Long Run - February 7, 2014

Justification

A guilty pleasure of mine is reading and watching shoe reviews online. I love seeing why each incarnation is better than the last and what makes that shoe the got-to-have shoe of the moment. I could compare running shoes to hotrod cars, but I don’t know enough about cars to make that comparison other than they excite me.

Just like shiny cars gets me all revved up, so do a brightly colored pair of Mizunos, Brooks, or Sauconys. Heck, I even get excited when I see a new pair of Ascis or Nikes. And like any kid in a candy store, I want them all. Alas, I can’t afford that when the average price of a quality running shoe is going to be upwards of $100.00. I think the best deal I ever found was for a pair of Brooks Ravenna; they were $95 at aSports Authority.

Typically the shoes I want are around $125-$140, but on a single income every expense has to be planed for, or cleverly justified. The last pair of shoes I bought have been hurting my feet. They cause blisters, numbness, and even a black toenail. I know it’s the shoes fault, because I read somewhere that your shoes can sometimes shrink if they get wet. And the last marathon I ran, my shoes were never dry. For six long hours, they were soaked with sweat and water; yuck.I also read that running causes your feet to get bigger and wider over time. They can grow up to a full size larger.

Between shrinking shoes and growing feet, I am left with no choice but to look for and purchase a new pair of running shoes. Coincidentally Brooks just released their new shoe line called Transcend and our local running store just happens to have them in stock. Also my birthday is this month, so odds are I might be able to justify (weasel) my way in to pair. I’ll let you know how it goes. 

Arctic Strides would like to know what is your favorite running shoe? 

Cool Down Chat - February 3, 2014

Today was my first day back to the gym in what feels like more than a month. I kept the training light and only worked out on the Arc crosstrainer. I completed more than 2 mile in a forty minute period, and burned more than 600 calories. 

While I was getting my cardio on, I was thinking about novelty runs. My in-laws singed up my wife, kids and me for the Color Run this summer. I have mixed feelings about doing it again, but everyone seemed to have had fun last time. Over-the-top crowds makes me a little cranky. And don't even get me started about long lines to nowhere. Last year, I think we waited for more than a hour to cross the starting line. In the end the fun out weighed the not so fun, but I still hesitate to do it again. 

Arctic Strides would like to know what you think about big, for profit, over-the-top, mass marketed, multi national, novelty runs... Yay or Nay? 

Splits - January 31, 2014

Rest Day - January 30, 2014

The Long Run - January 26, 2014

I read somewhere that a black toenail was a right of passage as a runner. That got me thinking - how the heck do you get one of those? 

Season after season, mile after mile, no black toenail. Then came the Honolulu Marathon - Bingo! I got that badge of honor I thought would be a signal to the world that I am a runner. A reward to myself that somehow proves that I am a part of a group of people that I so badly want to be a part of. 

I bragged to unsuspecting coworkers, family, and even running mates. I told them about the battle I fought to finish my last marathon and how that resulted in my new permanent blemish. Except, it's not so permanent. Today my blemish is no more; my toenail is back to normal, and I couldn't be sadder. 

Now that it's gone, I feel a little let down. I thought for sure that like the metal I received for finishing the race, I would have this forever too. They say time heals all wounds, but I thought for sure the scar would never fade.  

Arctic Strides would like to know if you have any sentimental  scars and how you got them. 

Rest Day - January 21, 2014

I am feeling a little defeated. My shin splints have magnified into knee pain and ankle pain in my left leg. I am afraid I may have to go see my doctor about it. The last time I had a similar problem, I was told to take it easy. My doctor said nothing was wrong, it was just my body telling me to slow down. I hope that is still the case, but I hate to pay to see a doctor just to have him say – “Take it easy son.” 

Arctic Strides would like to know how you keep your spirits up when your body is holding you back?  

Cool Down Chat - Jan 19, 2014

I planed a long run (10miles) for Saturday and as I causiously prepared to go I was optimistic about the outcome. However, the pain of a worsening shinsplint set in, and I had to cut the run short. Hobbeling home a level of dissatisfaction settle in and I felt like a newby all over again. Ibprohrine, ice, and ace bandage wraps were my best friends back then and our reunion is bitter sweet.