Running Tips Learned the Annoying Way

I went on a jog while on vacation in Jackson Hole last week (post on that coming soon) and it reminded me of the list I've been meaning to make.   

Ahem.

Things to remember for running:

1.  If you are dehydrated, you will get a side ache.  Always drink lots of water.
2.  You need to eat a little something before you go.  String cheese is good or a small glass of almond milk works for me.
3.  Go potty first.  Seriously.  Even if you don't think you need to.
4.  Make sure you strength train and stretch your lower body (warm) to avoid IT band injury. *curse*
5.  It's more fun to run with a buddy.  Someone slower if you want to feel good about yourself and someone faster if you want a challenge and to feel bad about slowing them down.
6.  Charge your iPod.  Running with out one and alone is so B.O.R.I.N.G.
7.  If you are going to explore new areas, you are going to get lost and it takes 20 minutes longer to get home.   "I will just go this way and I can just cut back on the next street over."  Nope, nothing comes back this way for about a mile. 
8.  It's okay to walk.  Nobody is judging you for walking.  And if they are, they are mean and not your problem so walk if you need to. 
9. Don't forget your sunglasses.  Oh it's cloudy, I won't need them. The sun will come out and it will be blinding and annoying.  Unless it's 9PM, bring your sunglasses
10.  Pin your hair back securely. Nothing is a frustrating as sucking in your hair or  having bangs in your eyes the whole time.
11.  Wear sunblock unless it's 9 PM.  You don't want wrinkles or sunburns!
12.  If you eat crap, you will feel like crap. 
13.  Running wherever you want is so liberating.  Do it more often!


*disclaimer: these are not expert recommendations, only my own lessons I've learned the hard/annoying way.

You got any of your own suggests for me?