I made it a little over 20 miles training for the Southern Indiana Classic Marathon in April. I ran straight through until 8 miles and then switched over to alternating between running and walking.

How is everbody else doing with their running?

Go to Marshalls you will get all type of running gear there CHEAP! I got my sports bras there too..I have the adidas adibase but cannot fing the model I got last year so now im on a quest to find a couple more..you can get your shorts, pants, running skirts when they come out in early spring there too..I like to wear those for my races because they have a pocket..but otherwise I live in my compression shorts that I got at sports auth. for $12 (brand: Aspire) the held up well thru my marathon training this past summer..I do wear a fuel belt so I have the added pouch for the gels, phone, etc..

What kind of fuel belt do you have? I purchase the 2 bottle pink Helium belt from ebay for $12.99! 

First of all, GOOD FOR YOU!!!! You are moving and that is a step forward in the right direction.  As for clothing I do understand your dilemma.  I went to a ladies foot locker and hit the clearance rack.  I was able to get a couple of nice tops that were quite inexpensive.  I also shop at outlet malls here in the north but not sure where to go in Alabama.  I think Burke's would be my first stop though if you have one close to you.  They always seem to have some nice workout wear.  I wore loose fitting capris with elastic waste for the first 8 months of my running until I felt more comfortable.  Today I went outside for the first time this year to run.  I have been on the treadmill all winter since we have gotten so much snow that it has been difficult to run safe outside.  To say the least I probably looked hilarious with my under armor tights, running shorts over those, a long sleeve wicking t-shirt, hooded sweatshirt with a headband to cover my ears.  Not one piece of clothing matched...lol  I wore sunglasses also in hopes that no one would recognize me.

But I did finish and felt wonderful when I was done.  Keep running and keep trying, before long all of your worries will be gone.

Kim

You can sometimes find great running items at Goodwill! I got a long sleeved tech shirt for $4. You have to look through some junk, but you can sometimes find some bargains.

Hello there SloMo2 i have a garmin forerunner 305 and i love it its pretty easy to use and the pace feature really helped me out. At the races i go to (5k & 10k)  i see a lot of runners using them i got mine as a present so not sure what they cost but if you want to get better at running this will help you out.. I dont know about swimming but you can use it out in the rain

I could very well be the definition of a penguin. I think it is because I have embraced the fact that I am one which is why I have taken to marathons. Running 26.2 miles - or any distance for that matter - at between 12 and 14 minutes per miles suites me just fine. The scenery on some of the courses I've been on have been to nice to run any faster - even if I could. In May, I am going to attempt complete my first ultra up in Rochester. I am going to be running a 12 hour race and hope to run 50 miles - which comes out to - I believe - 14.24 pace. Certainly doable for this penguin. And remember - what matterss, isn't that you finished, it's that you started.

I have the original 4 bottle 6oz and 8oz fuel belt and the 2 bottle fuel belt. I bought an extra pouch that goes onto my belt from one of the pre race expos that I attended and I stuff my Roctane and gum and phone etc into it..I want to try a camel pack this year it holds a lot of stuff too but not the water one that the bikers use just the bag..