I'm currently training for my first marathon in 2008, and right now I'm on week 4 of a 5 month program to take me from occassional evening jogs to being a bona fide marathon runner.  So far it's been quite an experience already and I set an intention from the beginning to really revel in this journey and to be present and joyful with every part of the process.

I do my 2 to 3 easy weekday runs, then a long weekend run and I continue to surprise even myself with my dedication and ability to break through walls and surpass prior beliefs of limitation.  That's so valuable to me in every area of my life, I can't even tell you.

Last night I added something to my training arsenal that was so powerful it left me almost speechless.  A while ago I saw an ad in Runner's World for some very cool looking runner's tights, and since my old leggings were getting droopy I checked out their website.  I'll admit that the first thing I noticed was that the entire line of tights they offer are so ridiculously cool looking, I was practically drooling, and dubbed them "super hero tights".  They are designed with rather dashing looking panels and strips of extra supportive material in all the right places so that your knees, lower back, hips and core have...well...support!  They are also designed in such a way as to engage the calf muscles more so the burden on the knees is lifted, which I didn't notice on the description until after my run, when I was marveling at the difference they made and reading the package in awe.  I don't know who designed these, but they are freakin brilliant.  I noticed that they are made by a company I already know and respect; Wacoal.  Women might recognize that name because they make some of the most amazing bras in the world.  They are beautiful, yes, but they are also comfortable, perfectly supportive and tend to last for ages.  They are also a bit pricey, but if you're not replacing them for years and the feel that good, who cares?  It's the same with these running tights.  I was a bit wincey (if that's not a word yet. it is now) about ordering one pair of running tights for about $97, but I thought it was worth the experimentation, and all of the user reviews on the site raved about them. Every single one.   So I took a risk and ordered one pair; navy with blue strips.  If you want to see them before I continue any further, check this out:

 http://cw-x.com/ss/products/womens/w_stabilyx_tights

They have other models that offer lesser levels of support but now I'm spoiled and wouldn't want any without the back and core support.  That intense lift, which was REALLY tight and yet somehow still very comfortable (??), really made me fly on that treadmill last night...I ran like I was 20 pounds lighter than I am.  I kept feeling as if I was floating across the belt and as a result, I was able to increase my speed, which I have wanted to work on but wasn't feeling up to it yet.  I ran my 3 miles last night faster, lighter, easier and with so much energy, I could have kept on going with a smile but stopped to cool down at just over 3 because I need to conserve strength for tonight and for Sunday's long run (6 miles).

But needless to say, it was love at first run.  I felt so fortunate and incredibly focused because there I was, in my Champion jog bra (which didn't look like much but damn if it doesn't support my C cups perfectly), my Asics Gel Kayano shoes (heaven on a foot) and my CW-X Stabilyx Running Tights...yikes.  Sipping my Vitamin Water, Smart Water and sucking down some E-Gel- this is the life. These little bits of athletic technology didn't exist the last time I was running with any regularity or focus and I gotta tell ya, it makes a significant difference.  I will definitely be wearing my Stabilyx tights on the big day, and probably for every run between now and then as well.  

After feeling a bit bored and mildly discouraged this past week about some things, the timing of the arrival of these tights was impeccable.  It was just the lift (literally) I needed, in so many ways.  Expensive? Hell yes. But knowing Wacoal, I expect these to last a loooooong time. And with the way they protect my knees, hips and back while I run, it's worth 10 times the price.  Funny thing is, I didn't know about the aspect of the design intent to engage the calves but within about 1/8 of a mile, I felt it.  Suddenly, it seemed like my lower legs woke up and were really working, as opposed to the quads and hamstrings (and hip flexors) doing it all. When I finished and read over the package, in sheer admiration, I saw that in the description and thought "daaaaaamn."  Honestly, whoever designed these is a frickin genius in my book.  

And thank you Universe for giving me the prosperity to have them and the timing for them to arrive exactly when I need them.  I'm so looking forward to my runs tonight and Sunday.  And before too long, I'll add another pair or two to my arsenal.  

I had NO idea that what I was wearing could have such a tremendous effect on my running.  Wow.