Taking It Up A Notch

I've been thinking this week a bit about being a runner. The things that happen that make you stand out a little. Like Tuesday night after a run while I was waiting for the takeaway I had ordered from a Chinese restaurant. I was standing outside in a howlingly icy wind doing my cool-down stretches while the bored waiters and waitresses peered out through the front door to see what I was up to. They seemed quite amused when they eventually brought out my order in a white plastic bag and asked if I needed a fork as if they thought I was going to eat while stretching or something.

I keep thinking too about those moments that occur when you take your involvement in a sport up a notch. Running starts out with a shirt, shorts and some running shoes. You head out the door telling yourself that it's a simple sport. Just man, his stamina and his will to run. Anywhere you are, just pull on some shoes and you're out the door..etc etc. Then the accessories arrive. Back in about November I bought the expensive GPS running watch that tells you how far you've run, tracks your heart rate, tells you if you're going too fast or too slow etc etc. That was the first step up. Then it happened a couple of weeks ago when I purchased running gloves online. Not just normal gloves that could be used for running. No, these are running gloves. I guess they wick sweat better. All I know is that my hands still start out fairly cold on a chilly evening run. Perhaps they warm up quicker. I think having the gloves is more to help me get out the door than anything else. A mental aid. Anyway, perhaps a pair of knitted mittens would have been better for all I know. But no, I had to get the runners ones. Cos those gloves get me!

Taking it up another notch, this morning I was out running along the Yarra before the sun had risen. Cyclists hurtle along the mostly unlit bike track and in the dark I worry I'm not going to be seen before a rapidly rotating black bike tyre meets with my butt. So this morning I was wearing one of those camping miners lights on my head. I had it strapped into my cap and it was pointing a couple of metres in front of me. Partly helping me see stuff in my way, and partly so others could work out that that bouncing light moving through the air should be avoided. Very useful but yeah, took it up another notch I think. Maybe it's my way of saying that I'm such an awesome runner that my way must be lit at all times! Nah, but I do like that idea. If only it could roll out a little red carpet instead of just some light. I'd be cool with that.

I'm now considering buying one of those utility belt thingies that you strap to your waist that holds four small drink bottles. It makes you look like a cross between Batman and a total wanker. Yet it would be really handy for long runs when I'm not going to be coming across water taps regularly. So there's a definitely need. Which again means that I'm taking it up a notch. I'm such a great runner that my need for water can't be met by conventional means - I must carry water with me, but not in my hand - oh no, so that I can take a soothing sip of water whenever the urge takes me. I want it and I know it'll look silly.

Once I buy a running belt, I can't think of what else I'll want to buy. That should be it! Yet I'm sure i'll find something that is just going to be of such great benefit to my training that I'll not know how I ever did without it. I guess there's always another notch if you look hard enough. :)