Ready to Run

So, confession: I hate exercising. Pretty much always have. Probably always will. I did gymnastics when I was younger, played tennis in high school... went to occasional spin & yoga classes in college... But I just hate it! But then something weird happened: For almost 6 months now, I've been running. Mind you, it started out with walking, and mind you I'm inconsistent and have to ice my shin splints on a daily basis, but I'm doing it! I'm running! (I still kind of hate it, but hey, that's the breaks.)

The perks, as I see it? THE GEAR.

1. Sports bras. Let me just lay it all out on the line for you guys: I have a particularly large chest. Sports bras are a MUST, and not all sports bras are created equal! These ones from Target are great, though! They're supportive, affordable, and come in some swanky shades!

2. Nike tee & sweatshirt. I don't own these yet, but I am a sucker for the classic Nike logo! I'll take one in every color, please & thank you! (Plus, I can barely run in anything but a comfy, oversized tee!)

3. iPhone & armband. My #1 must-have for running? GOOD TUNES! For the first few months, I was running with my iPhone in hand, but I finally acquired myself a little iPod armband that leaves my arms free! I also finally invested in Spotify Premium, so I could livestream my running playlist anywhere I go! (Your favorite running song suggestions are welcome!)

4. Nike+ Running & Charity Miles. These are my favorite running apps! Nike+ Running tracks your mileage, pace, compares your runs.. it's a good way to keep you on track! Charity Miles is an app I recently discovered - it also tracks your mileage, but donates money to a charity of your choosing depending on how much you run! Pretty cool, don't you think?! (Autism Speaks has been getting a lot of my mileage $ this month!)
P.S. Right after I wrote this post up last week, I read Ana's post about her amazing lifestyle change and immediately downloaded C25K! It's a running program that's meant to take you "from the couch to a 5k in 9 weeks!" It's a great app if you're looking to increase your stamina and break up the monotony of your running routine a bit!

5. Crop pants. I don't actually own these pants, because I'm not a millionaire ;), but I'm obsessed with them! The color is divine, they have a little zipper for your keys, and they're just adorable! I tend to run in regular old black leggings, but I am itching for a pair of these bad boys, if I ever feel like splurging!

6. Mesh shorts & yoga shorts. I do actually own these shorts. Sometimes (like this week, as it's hit 100 degrees!), leggings are just too hot to run in! I read that you should dress for 10 degrees warmer than it actually is to account for your body heat. Anyway, the mesh shorts are nice and cool, and the yoga shorts make you feel like you're running in your underwear - if you're into that sort of thing.

7. Baseball cap. Aside from the fact that I wear sunscreen everyday, and always reapply before I run, and try to shade my face with a baseball cap (and sunglasses!). Protect your skin, ladies!

8. Nike Lunarglide+ 4. These shoes. THESE SHOES! I am in love. When I first started up, I was running in a cheap pair I got from Target years ago, getting horrifying shin splints, and not achieving the progress I was hoping for. I researched my options and finally decided to invest in these Lunarglides, and I'm so happy with that decision! They're light as a feather, come in an array of bad ass colors, and have improved my comfort, speed, and endurance drastically! GO GET THESE!

How about all of you? How do you feel about exercising? Do you run? What's your favorite athletic gear?