My Emotional Pilgrimage to Find the Perfect Running Tights

Let me be honest with you: I am a whiny bitch when it comes to running tights. I do not want to have to tug them up, shift them around, or pull them out of my crotch during a run or workout. I have tried many, many types of running tights and workout capris, and so far the only ones I like are Nike. I always feel conflicted about Nike because of the sweatshop business, but they’ve worked hard to improve conditions for workers since that exploded in the 90s. Still, I’m endlessly on the lookout for other brands.

In the meantime, I’ve just ordered a new pair of Nike tights, since they’re on sale and all. 

I think the ones I bought are in this color.

Not my favorite, but ON SALE! £40 after shipping is factored in. Not horrible, and they last and fit and move better than any others I've tried, making them worth their weight in gold.

I've also been scoping Oiselle's tights for a while. Living in the UK, the shipping fees have made me hesitate to pull the trigger on that. It's also a bit of an investment and I'd like to try them on first or test them before taking the plunge. Though I did just order a couple tops from their sale section to test the waters. They'll be delivered to my parents' house in New Jersey and then sent over to me in much cheaper packaging.

So far, Nike is my go-to favorite running tight. I am not a major gear nerd, but I will pay for comfort and stay-put.

Oh. Right. How's it going?

Despite neglecting this blog like I do with all things writing-related, things are going alright! I haven't lost much weight to note at this point, but the scale has been moving in a general downward direction. The past two weeks have been full of good workouts and I'm feeling energized and happy about it. I know I'll hit a slump at some point. They always come! My biggest fear at the moment is the short vacation we are taking mid-March. I have a tendency to come back from vacations and blow off my workouts. Even a few days away can knock me out of a routine.

In terms of tracking workouts, I do a number of things. I used to use Myfitnesspal to track, but now I only use that for food tracking purposes and general inspiration. I use Map My Run to keep track of runs, although this weekend the app told me I ran a 19 minute 5k, which means that sh-t is broken. Even at my fastest, that just would not happen.

I also keep a Google spreadsheet just to keep me honest. I include workouts, food info, and any general thoughts on how I'm feeling. I'm hoping this helps me to see patterns over time. Here is February's worksheet.

I will make March a different color because I'm craaazy like that.

Deciding Not to say "No"

Every time I see a Groupon or Living Social or whatever type of deal nearby for interesting fitness classes, I consider it closely and then say "nah." The thinking behind the "nah" is that I struggle with committing to a routine as it is, so buying additional fitness classes is stupid. "I'll buy it and never use it," I tell myself.

Meanwhile, another friend has been begging for someone to go to a music video fitness class with her for the past month. She doesn't want to go alone. We've all been there. I haven't gone because I really feel like I have no interest in it. But I have been mulling this all over after turning down a recent good offer for krav maga sessions and this dance class, and I've decided that I'm going to stop saying no to fitness-related things. I just have to try it once. If I hate it, that's fair, but I am going to say "yes" even when I don't want to. Might as well keep things interesting!

I just emailed my friend so we can set a date to go to the dreaded music video dance class. I am not coordinated enough for this and it's in uber-hip East London, which I tend to avoid especially while wearing spandex. CARPE DIEM, amirite?!

On the flip side of the "not saying no" coin, I also don't want to turn down experiences that are, shall we say, less than healthy. I love eating dinner out. I love having drinks with friends. These things are as important for my mental health as working out. I just have to be careful not to say yes to every burger and every milkshake I come in contact with. And as always, log, log, log and pay attention to macros.

Day 2 - Eating My Pride

Well, I did it! I actually did it! I worked out, belly jiggle and all. I did one of the level 1 Insanity videos and huffed and puffed my way through, with more breaks than I'd like to admit. But it felt amazing.

Today will be my triumphant return to the gym. I will approach the front desk with guilt and say "I've lost my card." Which translates into "I haven't been here since December. HALP." I'm going to start over with the Stronglifts program. Already dreading/looking forward to the sore legs tomorrow.

Day 1. No more excuses.

I can't even estimate the number of times I've said the following things:

• It starts TODAY. 
• It starts tomorrow!
• That's it. No more. 
• I can do this. 
• I have to do this. 
• It's for my health!
• It's for my future. 
• I will look amazing for my cousin's wedding. 
• I'm going to look great in workout clothes. 
• Ahhh, fuck it. 

Day 1, no more excuses has come and gone many times. About five years ago, I was at my heaviest. I wasn't obese, but having grown up very thin, my metabolism definitely slowed in my early 20s. I was able to lose about 20 pounds, and I felt amazing. 

I was lucky enough at that point to be moving to London with my partner while he worked on a PhD. I had a job lined up, but was terrified of finding a place to live, making friends, starting a new life, and of losing my fitness routine. I had it down to a science in Philadelphia: I ran three days a week, did the elliptical for 60 minutes three days a week, and went to one strength training class per week. I wasn't extremely strong, but I was fit and I felt amazing. 

We've now been in London 3+ years and I've finally put all of that weight back on. I've worked out regularly on and off. I ran a half marathon, which I hated. Definitely shorter distances are for me! I completed the Insanity program, which I loved and saw amazing (temporary) results from. I briefly tried roller derby and loved it, but had to face facts that my uncoordinated ass was going to bust some bones (mine, not anyone else's). I started lifting weights, finishing much of New Rules of Lifting for Women and switching to Stronglifts. I love, love, love Stronglifts. 

Well, here we are on 4th February 2014 and I am back up to the highest weight. I tracked food for two weeks and was doing well, but I fall off the wagon on the weekends. Hard. Then there was a Yelp event last night and I ate an incredible cinnamon roll from Nordic Bakery. That thing was epic and I am not apologizing. But I do need to get my act together. I want my cardio health back. I want to squat my body weight. I want to feel badass, again. 

I'm going to use this as a journal more than anything else. We'll see how this goes. My food so far is in my MFP diary. Maybe if I publicly shame and celebrate myself, this thing will stick.