shoes

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TTT: Heat, Tennis & Running

1.  It has been HOT in the Northeast. 90’s!! It has also been HUMID in addition to being hot. I have been feeding my friend’s cat before work while she has been on vacation. So I am been doing my activities outside AFTER work. (Not smart, I know.)

my friend’s car on Tuesday

2.  On Tuesday, I played tennis for the 2nd time.  Doubles again and I felt a lot more comfortable. (with my tennis not the weather)  I even won with 3 different partners.  Afterwards. we all went to one player’s house to go swimming in her pool.  YAY!

pavillion where we started

3. Yesterday I ran the 2nd Run with Mizuno sponsored by FleetFeet. It was held this time in Central Park in Schenectady.  Again, a very small group of runners – ALL FAST!!  I tried similar Mizunos as last week but in a different color.

Again, they felt pretty comfy.

We ran the Cardiac Classic / Run 4 Your Life 5K Course which I had done in 2011 and 2009.  I ran alone and was way behind all the other runners. My pace is still VERY SLOW but I ran the whole time (but it was a struggle!)  I had no idea where I was going and wound up missing .5 miles of it. (I added another .5 mile afterwards to make it 3 miles for the run.)

This park is a beautiful place to run

I love these runs because it forces me to run in a new location and run faster. My time was a 33:xx rather than 29:xx in 2011.  I am not going to beat myself up about it.  (My ankle was not happy last night…so I have to be PATIENT.)

Today the humidity and temps are down finally.

Happy Running! How are you dealing with the heat?

 

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Run with Mizunos & My First Trail Run

my new Mizunos

No, I wasn’t chosen as part of the Mizuno Run Project.

No, I didn’t win any new Mizunos as part of the Project giveaway.

I paid $115 for my new Mizunos above that I am breaking in.

But FleetFeet and Mizuno are sponsoring satellite runs every Wednesday at different local park.

They let you try out a pair of Mizunos, you go for a group run and then they give away swag.

So yesterday at the last moment I decided to to do one.

the bridge to Peebles Island

It was held at Peebles State Park in Cohoes.  I had never been there so I was interested in seeing it.

The group was small..about 6-8.  I decided to try out these:

wave inspire 8s

They were instantly comfortable (but they were broken in and I didn’t have my orthotics in…maybe that’s why).

We took off on a trail.  It was a 2 mile loop.  I had never run on a trail before and it was fun.  There were lots of roots and stones so I was very cautious.  It was hilly as well.  For the most part, I ran slowly except for the downhills…I don’t want another broken ankle!

As in my last race, I was right in the middle and running alone.  Toward the end, there were 2 paths…I chose left and then realized that it felt wrong so veered back and went right.  That was the correct way to go.  As a result, my run was 2.2 miles not 2 miles.

the views were really pretty

I didn’t bring a camera but the sights were pretty…water, wildlife, etc. A nice change from the road or bike trail.

There were water and refreshments afterwards.  Mizuno gave away lights and water bottles.

So if you live in my area (Albany, NY), you should check them out.

Schedule of Runs:

  • July 11 – Peebles State Park 6 pm
  • July 18 – Central Park Schenectady – 6 pm
  • July 25 – Saratoga State Park – 6  pm
  • Aug 1 – Tawasantha State Park, Guilderland – 6 pm

On the way home, I stopped off at the Corning Bike trail and ran a little more.  I wanted to do 3 miles (I’m anal like that.)

Happy Running!  Do you often do trail runs?

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New Shoes, Boating & Running

Thanks to the SRMs for the gift card.  They sent it to me when I was first injured and I saved it until I needed it.  I have lots of running shoes but psychologically I needed a new pair.  So I went to FleetFeet and tried on all brands. They all felt good but none were pink so I choose these funky turquoise ones (Mizuno Wave Inspire 8s).

Then I was off to spend FIVE days on Lake George.  We sleep on our boat at the marina each night.  During the day, we hang out on our boat or on the islands with different groups of old friends and new friends. Sometimes we barbecue on the island, other times, we eat on the boat and also we eat in restaurants and cookout at the marina.  So far this summer, the weather has been almost PERFECT.

Here are some highlights:

me & my hubby on the 4th

a patriotic boat

view of the lake from our July 4th site

view of the fireworks from our marina

our boat pulling a tuber

view of the lake from Log Bay Is

my first jetski ride on the lake

I am still struggling with my running.  But I am trying to be patient and not get depressed.  I didn’t have time to run on July 4th but I did run/walk 4 hilly miles on Thursday.  SLOW!!! My big toe felt strange in my new shoes (after running.)  Not sure with all my foot issues, I can blame the shoes.

running in Bolton Landing (down 9N)

view while running

another view

Thursday night, I decided to go home so I could (believe it or not) run at my leisure (my hubby is always impatiently waiting to go out on the boat)  and on a flat shady trail. I chose the Colonie Town Park bike trail and it was so much better!! Even my foot felt better.

I got dressed to run on Saturday but it started to rain so I changed my clothes and then the rain stopped.

Sunday, we left early to get a picnic site and then we went back to the marina so I could run.  I only got in 3 miles since it was getting late and HOT.

Today, I had planned to run but woke up exhausted and  with a headache.  Maybe later….

Happy Running!  Congrats to all the Boilermaker racers!  That’s on my bucket list too!

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Mezamashii Run Project

 

In the quest to deliver more brilliant running, Mizuno has recently launched the  Mezamashii Run Project. Over the course of the remainder of the year, Mizuno will give away thousands of  shoes and exclusive invitations to join the Mezamashii Run Project to runners who are looking to experience more euphoric, brilliant, mezamashii running.

I know I am!!  I have worn Mizunos for many of my runs and races and I hope I win a pair!!!

racing in my Mizunos

still in my Mizunos

If you are interested in the Mezamashii Run Project, please click HERE for more info.

Happy Running!

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Running Update

Yes, I am wearing a running shoe & a compression sock at work today.

So I am still a runner…ha ha…even if I can’t run.

Updates:

  • I am working on the swelling…ice..ice..compression socks
  • I am NOT using the BOOT.
  • I am NOT using my crutches. (I still bring one along just in case)
  • I am walking slowly with a limp… hopefully limping less (it’s hard when you don’t have much movement in the ankle yet.)
  • At PT, I did level 4 on the bike and even did hills!
  • I went to TARGET and shopped (shopping cart can be used as a walker!)..I went for socks and bought everything but.
  • I met my running buddy Mary at Starbucks…haven’t seen her since the injury.  We talked running, of course.

Me & Mary - the healthy days

Happy Running! How was your weekend?

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Why I Love Running

I meant to write this on Valentine’s Day but for the last 7 weeks I have been kinda depressed.  I can’t run and I don’t know if I will again.  But I did run and I do ❤ running so here’s my list (in no particular order):

  1. the new friends I have made
  2. guilt-free carb-loading (before & after a run or race)
  3. the best way to end a bad day (or start off a tough day)
  4. an excuse to shop – buy new running clothes, shoes, gear, etc.
  5. setting your own goals (run your “own” race)
  6. how you feel when crossing the finish line in a race
  7. feeling healthy & active & alive
  8. sense of pride & accomplishment (I’m 58 and running half marathons!!)
  9. being alone and getting lost in one’s own thoughts
  10. the bling 🙂

Happy Running!  Anything to add about why you love running?



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The Shoe Goddess Strikes Again

 

Is there a group for Running Shoe  Buyers Anonymous??

If so, I need to join!

I have bought at least 5 pairs of running shoes this year including one more pair this week.

This time, it’s New Balance 859.  They were on sale at Olympia Sports (reg$110, on sale for $65).  I’ve worn Nike, Saucony, Brooks, Mizunos, Asics but this my first NB.

According to the website:

NB 859 features the TS2 Transitional Support System providing the essential support over-pronators, and long distance runners may need. ABZORB® SBS in the heel and forefoot … make this running shoe an excellent choice for comfort on the road.

Obviously I’m not loyal to one brand.  I am forever looking for the perfect shoe.  My feet always hurt and it’s just getting them to hurt less.  I have even worn brand new shoes for my lst 3 half marathons.

On my 4th last weekend, I worn the same pair as on the 3rd.  It was the lst time with orthotics.  My feet really ached under the forefoot.  I still overpronate (but not as much).

I’m going to run with these shoes after work today and see…

Happy Running!  Anyone wear New Balance shoes?

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Delmar Dash 5 Mi. Race Report


I’ve always wanted to run this race because I live in Delmar.  But before this year, I only ran 5K races.  This was 5 miles so a new race and a new distance.  An automatic PR. YAY!

Let’s back track to yesterday.

I ran 12 miles on Friday at an embarrassing 11:30 pace.  I wore my Reeboks which have solved the front foot pain but these & my Asics give me pain after 3 miles on inner back side of the left foot.  Lot’s of pain.

I decided yesterday on a beautiful sunny Saturday (my rest day) to go to FleetFeet and ask for advice.  They said I pronate on my left foot and recommended a different type of running shoe – Saucony Mirage.

Just a coincidence that they matched my race outfit for today!!! I was just hoping that my feet wouldn’t hurt!!!!

Race Goals:

A: finish in under 10 min/mi
B: run the whole thing (or almost the whole thing)
C: have fun and finish pain-free and strong

The weather forecast has varied but the latest was cloudy, chance of showers but in the 50’s.

I decided on shorts (it’s April!!) and a long sleeve shirt.

The race was only 10 minutes from my house and I got the last spot in the parking lot.  I immediately bumped into so many people that I knew: 2 local bloggers (Jen and Heather), 2 profs from the law school where I work, my close friend’s hubby, and others.

I was very cold waiting for the race to begin.  Many racers were wearing tights, jackets, etc. Boy am I glad that I didn’t.

I quickly warmed up and was sweating by the end.

This race was a lot of fun.  I felt no pressure so I just ran.  I am familiar with the neighborhoods (although I don’t run here.) I was surprised at how fast my pace was and I was worried whether or not I would die.  So I kept slowing down till the last mile.

Mile 1: 9:21
Mile 2: 9:25
Mile 3: 9:28 (water stop)
Mile 4: 9:39
Mile 5: 8:58

Garmin Time: 46:53

There were a lot of spectators along the course.  I had to high five at least 5 kids.

My new Sauconys seem to have fixed my left foot problem but my right foot hurts like before.  (Does any one run in 2 different running shoes?!)

There were no chips for this race.  You just handed the bottom of your bib to someone at the finish line – I don’t know how they get an accurate time.

I was so warm after the race that I went to my car & changed into the shirt they gave us – a women’s technical tee shirt!

Then I headed back to the finish line to catch some of my friends cross.

Heather finishes her first 5 miler!

John getting back into racing after a long illness

The refreshments were pretty good.  I had some Chobani Greek yogurt and some cake.  They also had vegetable soup, bread, oranges, bananas, etc.

Unfortunately there were a lot of speedy 55-59 year old women in this race and I didn’t come close to a AG award.  (My official time was posted as 47:03) They gave out umbrellas and certificates as prizes.

I am thrilled with how good I felt at the end of the race!  ALL GOALS ACHIEVED!!!!!!!!!! (3 minutes faster than Goal A)

So the Delmar Dash is now on my list of races I have to run.

Next up – Half Marathon  in 13 days!!!

Happy Running!

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Last Post Before the Big Day

 Thanks Tall Mom for the reminder!

I think I can!

As Lance Armstrong says: “Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever.”

But  I may have a problem…I think I am a SHOE-AHOLIC! At least  a running shoe-aholic.

After my running shoe experience on the treadmill Tuesday and the fact that my foot felt fine in my tennis shoes  led me to believe that new shoes would help  so off to Dick’s I went…now I have a new pair of ASICS gels!! (in addition to my new Mizunos). They have a bigger toe box so we’ll see.

Against all the bloggers’ advice, I went to the gym yesterday to test my new shoes on the treadmill. I know I should have rested my feet but the suspense was killing me and I needed to break in my new shoes!!   I planned to just walk on the treadmill. So instead of a 3 miles run, I walked 1/2 mi and then ran for 1 1/2 miles.  I wouldn’t say pain-free but much BETTER!!

Now onto important things:

What to wear for my first Half Marathon??

I’m leaning toward the running skirt on the left.  I’ve worn it before and the skirt has side pockets.  I have a throw away black jacket & pants for the morning when it is dark & cool.

My Goals?

Too many unknowns for lofty goals. I’ve never run this far EVER.  How will my foot feel????  I’ve been training in the cold weather and Naples will be warm & humid.

So my goals for my first half marathon are:

  • to finish (hopefully under 2:45)
  • to run more than walk
  • to ENJOY the experience

I’m leaving work early today to fly to Fort Myers.  My husband who has been on the East coast of Florida all week will meet me there and we will drive to Naples.

Tomorrow I will pick up my racing packet and show my hubby my favorite places in Naples.  There is a pasta party for the racers in the evening.

Can’t wait!

Happy Running!

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Wednesday Winnings and Woes

The Good News:  I won another giveaway!!! Two pairs of socks from AJH.  I love socks!!!

My husband arrived in Florida on Monday where it is sunny and almost 80.  Here in the NE, we are having a BIG snowstorm. Luckily my neighbors have promised to plow out my driveway. We may have a foot by the end of the day!!!

I played tennis last nite – 1 1/2 hours and no foot pain!!! (Can I run in tennis sneakers!?)

The Bad News: I ran my tapering 3 miles on the treadmill yesterday morning with my loose, barely tied new sneakers & my right foot STILL hurts.  It stops hurting when I stop running so……….

Do I skip my last 3 mile run and rest my foot till Sunday?? Or do I follow my training plan (3 miles tomorrow) and grin and bear it??

Happy Running!  4 Days till….