The Truth Hurts
The battle wages on and I have decided that the truth hurts. As does running. Actually, I have discovered 3 truths in this bloomin’ Mummy Tummy Begone challenge.
- I apparently have the smallest ears known to man/womankind.
- I really need some proper run/walk gear.
- I don’t know how to run.
It’s hard to accept the truth but I’m coming to terms with it and so should you. Shall I elaborate so you can share in my lameness misery? OK then, here we go:
I apparently have the smallest ears known to man/woman kind. Who knew? When I went out the door the first night and plugged in the headphones for the iPod and trundled off, I thought everything was fine. Oops, wait, one headphone just popped out…plug back in. Oops, now the other one…plug back in. Dammit…again! Wait…I can’t reach it…get back in there you *”£$%>! This went on for the rest of the workout. Pop…scramble…plug back in… You get the pattern! I used hubby’s headphones the first night and the PROPER iPod headphones the 2nd and 3rd nights. The same thing happened with both sets. The headphones are the ones that fit IN your ears and either I have the smallest inner ear canal or these headphones are just not designed properly. It’s very irritating when you charge off on the RUN part of a run/walk workout and both ears simultaneously reject the one thing that’s keeping your feet moving! Not terribly inspiring or motivational. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on how I can remedy this situation in an inexpensive way! Duct tape is really not an option.
I really need some proper run/walk gear! A Mummy Tummy is a horrible thing. It makes the waistbands of ALL trousers/jeans/whatever roll down and make you feel like a right lard ass. This includes any “leggings” that you might think are appropriate for exercising in. If you looked at me from the hips down, I’m in pretty darn good shape. I’ve been lucky to not carry weight on my legs and bum. In fact, I think my trouser size from the HIPS down wouldn’t be half bad. It’s when you take into account the massive expanse of my belly that I have problems. When I run I have discovered that the leggings that I’m running in gradually make their way down to my ass and cling there waiting for me to “hoick” them back up. Again, not terribly helpful when running. It goes a bit like this at the moment:
- Run, run, run…bra strap up…headphone jammed back in…
- Run, run, run…both hands grab waistband of leggings and jack back up…headphone jammed back in…
- Run, run, run…push hair out of face…bra strap up…headphone…trousers…run, run…headphone…
- You get the picture, eh???
Recommendations now are welcome regarding what I should wear when I venture out again. I’m getting right proper p***ed off with myself.
I don’t know how to run! I’ve had nightmares dreams where I’m being chased (as that’s usually the only occasion I would consider running for) and I have forgotten how to run. That dream is now a reality. I feel like I am PLODDING down the road and not knowing how to run efficiently. When I finish each section of running in my workout, my feet can barely take a proper step! I have so much strain in my tibialis anterior muscle (the muscle that runs along your shin and activates your foot to pick up and step) that it seizes up after running and doesn’t want me to go any further! I then get tired and plod even more and then try to remember to have a proper heel strike and push through my foot as opposed to having a bit of a marching stride. But then I’m too tired and my legs hurt too much and so I have to stop! I don’t know what I’m doing and I apparently don’t know how to run. I’m willing to work on it but I need someone to tell me what the heck I’m doing wrong. Who doesn’t know how to run? I’m considering chucking all the proper form ideas and just running like Phoebe from “Friends” in the episode where she and Rachel go running together. For the two of you who haven’t seen it, Phoebe runs like a complete nutter- arms flailing, legs akimbo (I love that word)…LIKE A CHILD. She runs that way because it’s how she ran when she was a kid and running was fun then. As long as I keep running under cover of darkness maybe it could work for me too! Please leave your running suggestions in the comments below…I seriously need help!
That’s my Mummy Tummy Begone report for right now. I managed a 20 minute workout last night but missed Wednesday due to dinner at the inlaws which ran into 9pm. Maybe that’s why I felt so rubbish last night…a day off made me feel like I was starting over. However, I have some incentive in the very near future…I’m going to be working with a brilliant woman called Wendy Powell at No More Excuses who will be doing some guest blogging on Cafe Bebe to help out the women of the world who are struggling just like me! Stay tuned to Cafe Bebe for more information…it’s gonna be good! Also, I’m going to be taking part in a new campaign for a BIG trainer company that rhymes with FleeCrok…I’ll keep you posted on that one as well. It just might be some incentive for you as well! Thanks for sticking with me on this one…I promise to do my level best as long as you’re with me. Mummy Tummy Begone!
Related Posts
-
No More Excuses Q and A
Posted on Apr 21, 2010
-
Gait Analysis Equals New Trainers
Posted on Mar 15, 2010
Tags
Share This
Ok havnt started my regime yet so cant help with the running, trousers issue, but I have to say as far as the headphones are concerned I have the exact same issue. And honestly I know more people who can’t use the ones that come with the ipod than those who can. Now I prefer the ones that go in your ear but have like a rubber bung on them which means not only can they change size, they can fit snug to your own ear shape – I’m guessing noones ear shape is a circle and thats maybe the issue? I always find Amazon cheap for none branded ipod accessories. Hope thats some help xx
You need a proper pair of earphones for running, either with a band or the in the ear canal ones. Maybe like these from Sennheiser: http://bit.ly/9sqtkA
You also need a proper sports bra or you’ll damage/stretch your reynards ligament which will lead to premature saggy boobs. M&S can sort you out on this one.
Get some running/cycling shorts from either Sweaty Betty or wiggle.co.uk too.
Finally, buy Running Made Easy (from Zest) here: http://bit.ly/9Z1HUJ its a great book and really helped Claire get into running.
Keep it uP!
I confess I have always detested running with a vengeance, so I am not the best person to give advice, but am completely in awe of anyone who has the stamina to see it through. Every time I have vaguely contemplated taking it up, however, people “in the know” have told me that the two things I should ensure I possess are a decent pair of running shoes and a decent sports bra. It sounds like you need to pump your new sponsors for those if you haven’t already. As for the ears – as the 80s appear to be sartorially back, maybe you could tie a lovely John McEnroe-style headband round your head to keep the headphones in? Good luck!
Alex…you’re a fountain of knowledge…especially about the boobs!
Thanks very much…will check them all out. Have to get that book…Rachael at Marathon Mummy recommended it as well. Thanks mate! 
Well it would be remiss of me not to help out at this point wouldn’t it?
The earphones are not my thing I’m afraid, but the other 2 most definitely are.
Clothes: you totally can’t beat http://www.sweatybetty.com/ – their own brand is good, plus they stock loads of others. My faves are SB & Casall for quality & comfort. You want bottoms that either sit below the whole tummy (hipster height, with a long top obviously!), although probably more comfortable would be the roll top type ones that come as high as is comfortable. You can then put a nice long fitted top (SB have lovely ones) that comes right down to hold it all together. You can always put a hoodie over the top if you want, but don’t go too baggy with running clothes – they just get in the way & weigh you down. Fitted layers are better.
You HAVE to have a good bra: go here http://www.lessbounce.com/ just try to ignore the slightly odd ladies in their bras with a horse…
You will get shin splints if you have the wrong trainers &/or have a stride which puts too much pressure on that area. First stop – a running shop. NOT a trendy, big-name store, but a proper running shop that will make you run up & down the street or on a treadmill & analyse your running gait & ‘prescribe’ the right shoes.
Finally, you will get pains & injuries if you don’t strengthen your core muscles as well as run. Your weakened midsection is trying to hold you up straight, support your spine & whole body from impact & stabilise you as you run – it can’t do all that unless it’s strong. The last thing you want at this early stage of taking up running is to get disheartened or injured. Start with the TVA activation exercises on my website (http://pregnancyfitnessinsurrey.com/diastasis-recti-and-mummy-tummy-what-works.html plus loads of related posts!). You also need to do bodyweight squats & lunges to strengthen your lower body. You can’t strengthen your knee or hip joints, what you can do is strengthen the muscles that hold them in place & support them. Again, they need support & stabilisation.
Jeez, that was more of a premature guest blog than a comment wasn’t it?!
Hope it helps
Thanks Wendy…you are more of a fountain of knowledge than Alex! This is perfect and give me more to go on and also more ideas for our Guest Blogging!
Speak soon!
My hubby also has small or differently shaped ears – the only headphones he can wear when he exercises are the ones that hook over the ears.
I am also in the ‘hate running’ camp, though I do like exercise (I’m just starting back doing some exercise – Boxercise and Pilates after the babies’ arrival). I used to have some great earphones that were the in-ear type, but also had a kind of hook that went behind your ear to keep them in place (kind of like a hearing aid).
Karin you’ve got to just GET INTO THE ZONE. If you’re in “the zone” you won’t notice all the distractions (and then you’ll end up running with your leggings round your ankles!)
Talking of leggings I’m having the same problem at the moment with mine. I think it’s maybe time I stopped wearing my maternity leggings (as it’s now six months since I was pregnant) because I too constantly have to do the highly dignified ‘hoick’.
Crikey, what brilliant comments you have gotten. I’m super impressed you’re sticking with this. *waves pompoms* still cheering you on.
Must now look for headphones that hook over the ear…god this exercising is a pain in my pocketbook!
Thanks for that… 
We could rechristen this the “Hoick Club”…it’s so not pleasant, isn’t it? Right…in the zone…where can I buy that???
Hey thanks (U-Rah-Rah!)…I can stick with some things…mainly brownies and bread but I’m trying to not stick to those now as they stick to me too much!
Well done on sticking at it!
I can’t help with the running or the clothing, but earphones wise I have the same problem, teeny ears! I picked up some “SkullCandy” earphones: http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5150364/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CHome+entertainment+and+sat+nav%7C14419512/Trail/searchtext%3EPINKS.htm as they come with 3 different sized buds. I stuck the smallest ones in and no problems, they’ve been fab. Reasonably priced too.
Good luck!
If you want to get cheap running year check out ellie gray they have some stuff very cheap in the sale atm. Sweaty Betty is fab, I love it but its very pricey…
I bought a new MP3 player the other week and the headphones are the same. They hurt my ears. I like them shoved right in (!) but these just don’t feel comfy. And as I can’t run for toffee, I’ll just have to sit down and adjust them!!
CJ xx
I was also going to suggest roll top/broader waistband running bottoms with a fitted top, both of which should help hold everything in place! A cheap site that carries some brand name/will not break your bank running kit is M&M – http://www.mandmdirect.com/ProductList.asp?PageNumber=3&
If your shins are aching, it might be worth running on grass if you can. Good luck.
I have the same headphone/bra strap issue.
There are far too many good advice comment already but I was only going to mention “sports bra” and “decent trainers” and that’s already been covered.
Keep up the good work, babe x
Thanks lovely…I appreciate ALL of the comments I get.
Amazing how much great advice is out there!
What a star you are! I do need better gear but price is definitely a factor. Thanks for the links!
Well, maybe some genius mumpreneur needs to invent earphones that are for humans?!
I nominate you! 
Thanks lovely…I will have to check out the cheap stuff. I know about Sweaty Betty but I know about their prices as well!
I’ll let you know what I come up with.
Thanks so much for the link…I will check it out…I need something!
Hello gorgeous fitchick!
Right, my thoughts on the matter, as a Traditionally Built Lady who has taken up running.
1. A good bra is your friend. The girls need to be strapped down and made to behave themselves. I don’t wear a sports bra, I wear a whopping over the shoulder boulder holder from our specialist bra shop in town. It’s made by someone like Royce, and looks like something your grandma would wear. But given that I am a FF – yes, you read that right, no messing about with my norkage, I can safely say that sports bras don’t always do the business.
2. Women’s running clothes are not your friend. My sister is a size 12. She runs in an XL (hah!) running jacket, which is supposedly a size 16. I’m not either of those sizes, so I don’t have a running jacket. I’m an 18-20, and 5’9″ tall. Apparently fat chicks don’t run in the UK, because there are NO clothes to be had out there. But watch this space – I have plans in the pipeline with a friend of mine. Nike stuff comes up quite big. Sports Direct do a range of clothes which also fit non-twiglets, plus they are cheaper.
3. Slow down! DM me your address on Twitter and I’ll send you The Book (Running Made Easy). I was given it by a very dear friend, and she’d love to know that having spread the running word, I was passing it on to you.
4. Ice is also your friend. Use frozen peas, or proper coolpacks from the chemist, and when you get back from your run, raise your legs, put the ice on, and rest for half an hour. My shins killed me when I first started – if you go back to this post on my blog you’ll see what I mean! Which leads me to
5. Go to Up and Running or Sweatshop where they do gait analysis, and get a pair of trainers that support you and correct any issues you might have. That way you won’t end up like me, a year later, seeing a physio and podiatrist to sort out complicated biomechanical issues.
Hahahaha! I’ve done the same as NoMoreExcuses and done a mini guest blog! Anyway, happy shopping. And you are a star.
I love you…will you guest blog for me? Seriously!
I love it – the mummy runners are out in force!
)
Agree with Karamina on ‘slow down’ too. The most common reason for giving up on running is getting an injury as a result of trying to do too much, too soon, in the wrong shoes / poor posture / with no core strength…
If you think about becoming ‘a runner’ & doing it right, not just someone who ‘tried it once & hurt their knee’ – you’ll get the results you want & fall in love with running forever (I know that sounds unlikely now, but I promise you will!
I went and had gait analysis today and bought a proper pair of running shoes for ME and MY STRIDE/STRIKE AND a proper sports bra. I’m trying to do it right!
Thanks for your support… 
Briliant! Well done on the shoes – you’re on your way! Bet you never knew you had a ‘gait’ or a ‘strike’ that required analysis did you?
Nope…I now have a gait and it’s been analysed!
Making progress I am! 