Let me start off by saying that I don’t particularly enjoy running. No matter what, during the first ten minutes of my run I feel like I’m about to die. Afterwards, my legs can get so sore it hurts to even walk. Nevertheless, I easily get stressed out from life and work and running helps relieve the tension. Ultimately, it makes me feel good and that's why I continue to do it.

For a while, I used to live in Downtown and each year I’d watch the LA Marathon participants run pass my apartment and on to the finish line. They always looked so elated following their completion and I absolutely admired their joy. In 2007 I decided to join in on their triumph and run the LA Marathon in 2008. Since I’m what some might consider a frequent runner, I figured that this goal wasn’t too out of reach if I dedicated myself to training.

In my preparation, I knew that running IN the marathon would be quite the endeavor, however I didn’t consider that training FOR it would be just as hard. Starting in October, I began training three to four times a week, running short distances on the weekdays and long distances on the weekends. Rather than run on a treadmill, which I’m used to doing, I promised myself to train outside as much as I could. No short/easy cuts here.

In doing this I faced a number of problems. First, I couldn’t run until after work and by that time it was already dark outside. Even though it initially made me feel uncomfortable and somewhat scared, I realized I don’t live in a bad area and I shouldn’t fear running in the evening. Right after I got over that obstacle, the winter cold came around the corner. What’s the big deal running in the cold? Well, continuously breathing in cold air is sorta painful. One time, after only running three miles, the frigid air paralyzed my lungs so bad and I could go no further. Since training, if it's not one body part that hurts, it's the other.

Despite the late night runs and winter weather, I'm still tugging along training for this damn marathon thing. Really, I can't wait for it to be over, but I'm also scared as shit as to what lays before me. 26.2 miles is a long, long, looong way and it's my intent to make them as comfortable as possible from the top of my head to my tippy toes. In the next couple of weeks, I hope to cover some of my, or any other newbie's, basic questions or concerns about the big race. The Los Angeles Marathon will be quite the feat, but by keeping each other informed we can make each step just a little easier.

This weeks topic: Listening to Tunes During the Marathon

MP3 Player

Obviously, I run while listening to my iPod. Music really helps put my ass into gear when I'm feeling unmotivated or tired and an upbeat song can always renew my energy. However, in preparation for the marathon I didn't know whether using the iPod for an extended period of time would be detrimental during the big run. I contacted Adam Rose, LAist Sports Editor and Runner Extraordinare, to get his opinion. He advocates using a MP3 player during long runs, "especially marathons." Listening to music can uplift your mood, which is chiefly important during Mile 20. At this time, a runner goes through "bonking," or "hitting the wall" in which the body loses all of its stored glycogen and a person feels extremely fatigue. "While it's technically a physical result of an endurance event, it also affects your mentality," Adam says. "Being able to listen to music is one of the easiest ways to buoy your mood and help you finish."

Earphones

So now that you've got the MP3 player and tunes ready to go, it's time to find some earphones that will last through the long haul of sweat and movement. Having the wrong set of earphones can hugely impact your run. It's been my experience that if the earphones don't fit right, then you're not comfortable. And if you're not comfortable, you can't focus on running. Since training, I've purchased three different brands/types of sport earphones: the Sony MDR-A35G S2, Philips SHS3200/37 Flexible Earhook w/ Bud and Nike HJ020 Flight Sport headphones. Out of the three, I prefer the Sony one's because of the vertical headphone style. Even with constant sweat and motion, the headphones always stay on my head and the buds remain in my ears. For me, with the Phillips ear bud and Nike behind the head designs, they may be initially secure, but eventually slip out/off. No matter what, it's important to choose a style that works best and effectively for your body because you can't afford to fidget with your ear phones for 26 miles.

Next week we'll explore appropriate clothing gear, including footware and when's the right time to buy running shoes for the marathon. Until then, keep training and stay strong. We have 46 days left...

Top photo by Clare & Dave, middle photo by Greg McElhatton, bottom photo by orionoir , all via Flickr