I BOUGHT NEW RUNNING SHOES!
This is one of the most exciting parts of being a runner. I love when it's time to change up my running shoes! Some are "experts" and have 3 pairs that they alternate during training. I haven't quite graduated to that (and neither have my pockets!). However, I'm extremely happy with my purchase.
I went to a local store called Fleet Feet. (Thumbs up for local businesses!) They have a staff of trained professionals that actually fit you for a shoe. This was my first experience getting professionally fitted for a shoe. I don't want to give too much away since I'll write a post on that experience later. But it was AMAZING and my shoes are AMAZING!
This past Saturday (December 31st) I ran 20 Miles. It was my last run of the year.
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| These are the Mizuno Wave Inspire 8. Love them! |
This is one of the most exciting parts of being a runner. I love when it's time to change up my running shoes! Some are "experts" and have 3 pairs that they alternate during training. I haven't quite graduated to that (and neither have my pockets!). However, I'm extremely happy with my purchase.
I went to a local store called Fleet Feet. (Thumbs up for local businesses!) They have a staff of trained professionals that actually fit you for a shoe. This was my first experience getting professionally fitted for a shoe. I don't want to give too much away since I'll write a post on that experience later. But it was AMAZING and my shoes are AMAZING!
It was fun starting to break them in Sunday. I ran 16 miles (in a relaxing 2 hours and 14 minutes). I also ran in them today on the treadmill as I did interval training. My goal is to use them enough before the marathon so that I'm completely comfortable and don't have any unfortunate surprises.
This week is shaping up well. I did 30 minutes on the bike and some arm work on Monday, interval training and legs today. Tomorrow I will do some more weights, and on Thursday probably run in the morning before work for about 20-25 minutes. Then 2 rest days together because I will do 18 miles on Sunday.
But let's backtrack for a minute:
This past Saturday (December 31st) I ran 20 Miles. It was my last run of the year.
It was also my longest run to date. There were some snags along the way but overall I'm happy with my effort.
Unfortunately, I didn't have my Sport Beans. The two packs I ate two weeks ago were my last.
(Luckily, I stocked up when I went to Fleet Feet to get my new running shoes! So I was able to use some for my 16 mile run Sunday.)
It was unseasonably warm that day. I ran in short sleeves. I could've worn shorts but I didn't want to overdo it and then get sick later. But I could have worn them, that's how warm it was. So I had that to deal with, along with it being super windy, and the fact that I didn't have my Sport Beans.
Now, I'm not trying to make any excuses for my run. I bring this up just to set the scene a bit.
My hardest run was that long run when I was sick. This long run comes in second. Honestly, I do attribute it to all of the above factors. But facts are facts, this was not one of my best runs...at all.
I had to stop at mile 19. I walked for 7 minutes. I set my goal when to start running again (a stop sign) and ran the rest of the way. If I had kept running I would've done it in 3 hours and 3 minutes. Instead I clocked 3 hours and 10 minutes.
This run was not a highlight for me. But I didn't beat myself up over it. It was my first 20 miles and I will make the next 20 even better!
(Luckily, I stocked up when I went to Fleet Feet to get my new running shoes! So I was able to use some for my 16 mile run Sunday.)
It was unseasonably warm that day. I ran in short sleeves. I could've worn shorts but I didn't want to overdo it and then get sick later. But I could have worn them, that's how warm it was. So I had that to deal with, along with it being super windy, and the fact that I didn't have my Sport Beans.
Now, I'm not trying to make any excuses for my run. I bring this up just to set the scene a bit.
This long run was hard for me.
My hardest run was that long run when I was sick. This long run comes in second. Honestly, I do attribute it to all of the above factors. But facts are facts, this was not one of my best runs...at all.
I had to stop at mile 19. I walked for 7 minutes. I set my goal when to start running again (a stop sign) and ran the rest of the way. If I had kept running I would've done it in 3 hours and 3 minutes. Instead I clocked 3 hours and 10 minutes.
This run was not a highlight for me. But I didn't beat myself up over it. It was my first 20 miles and I will make the next 20 even better!
I run 20 miles again on January 22nd. That'll be my last long run before I start tapering. Hopefully all goes well.
Nice Work!! I remember my 18 and 20 milers were terrible!!!!! In my 18 mile run I am pretty sure it was too hot for any human to be out running, and my 20 mile run I woke up feeling very under the weather.. but completed them BOTH AND! My runs after those, were amazing. I could really feel a huge difference :)
ReplyDeleteLove the new shoes - I went to a local running store way back and that is how I ended up in my current ones......my new ones should be at my house waiting to be opened(and used) right now!!
Hey! How are you?!!! Well...at least it only gets better! My first 18 miles was horrible but the 2nd was great. So I'm hoping for the same in 2 weeks. What kind of shoes do you have??!!! How exciting right?!
ReplyDeleteI run in the New Balance 759s, and LOVE them. I really wanted to upgrade to the NB 880s (the newer version of my current shoe) but they have been sold out FOREVER (I have a gift card) and they cost more then twice as much as my original ones ($40 vs $100).. Not being patient enough, I just decided to go the old route and will try them out next round ! Glad you are enjoying your new shoes.. it is a highlight of running!
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