Farmers Run Too: Runner’s Shopping List

I’ve always been a runner. It all stemmed from soccer practice—before that, I did a lot of riding horses, but rarely any cardio. I was fourteen when I made the soccer team and found that playing the position of halfback required a little more athleticism than what I was naturally blessed with.

 

So I became a runner. I ran through university debt, several family deaths, loss and any feeling that threatened to overtake me. In my college days, I also outran hangovers—if I’m being straight with you. It was really the only therapy I could afford. A little Mobb Deep, an hour run flagged by whatever rescue dog I was fostering at the time, and later, by my beloved Lyra. I also had a best friend throughout childhood who was probably the most natural runner I’ve ever met, so that cornered the sport for me.

 

Running has always been the best way for me to clear my head. It keeps me centered—lets me reset. And I know it’s not for everyone, but if you’ve gotten this far, I imagine that running might hold a place in your heart too. There are cons, of course (it’s not the best sport for your knees, really), but for myself, the pros far outweigh them.

 

Lately, mothering has me running, in a different way. Something interesting about all of it is that the less I actually run, the more behind I fall in all other aspects of my life. In the past couple of years, my body has changed—I mean, I birthed three children, the first of which was a little over 10 lbs. I’m 36 years old, which has meant a slower metabolism, surely. This has meant some shifts when it comes to understanding food and fuel and what really works for my body. The biggest change has come with the implementation of strength training—this has benefited my running in ways I couldn’t imagine.

 

My point is, everyone needs an outlet. We’re faced with this insurmountable pressure to get it all done, to do it well, to smile when we’re doing it. To raise children that behave, but who are still children. There is no option to ghost, to no-show, to throw our hands up and say: that’s enough. We must be firm and soft, wild and controlled, laugh—but not too hard. To push and pull, to ebb the flow of support we pass out to the team around us. I feel as if we all have this invisible rope pulled taut above our heads, dividing the line between a job well done and the guilt that may follow—because we have all surely sacrificed one to do the other. Which brings me to running—and the many benefits of searching out a sport or hobby that allows your body to truly move.

 

If you’re thinking about taking up running, I’ve listed some of my favourite things, below. Start slow—make sure you’re good to go with your doctor, ALWAYS, before getting into a new activity that is a stretch from your current lifestyle. Work up to 1KM, then work on improving your pace before adding your next KM. Listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard until you are really comfortable with your limits. As a farmer, I go all day, so my cardio is generally strong. But this isn’t the case for everyone, especially if you work in an office or do a ton of paperwork, you know what I mean?

 

But if you’re not into running (best friends, I see your eyes rolling), I really urge you to seek out a sport that pulls you out of your head and into your body. If you need support, shoot me an email and I’ll get into it with you. Here’s my list of go-to’s for those of you who feel like lacing up:

 

1. Nike React (Epic): I’ve tried OnCloud, Asics—everything. While those are great shoes, the foam technology on the Nike React is the BEST for distance running. They travel well too, so bonus for busy humans on the go. Go half a size up when ordering!

 

2. These are really important if you live anywhere where it snows or rains a considerable amount. They cost next to nothing but can save you from a serious injury. These ones by Due North work really well.

 

3. Garmin Forerunner 235 GPS Watch (I used to use the Apple Watch for my running, but lately I haven’t found it super reliable for tracking intervals, which is important as you grow as a runner. If you have an Apple Watch and you’re just starting out, it’s a pretty great tool, so no worries).

 

4. Airpods or Beats (over the ear), depending on the season. Those Beats keep my ears warm, but if the temp drops it’s better to have a wired pair. I usually only run with one ear so that I can stay alert to my surroundings. I am a lady, after all, and the world is credibly out of control.

 

5. Lululemon Fast and Free High Rise Tights: These run pricey, but I’ve had pairs that have lasted me years. They hold your phone, keep your butt under control and can be transitioned into day wear if you’re running late. Runs true to size. Also, don’t put them in the dryer.

 

6. Waffle/Fleece layers. Whatever fleece you opt for, make sure it is bright so that everyone can see you on the road. These ones from North Face are pretty great because they are roomy and BRIGHT, which you need if you venture unto roadways.

 

7. Pullover jacket. These are great for layering when the weather starts to cool. I like the ones from L.L. Bean because they aren’t too heavy or too light, which makes them a good option when you start off chilly and end up warm. I also like not having to mess with a zipper or the riding up that coming with that.

 

8. Gloves. These are a must. I’ll say that gloves are handier, of course, when it comes to tying a lace or changing the song. I usually just pull on the same old Burton pair I picked up years ago and they’ve worked out really well.

 

9. Support bra. I always go for mid-support sports bras, because I don’t like the feeling of pressure on my chest, but I’m not fully endowed, to be honest. If you’re like me, the 32-B range, I like the Under Armour sports bras with the cross back when I’m out running.

 

10. Headband or hat. Because I have so much hair, I opt for a headband in the winter, with a baseball cap, but a toque works great if you throw your hair in a braid. I wear an Old Wood Hollow hat with a headband from TimberWools.

 

Here’s another fun thing I’ll mention: running is usually a solo sport, but it’s always better to have company. Whether a friend, or a dog, company will see you through the hard parts.