These Shoes Are Made for Running

A few weeks ago, I did something I should have done a long time ago: I went to a specialty running store to get some running shoes that really fit my feet. In the past, I've just picked out some shoes at chain stores that I thought would work, but I didn't get an expert opinion or advice. Let me tell you, it makes a difference!

I've written before about my Achilles heel and ankle soreness, and I decided to get serious about finding a solution. I went to Fleet Feet Nashville, and the guy who helped me was so great. He analyzed my foot structure and callouses, and he watched me walk and run outside the store. It turns out that I turn my feet in a little when I run - kind of pigeon-toed - especially on my left foot, which creates a pull on my tendon and ankles. He recommended that I get Mizuno brand shoes, which I'd never heard of. Apparently, they're less flexible and tend to hold my heel in place. He also fitted me with an insert that helps support my arch and hold my heel in place.

Amazingly, I could tell a difference after only one run. It was refreshing to deal with people who really know what they're talking about and are trained to help you find the right gear.

I've also cut back a bit on running for the moment, which is giving my joints a break. I'm down to one five-mile run a week - sometimes two. I'll be picking up the schedule in a couple months when Erin and I start training for the half-marathon again. I can't believe it's almost that time again!!

We were out on the trail this morning for our usual run, and the weather was gorgeous. I really look forward to this hour of me time every week.

Here's a shot of Erin this morning in her movie-star glasses :) ...

and me ...

Back in the Saddle

This morning I woke up at 5 a.m. to the pitter-patter of rain outside, and I peeked out the back door to view the drizzle. I figured Erin would (like me) want to take the day off.

Me (texting): Hey - don't want to go in rain, do you?

Erin: I don't care. It's just a little rain. :(

Me (after grousing to my husband, because I don't want to be the wimpy one): Damn ur tough. OK.

Erin: Yep!

And so we went. By the time we started (about 5:20), the rain had stopped and it was a nice, cool, damp morning. We ran five miles and felt pretty good. I would have been upset at myself if I had gone back to sleep.

Just Three

I squeezed in three miles this morning before my husband left for work, and now I'm packing up to visit my parents with the kids for a couple days. I hope to run once while I'm there. Looking forward to a long run Saturday when we're back in Nashville.

Life Gets in the Way

I've taken a hiatus, but not by choice.

My 2-year-old had a throwing-up virus last Wednesday night, so I couldn't make my Thursday morning run (and it was pouring rain and lightning, so Erin didn't run, either.)

See my last post below: Throwing-up children are acceptable excuses for missing a run.

Friday we left to visit our family friend who is terminally ill in a hospital in Indianapolis. The decision to go was a quick one, and we just piled in the car and went. So Saturday and Sunday - my long runs - were out. My idealistic plans to run on the hotel's treadmill ... well, that just never happened. Not even close.

I did run about 3 miles today just before dark; I'm trying to hang in there during this week or so of tough schedules. But tomorrow I'm off to Arkansas to visit my parents for a few days. I'm hoping to find somewhere to run there.

My motivation is down lately. I think the cold, gray, rainy weather plays a part, and definitely sadness for our friend, C.P. Also, I think, because I haven't been as running regularly as I'd like. It really does make a difference. I plan to be back on track by Saturday, when I'll be home and ready to do the long runs with Erin.

By the way, Erin has officially registered for the Country Music Half-Marathon - YAY! We're going to run it together.

Running at Daybreak

This morning I ran 4 miles with Erin (including two 1-minute aerobic intervals), and we were out and about before dawn - 5:15 a.m. I am so glad we got it out of the way early, because my resolve wouldn't have lasted long today.

Last night was terrible. I went to bed late, and then I couldn't stop coughing. I cleaned the garage yesterday, and I think the dust got to me. So at 12:30 I was up digging in the cabinet for an allergy pill. Then my 2-year-old woke up crying, so I went to snuggle with him. I came back downstairs around 3, and he started crying again at 4. So I went back up to his room. Thankfully, he is not sick; he just needed some cuddles.

At 5, my husband came up to get me so I could meet Erin at 5:15. So maybe I got two hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Bailing on our run just wasn't an option, though. There are so many excuses that can be made, and you really just have to get over it. As long as I'm feeling OK and my kids aren't throwing up, I have to take advantage of the free time I have - even if it's before daybreak.

Speaking of daybreak, I snapped a quick picture of the sunrise this morning with my iPhone. Running is so worth the effort once you're out there.

By the way, I think Erin is going to do the Country Music Half-Marathon with me. Yay!

I'm Feelin' It - Finally!

I took an extra day off Saturday because of my cold, and I feel much better today. So good, in fact, that I ran 6.5 miles with my (avid runner) neighbor, Erin. Let me tell you, running with a friend makes a world of difference. We sailed through 6.5 miles in one hour with no problem - and no stopping. We're going to try to run together more often, especially on weekends.

After the morning run, I trekked all around the Nashville Zoo with my family. It's a beautiful, spring-like day here - 62 degrees! I'm looking forward to more of these gorgeous days for running, gardening and just hanging out.

Some extra half-marathon incentive: I've learned that two of my neighbors, a neighbor's daughter and several friends are running the County Music Half-Marathon. Also, one of my friends from our New Hampshire days is coming in from Philadelphia with her Team in Training team to walk it. She's bringing her husband, and we're all going to hang out before and after. Fun!!

Now I'm going to try to get Erin to do it, too.

Four More

Today, four more miles. I was supposed to do four "gentle pickup" runs (about 100 yards each) after that, but I didn't feel up to it. I'm battling a chest cold, and I was a little worried about pushing myself too much. I wonder if I caught the cold running in the rain/snow on Wednesday??

I'm going to bed early tonight, and maybe taking the day off from running tomorrow (a rest day, according to my schedule) will help me feel better for Saturday's run.

Seven Miles!

Today I ran seven miles. That's right. Seven miles! And let me tell you, seven miles is a loooooooong way. It actually wasn't too bad, though. My legs were shaky at the end, but the worst part was the tight muscles in my lower back. I had to walk a few times, briefly (never more than 30 seconds) so I could try to stretch those muscles.

For me, the hardest part about training is just finding the time to do it. Carving an hour out of the day for myself is pretty much impossible - even on weekends. It really, really helps to have a goal. Otherwise, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have made this much progress.

A Real Training Schedule

I ran five miles today and felt really strong. It was a beautiful, sunny day - blue skies, upper 40s - and I was glad to be outside on the trail listening to Ira Glass on my iPod.

With officially eight more weeks until race day, I've adopted a formal eight-week training schedule from Runner's World. It's a straightforward and doable plan. All I have to do is stick to it, and I'll be ready for 13 miles!!!!

Bumps in the Road

Husband out of town + no backup child care + tight work deadline = no running for a week.

Things are back to normal now, and I ran 4.25 miles this morning. It's not perfect a perfect training schedule by any means, but I'm doing what I can and feeling pretty good about it!

Little By Little

I ran five miles yesterday morning around 7:30. I'm going to try to squeeze in a few more miles today once I get some work done...

The race is looming - only about eight more weeks!

Hanging On

Today's mileage: 4.6. It was one of those days when I was checking my pedometer and thinking, "That's all??" It felt like more, which is not encouraging. Motivation, where are you?

I ran in a spitting rain, which was actually not so bad once I was out the door. Tomorrow morning's agenda calls for at least three more miles. The big news: I have a running buddy! Some company should make tomorrow's pre-dawn run a little easier.

Here's the Thing...

We had snow in Nashville again on Tuesday, so the kids were home and there was no way to run outside anyway. I was sick on Wednesday, and Thursday was packed full of stuff. I hope to get on track tomorrow. Some warmer weather would help with motivation.

Movin' On Up

Today .... drumroll .... 6.5 miles!

It was cold. My legs felt heavy. I walked a few times, very briefly. I'm sure the pace was slow. But I made it about halfway through a half-marathon! This gives me some hope that I may actually be able to do this thing.

Running in the Dark

I logged 2.5 miles this morning at 5:30. I had plenty of energy, but I don't like running in the dark. It's a little scary, to be honest, even though I stick to the lighted streets. That's the only thing that kept me from going farther and faster today, which is kind of nice to know. I'm looking forward to an earlier sunrise.

Getting in the Groove

I've been getting up at 5:30-6 a.m. to run these days, since it's the only time I really have to fit running into my schedule. And let me tell you, I'm loving it - to my surprise. I actually look forward to those early-morning runs, mostly for the peaceful solitude. I feel much better these days mentally, and I'm a lot more productive on the days I run.

The mileage: Two days ago I ran a little over two miles, and yesterday I logged 4.5 miles in the morning (plus a two-mile, hilly afternoon walk through the park pushing a jogging stroller with the family).

Today I'm resting so as not to overdo it. Now that the weather is warmer (50s), I'm going to start upping my miles and sticking to a stricter schedule.

Snow (Sort Of)

Today (technically yesterday - I'm up at 1 a.m. working) we had a tiny dusting of snow. Schools were closed, so I wasn't able to run at all. Also, it was really cold outside - wind chill in the single digits - and probably too slippery for running. These cold days are supposed to last through the weekend, so I might have to postpone my actual running until the first of next week. In the meantime, I'm going to do some workout tapes to keep me going. On days like this, I wish I had a gym membership.

Freezing!

This morning at 7:30: two miles with temps in the teens. My toes were numb by the end of the first mile, and I thought I might have to turn back. The grass along the trail was white with frost, and the puddles were frozen solid. I eventually eked out 2.14 miles and felt pretty hardcore. It reminded me of my New Hampshire days when I trained for a 10K with Trish and Janet and ran in even colder temps, even earlier in the morning, despite ice and snow. That was about 10 years ago. I've gone soft since moving back down South ... and running partners helped a lot. (Probably being 10 years younger helped, too. And I'm only at two miles. Sigh.)

Next time - thicker socks.

Here's a look at the morning frost, via iPhone.

Rest Day

Today was a rest day, according to my training schedule, so I took full advantage of that. I had work to finish, my husband was back at work, and my 5-year-old was still home on winter break, so I really didn't have time to run anyway. Tomorrow: two more miles in the freezing cold. Can't wait. :)

Day Two

I ran 2.5 miles today .... and it was 24 degrees! I felt pretty good running-wise, but it was coooold, and I was worried about pulling a muscle, so I headed back right at 2.5. I figure I'm just getting my body used to the activity this week, and I'll try to increase my distance a little by the end of the week.

Then I did 15 minutes of stretching and 11 minutes of abs, while my two little boys did some stretching beside me (and climbing on me). My 5-year-old made up his own exercises ("put your arms out like Plastic Man! Now move your feet fast like the Flash! Now move your claw like a werewolf!") while I followed the stretching part of a workout DVD.

So here's to day two! I'm off to watch Return of the Jedi with the family. Tomorrow it's back to an almost-normal schedule of work and school. That's when the real challenge (time, time, time) of this running thing will begin.