this baby pops out, i plan on getting right back into it.

Liz
Liz
17 years ago

I have a video iPod. I bought a thing from the Apple store that straps it to my arm for workouts. Never been opened!

Wendryn
Wendryn
17 years ago

You might try an otter box – it will hold the iPod, keep it safe from wetness and being dropped, and it has a cord that can go around your neck instead of having the iPod clipped to something. I have one for when I am biking – it keeps the iPod out of the way but still useable. The buttons are still accessible, too.

http://www.otterbox.com/products/ipod_cases/

Emily
17 years ago

I have been running on a regular basis for five years, thanks to the Army, and today when I got on the treadmill and did three and a half consecutive miles, I still felt like ass until I was able to concentrate on the lilting tunes of the Bloodhound Gang in my ears — do not feel alone. As far as clipping goes, I can only suggest either getting one of those armband holders or buying some Army PT shorts, which are relatively cheap and have a convenient elastic waist pouch which is perfect for ye olde iPod.

Kristy
17 years ago

Buy a cheap shuffle. They are so small and light they don’t pull or snag anything. Seriously…..nice. And worry free.

jen
jen
17 years ago

i started the couch to 5k after recommending it to you on sunday. i fortunately have the nano which is easy to carry around and i carried it in my hand because i was using the stopwatch feature. i need to check out those podcasts though. i should also put some of the bfs playlists on my ipod because its hard to get into running when josh kelley comes on. haha.

gl with riley this week. surely itll be an exhausting week in iteself. ;p

Mama Ritchie
17 years ago

I agree with Kristy – get a shuffle. They are like 80 bucks and they are so light you seriously forget you have it on. The only drawback is it’s so tiny you’re apt to lose it. I’ve lost mine several times. In fact, I’m not sure where mine is right now….

felicia
17 years ago

i took a self-defense course a couple of years ago and one of the first things they talked to us about was wearing headphones whilst running/walking outdoors. i know i don’t need to explain myself with this, but please be careful! :)

Amy M.
Amy M.
17 years ago

One way to help you start running is to take Dog. I used to run cross country in high school & haven’t kept it up. I run with my black lab around my town. If I need a break, I let my dog sniff around while I pretend to jog in place. Hey, I’m just being a conscientious pet owner, letting my dog mark trees & sniff rocks. I think it makes me look less stupid when I take frequent breaks. Which may be a big lie, but that’s what I tell myself. I’ve been running almost a year now & feel great! The only bad part about running with the dog is that he expects it all year long. Even in January in Wisconsin! Mean creature!

Good luck while JB is away! My son cried when my hubby left for a week, but was fine with me!

dani
dani
17 years ago

ishuffles aren’t very expensive nowadays. $70-80?

OR, you can pretend that your fancy video ipod is a weight and pump it up and down as you run. no, you wouldn’t look like a crazy person. i promise.
;)

justmouse
17 years ago

i have a clip for my unweildy OLD large ipod. i frequently have the pants-falling-down problem. you can get cases for your ipod that have elastic in them that go around your upper arm…or at least you used to be able to get them. also, i can’t use the earbud style headphones, because i obviously have freakishly shaped ear-holes in which NO earphones will stay. i use the kind that sort of loop around your ear and look kinda like old fashioned hearing aids. still, i have the problem of the cord yoinking on the headphones. what i did was string the headphone cord under my shirt and also under my BRA. sounds stupid, i know, but the bra was snug enough against my body that it held the cord fairly firmly. not that i jog – HELL no! but when it’s not icy and trecherous out, i enjoy a nice long walk with my dog, and the ipod definately makes it more enjoyable.

justmouse
17 years ago

just a note to Amy. M – i had to laugh at the idea of jogging with my dog…every time i run (even if it’s to cross the street before the light turns red), she thinks i’m playing and ATTACKS me! running = playing tag = me on the ground with a 100 lb dog on my chest.

Roseann
Roseann
17 years ago

I have an armband holder thingy. I couldn’t not stand the flippy floppy of clipping it somewhere, but the arm band works wonders. I also string the earbud cord through my sleeve and out the neck of my shirt.
I can’t find the exact one I have, but it’s very similar to this one. Really made a difference in the amount of time I spent working out, and my willingness to actually, you know, get off my ass.
http://www.amazon.com/XtremeMac-SportWrap-ArmBand-iPod-Black/dp/B0006N2NOW/ref=pd_bbs_2/103-6751308-5278259?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1177363121&sr=8-2

Sleepynita
17 years ago

Why dont you pick uo an iPod shuffle for running? They are cheap and then you won’t wreck you funky fancy version.

jen
jen
17 years ago

so im back again. lol. http://www.podcasts.ullreys.net/. found that and had to pass it on. click on the third here and dl the playlists. the music is good and he tells you when to take breaks. *gasp* SO EASY!

breckgirl
breckgirl
17 years ago

Hey Linda – I missed your previous post regarding running (which I will read, of course) but just wanted to say good for you on going for the running thing. As I have mentioned before, I, too, am in the process of losing weight (just so I can get knocked up again) and part of my regime has been running. Years ago I ran quite a bit but since getting fat and having a kid, I hadn’t done it much. I’ve been running for a few months now and just wanted to share a few pearls of wisdom (not that I am wise or anything but I don’t know what else to call them – tips, pointers? Whatever).

DO utilize the Ipod (as suggested by others, maybe a smaller one?). Must have music to avoid thinking about the pain. The first five minutes is always the worst and it really helps if you can put on some kick ass song to get you through it. Added bonus – If you decide to get a jogger (see fab benefits below) you can stick that ipod in the back and there are no problems at all with the cords, bouncing, etc. Just don’t expect to be able to manipulate it constantly while running. Must make super inspiring playlist for running so there is no need to fiddle around. My secret stashing place when I don’t have the jogger with me – in my bra. Those cantaloupes hold it right in place, no problem.

DO get a jogger – I know it is just another expense (especially since it appears from past photos that you spent an assload on that high-end stroller – yes, I am jealous), but having the jogger gets rid of a lot of excuses for NOT running (like “who’s going to watch the baby?”) I am the queen of excuses but with the jogger, I don’t have many reasons to avoid doing my exercise. Don’t spend a lot – middle of the road joggers work fine – I know. It may seem daunting to consider pushing an extra 50 pounds while you are trying to (gasp!) run but I just jog along until I feel too winded and then I take a walking break. You are getting a fantastic workout, believe me. Added benefit: When you actually get a chance to go without the jogger, you will be amazed by your progress. And if Riley begins to complain while out jogging, just turn up that Ipod, baby. The kid gets over it every time.

Finally (I know I always write too much), DO take a chance to go out and jog on your lunch break. I work in an absolutely beautiful area and I really enjoy taking a run around here occasionally. Not only does it make me feel great while at work (how rare is that?) but my exercise it out of the way and I can truly enjoy being with my family when I get home without feeling all guilty and fat because I didn’t do anything. Don’t worry about being all sweaty and red-faced at work. Who cares? You’ll dry up.

Keep it up – you’re doing great.

Lawyerish
17 years ago

Buy this bad boy. I have the one that fits the Nano, and it was comfortable and stayed in place through the marathon. I run with it all the damn time and I love.

http://www.amazon.com/Speck-Products-Video-ToughSkin-Black/dp/B000BV7ZPG/ref=pd_bbs_3/102-7489419-1980951?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1177365543&sr=8-3

Also, not to be a blog ho, but here’s a link to a post I did a while back on tips for getting started with running, or How to Get Past the Part that Sucks and Makes You Want to Die:

http://www.lawyerish.com/lawyerish/2007/02/tips_many_tips_.html

Stacy
Stacy
17 years ago

If you plan to keep up with the running thing you should definitely buy an ipod shuffle 2nd Generation. It weighs 0.6 oz and has a built in clip. It costs 79.99. I got one for Christmas and love, love, love it! It is light and easy and clips on anywhere. And they now come in a multitude of “fun” colors! You can easily hook it up to your computer and share music from your other ipod.

Regarding older kids taking 2 naps a day….I just don’t think that happens. All of my kids (4) switched to only one nap a day. On the bright side, their afternoon nap became a longer nap.

MRW
MRW
17 years ago

Just writing to fifth (?) the recommendation for an ipod arm band. I have one for the nano and my husband has one for his video ipod, they both work very well. I don’t worry about it falling off or even think about it. Worth every penny.

When my husband travels for business it does suck as far as child care goes, but it also rocks because I use that time to watch embarrassingly crappy TV he’d be horrified about and to eat food he wants nothing to do with – so it’s a yin and yang thing…

warcrygirl
17 years ago

Wow, I’m feeling very inadequate right now as I only run when 1) I see a cute guy and want to give chase or 2) I am running from something bigger than myself and with sharp, pointy teeth. And why not run pushing a stroller? It could help you stay upright when you get tired, yes?

warcrygirl
17 years ago

Sharp, pointy teeth? I meant BIG pointy teeth. Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue.

Joanne
17 years ago

I sometimes just hold that damned iPOD but also my mom gave me this thing a few years ago that is supposed to hold a passport I think? It goes around your neck and can go inside your shirt/bra so it doesn’t bounce around so much.

I meant to post and say about running but it sounds like everyone else did! It does get better and I think it can be fun to walk for 2/run for 2, etc., etc., and then build it up.

Jem
Jem
17 years ago

I have a nano, but the cord still gets really annoying, and I still have nowhere to store it as my running pants have no pockets. I was actually wondering the same, thinking about getting an arm band. Or maybe cordless headphones.

Melissa
Melissa
17 years ago

I’m the worst with running so I can’t help you there.
But my husband is out of town this week as well – JB and my guy always seem to travel at the same time. I’m also concerned about putting on my single-parent hat but I’m thinking that I like the dirty diaper idea!!! :)

Leigh
Leigh
17 years ago

The jogging stroller is a fantastic invention. Great way to entertain your kid. Also, it’s really great when you are huffing and puffing up a hill and they look up from their cookie and juice to say “Faster, mommy!”

Now mine is thirteen, runs cross country and track, and is training for his first half marathon. I like to think his love of running (important with the heart disease in his dad’s family) started with those days in the stroller.

Also, I love, love, love to run with my dogs. They come home happy and smiley. And they are then sacked out ALL DAY.

ShannonJ
ShannonJ
17 years ago

I think the shuffle is generally set up to pull a random list of songs from your iTunes library unless you turn off the auto-sync feature. This is a problem for us, because my husband doesn’t care too much for a lot of my music selections and he’s the one with the shuffle. So I had to set ours on manual and select only songs he wanted me to copy to his iPod.

I overheard a guy at the Apple store say you can just set up a separate user account on your Mac with a separate iTunes library for it to pull from. That way you can put together a library of just the tunes you want to be “random”. Login to that account and then hook up the shuffle and let it auto-sync from that list. Will save you time instead of having to pick only upbeat running songs or whatnot from your main library.

I haven’t had time to set up the second library yet, so it might be more trouble than it’s worth, but I thought I’d throw in the suggestion.

Daily Tragedies
17 years ago

1. ARMBAND, for sure.

2. I put the earbuds in, then string the wire through my sports bra (the strap part near my shoulder blade, not like down the front of my shirt, jeez) and then out to connect to the iPod. I also wrap the wire around the armband itself, to minimize the amount of wire cord left flapping around. Because, yes, super annoying.

3. If this makes me sound like bit of a freak, um, pretend I didn’t say anything. Great, thanks.

Fifi
17 years ago

You can tape the cord to you skin with surgical tape. That tape that you can get in the first-aid section of your apothacary. You just leave a little slack and that will ease the pulling. Until you can get those nice fancy things that have been recommended!

Elizabeth
Elizabeth
17 years ago

Yeah, I agree about the earbuds being annoying for those with oddly-shaped ears. The headphones that wrap around your ear are much more comfortable, I think, and reduce the annoyance of the earbud falling out. And I’m like the gazillionth person to say it, but I too recommend the armband!

Susan
Susan
17 years ago

agreed. the ipod armband is thing to buy.

i use an arm band and find it works well when exercising. i never have figured out a way to secure the earbuds though, so i always switch out the earbuds for headphones.

Melanie
17 years ago

I stick my MP3 player in a backpack when I go hiking, but that would be uncomfortable for jogging. I’m just here to say I’m glad somebody else’s cat pukes all the freaking time.

donna
donna
17 years ago

armband definitely. And the only time in my entire life that I actually ran, I used to listen to ”run to cadence with the army rangers”, I also had the army airborne, keeps you at a set pace, not speeding up and down, plus you sound tough running and chanting I want to be an airborne ranger, live me a life of guts and danger! People leave you alone for sure. I also carried mace for dogs, and speaking of which, not only would I want to know if people had guns, I’d want to know if they had big dogs, or even little mean ones…. more people get bitten by dogs than they get shot, and my kids love dogs and would go right up to them all happy. Just fyi like you didn’t have enough to worry about huh? Sorry.

missbanshee
17 years ago

I, um, have not much to say, as I have had my iPod video fancypants thingie since November, and I still have no idea how to even USE the damn thing, and I don’t jog. I’M USEFUL!!! But I can understand the puking cat thing. My boy cat will puke whenever he is not pleased. No food in the bowl? Barf. Not enough attention? Barf. Mom is sleeping past 5 freaking AM? BARF. I swear, it’s a miracle that damn cat is still alive.

christen
17 years ago

They make video ipod armbands… check target or the apple store. Good luck.

Amanda
17 years ago

Years ago when I had my gastric bypass surgery, I promised I’d some day train hard enough to run an 8 minute mile. Apparently I was smoking crack because I still can’t get past the running sucks hardcore thing. I last about two minutes and go back to walking.

My brother lives in Shanghai. JB should totally look him up!

JennyM
17 years ago

Armband! I’ve got a nano now that my old iPod died a sad and pitiful death (that little sad-faced iPod on the screen just kills me), and so I had to get a new armband. So, I’ve got this old armband for a full-sized iPod that I’d be more than happy to drop in the mail… just saying. You can feel free to send me your address, since it’d be kind of hard for me to stalk you from SC.

Sadie
Sadie
17 years ago

I have no useful running or iPod-tethering advice. I only wanted to add that I LOVE that you said, “jesus, get off my DICK,” because that is totally my saying. Except to keep it a little more SFW I say “jesus, get off my JOCK.” All these old and uncool people I work with just stare at me quizzically, unsure of what exactly that means.

Shannon
17 years ago

Eh, the Burke Gilman is too full of bikers who will try their best to run you over. Seriously, I have encountered the rudest, most full of themselves bikers on that path, not even bothering to yell out “On your left!” when they hurtle two inches past you from behind. So as far as I’m concerned, you’re off the hook for the Burke Gilman because I FEAR FOR YOUR LIFE!

Karla
17 years ago

Kudo’s to you on the running. I just got back into it myself after a nice prenancy hiatus.

I don’t own an iPod, so not sure what sort of attachments they have, but I bought my mp3 player specifically for running and it came with a really lame but very functional arm band that is easily secured by velcro. Maybe you could find something like that?

Jenny
Jenny
17 years ago

Hi Linda,

I still jog with my 2 1/2 year old son b/c when he was about a year old, we traded up to the Jeep Wrangler Urban Terrain stroller (link here http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_SessionID=@@@@0822870029.1177431449@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdjaddkkgmfdejcefecemldffidfko.0&vertical=SEARS&sid=IDx20061127x0000101&pid=04935508000).

It is not a jogger, per se, but it is ABSOLUTELY wonderful to run with b/c it has speakers and a jack for your Ipod! Henry loves getting excited about my running playlist, and I love being able to hear music AND Henry/my surroundings. We’ve used it at several Race for the Cure events and everyone around us enjoyed getting pumped up by the race music. With the exception of our Baby Bjorn, this stroller is by far our best purchase of baby-related merchandise.

You and Riley would love it – I swear!!

Kathryn
Kathryn
17 years ago

I also have to recommend a shuffle (or nano with armband). I don’t run, actually (because yes, it totally sucks, and I’ve never gotten to the point where it doesn’t), but have had some problems with my ipod mini, and learned that only the shuffle and nano are really designed for running. Something to do with being flash drives instead of having hard drives? Apparently the hard drives are pretty susceptible to damage from being jostled around. Might be worth the cost of the shuffle, for that reason and for its clipability. Also, the pretty colors. Always a major factor in the contemplation of any electronics purchase.

April
April
17 years ago

I just got the new clip-on shuffle and it rocks for the running – and yeah, you just make one massive playlist. I had a playlist called “running” for my nano and I just put that on there. I have the armband for the nano and it worked awesome – but once I got past running 3-4 miles to running 10 miles each weekend, it was just too chafe-y. owie. But love the new shuffle, it’s so light.

Maria
17 years ago

I second (or tenth) the new clip-on shuffle. They are cheap enough these days just go buy one! I have a short playlist that I use just for running – music I wouldn’t necessarily listen to ordinarily but stuff with a good beat (pop and hip-hop). Music makes running soooo much more enjoyable.

Josh
Josh
17 years ago

You should go jogging with Riley on your shoulders like Luke and Yoda on Star Wars. Except that would almost certainly jostle the poop out of him.

Have fun being alone, you lucky she devil.

ricky
16 years ago

hi there

Good information and advice here.

I think your site is very good.

yours

tullia

immobilier
12 years ago

bonjour tout le monde j’aime bien cet article mais l’ immobilier est ma plus grande passion.