Training hours last week: 34.2 miles. Wow. I can’t even remember the last time I ran that many miles in a week.
This week I am aiming for 42.
But today. I rest.
Monday is for rest
Rock n recap
There were thousands running the race today in 95 degree heat in Concord. I ran it and it was hard! There are some gradual hills in Concord and the heat.
The hill to the finish was fun! This is where I captured this fun video:
There was food and music all through the course.
Fun Times.
Trying New Products: Altra Torin 2.5
This weekend I bought a new pair of road running shoes and testing them out today. I bought the Altra Torin. I wear a size 11 shoe and the men’s shoe fit the best.
When I lived in Tucson, I ran in a pair of Lone Peaks for trail running. I like them, but didn’t love them. But giving the road shoe a chance.
On Saturday I actually bought these from a running store, Runner’s Alley in Concord. The sales person was great and offered his advice on different options. Originally I wanted to buy a pair of Hoka’s but they didn’t fit well. I have some issues with my left foot: neuroma and a bunion so I need a bigger toe box. I’ve run on Asics and Pearl Izumi’s for so long and they have been good to me but it was time to try a different road shoe. And, as you know, Pearl Izumi isn’t making running products anymore ;-(
The Altra brand says that their Zero Drop running shoes can help improve technique and with the Toe Box will maximize shock absorption – all things that will be good for me.
I’m trying them out this morning and will let you know.
Things I do: Every time I buy a new pair of shoes I buy a new pair of socks. This time I bought a pair of Darn Tough socks made in Vermont.
Buy Local, Run Local – that’s my new motto. I don’t buy from Amazon anymore. Even though I could buy a few last pairs of Pearl Izumi road shoes from Amazon I chose not to. I’m buying from my local stores and local products. Speaking of making changes, I saw this online yesterday about The Small Change Initiative – geared to trail runners. “The idea is our small change, be it $5, $10, $20, or more adds up to big impact for organizations making a difference in the places we visit for our races and other adventures.” I think it’s a pretty cool idea. Here’s Adventures in Thumbhole’s blog.
Do you ever make bets with yourself and as a reward you sign up for something fun?
I do it all the time. Sometimes it works for motivation, sometimes not. Last night I found out from Facebook that there is a trail marathon in Bear Brook State Park; 11 miles from my house. I’m so used to driving hours for a race and don’t want to do it anymore – I want to run local. One of the many benefits of living in Concord is I’m central to so many events and activities. Plus, I need to sign up for a race that is long and on a trail, that is half way to my 53K race in September. I told myself if I got up today and ran the 7.5 mile loop I would sign up for it. I’m ready to hit the road with my new gear and to sign up for more races!
Monday Motivation; running in the rain, again
Subtitle: The Weekend That Wasn’t
Monday is always a new start.
I was sick all weekend and didn’t run at all. I’m off track for my A Race in September. And I need to get back at it.
Instead of being frustrated about another Monday New Start and the fact that it is STILL raining, I’m going to get in my running tights and rain jacket and get out there.
Because even when you feel like you’re starting from the beginning, the feeling after a good run – the high – feels so much better!
Happy Monday and don’t forget to be awesome!
Should you run when you are sick? Long run canceled, I’m sick
I started feeling a cold come on yesterday. I still ran my short run knowing that I couldn’t push it too much because I had a 13 miler on Saturday. I continued not feeling well at work Friday, drank tea and had a delicious smoothie from Live Juice (Wake Me Up with Green Tea, Hemp and Bananas) in the afternoon. Not feeling much better at 7 p.m., I went to bed early and woke up with a sore throat and phlegm.
No long run this morning.
I think it’s best to look at the long game when it comes to running when sick.
While I’m not running for the podium, I’m running for health, fitness and longevity. It doesn’t behoove me to run when I’m sick. However, I do have several upcoming races and need to be running long; I can make up for it this coming week.
I will run tomorrow’s Dirty 5K in Hanover knowing I’m taking care of myself today. It’s a three-mile trail run so even if I must walk it – I’m okay with it.
This morning I will eat blueberry pancakes, read the paper and sleep. Sometimes that is all one can do.
Here is a good article by Mindy Solkin : “To Run or Not to Run… What to Do When You’re Sick“.