After my bootcamp class got canceled a few years back, I decided I needed to venture into a new sport to keep my weight off. After much grunting about it, I decided to take up running. The problem? I hated running! Why would anyone subject themselves to a sport they don't like? I still don't have an answer for that. My only guess is that I wanted a challenge. I wanted to see if I would learn to like it. So many friends (and my mom included!) had told me that they initially hated running but started it and ended up loving it. I thought it was worth a shot.

I got myself a good book about training for a half-marathon. The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Half-Marathon Training is an easy read with realistic goals and training plans. There are options within this book, and for someone who is organized by nature, it's perfect and easy to follow! I also purchased this book (which is great if you want to do a marathon later), and have heard that this book is also really great.

The next step was to upgrade my heart rate monitor. Not only did I want a heart rate monitor, but I wanted something that would continue to count calories, and most importantly, I wanted a GPS to measure distance. After a lot of research, I found the Garmin Forerunner 305. It's easy to use, although it does require reading the manual first! I really like it, too, because it comes with the capability to link up to your computer so you can download all of your runs. That being said, the memory on the watch isn't that big, so after 2 runs, downloading is necessary. But once you download, you can see-in graphs- the runs you've done and your pace, calories, distances, etc. It creates a nice little graph!

Probably the most important tool you'll need to start running is a good pair of shoes. For years I have been wearing the Asics Gel Nimbus which fits my foot like a glove. Shoes are tricky because everyone's feet are different. I found it helpful to go into my local running store and have them take a peek at my feet. Of course they did more than peek, they measured and even took video of my feet to see how I walked/ran. I pronate, I think. Also, they had you step on a plate that measured where you have the majority of your weight. Is it in the balls of your feet? The heels? All those tests will help them determine what kind of shoe will best fit your foot. It's pretty interesting.

Last but not least, tunes. I need tunes! Of course I only use iTunes for my music choices, where they have the latest releases on any kind of music to suit your mood. When I run, I need something peppy and energetic. What's your taste? The key to running is to stick with it and try to enjoy it! Don't take running too seriously. Unless you're running from bears.