Cold Weather Running for Idiots

Living in Arizona, cold weather running isn't really a thought. All those articles that come out in the winter Runner's World magazine and posted throughout the internet during the holidays...they don't really apply.

So you can see my dilemna when I packed my tiny weekend bag to head up to the cabin. I packed some sweats, long sleeves, my cyclying shorts, a pair of running shorts and long sleeve running shirt.

Then this happened on Saturday.

I welcomed this sight....it was beautiful and finally got me into the Holiday mood! I knew a run was not in the books, so I hoped on my trusty bike/trainer combo and spun myself into 45 minutes of sweat induced bliss, all while in the comfort of the indoors. Sunday I woke up to sunshine and melted snow so I talked myself into running a nice easy 5 miles at the local high school track. 35 degrees?

I don't know which was worse...my outfit or the fact that I froze my ass off.

I did my 5 miles and hurried my butt home for a hot bath and a cup of chai tea.

Lesson learned? Oh yes, pack warmer shit.

My Bruised Foot

I ran a glorious 34 miles last week. It was nice to get back over 30 miles/week and I felt great mentally and physically. Until a weird little pain started in the pad of my left foot, near the toes.

It never fails. I'm blamed 2 factors.

1. The Treadmill
2. My Minimalist Shoes

I hadn't realized that the treadmill could be the culprit, but after talking to a rather experienced runner about the bruise like feeling, she offered up that little piece of reasoning saying that she avoids it because it really "tweaks her form".

Makes perfect sense. Always learning. Always growing. Sometimes hurting.

And the shoes. I still love them...but I ran 6 miles in them in one shot and I know better than that. My feet, ankles and all the little muscles just aren't strong enough for that yet.

So I took Tuesday and Wednesday off of running and instead cross trained today using this beauty:

I busted out 30 minutes on that and then 12 minutes of high intense intervals on the stairs. I felt a little dorky on it at first, but got into a groove after a few minutes. I liked the way it felt vs. the way I don't like how I feel on an elliptical, so I think I'll keep it in my Xtraining arsenal. I was dripping sweat and I looked beautiful when I arrived at my appointment to get my oil changed after my workout. What? You don't run errands sweaty? Psh. My trainer had an emergency and couldn't make our session today, so I did a repeat of last Wednesday's which was upper body/arms. I feel like I could see a few teeny muscle popping out while I lifted, so it was encouraging!

My foots feels WAY better today after some serious RICE-ing, so I'm going to wake up early and run some miles out on the roads...just like I like it.

I won a FREE pair of shoes from this Cute & Speedy Girl through her giveaway sponsored by Mizuno and their Mezamashii Project. Brilliant Mizuno, absolutely brilliant. Check it out.

I got a code. Shopped online. Called the special number. Consulted with a fit specialist. And BAM, my shoes are on their way.

I am stoked to try some Mizuno's!

Anyone else like the ARC trainer?

To Minimal or To Not Minimal?

That is the question I have asked myself several times in the past year or so.

The craze of minimalist running has hit the market hard. Of course, not everyone has jumped on board...but a lot of people have and let me tell ya, the people who are on that wagon, LOVE IT.

Battling through pain and injuries and shoe issues the past 6 months or so really pushed any thought of running in this type of shoe into the very back of my mind. And of course, being a newer runner, I err on the side of caution when the idea of switching things up crosses my mind. I'm still learning what works, what doesn't and how my body responds to change.

It would have been a very bad idea to try something new with what I had been dealing with earlier this year. But I'm healthy now (cross your fingers and toes please) and I've been toying with the idea. I think now that I have a solid base of running and am more in tune with my body....I can take the plunge. But honestly, who the heck could I trust to give me good information, a good shoe and some insight as a runner and not just a "salesperson"?

Enter Nathan of Tortoise & Hare Sports

Owners, Nathan and Rebecca

I had been anticipating the opening of his store for a few months and he finally got it up and running, and let me tell ya, he didn't disappoint.

I dragged Wade over there the other weekend to get some insight and an honest opinion from someone I trust and I think I got more than an just opinion....I got an education. Nathan is soft spoken, calm and immediately put me at ease while I asked question after question. He never made me feel stupid, or made me feel like he was just answering a question to hear himself talk as I have experienced in the past with running shoe shopping.

His store is modern, simple and minimalist...just like his outlook on running and shoes. He has a single treadmill and uses his iPad and a very hightech software program to analyze form, gait, and a bunch of other stuff I can't speak intelligently about. (big surprise) The store doesn't have a lot of frills or extra product floating around. He was clearly thoughtful in his selection of shoes, clothing and accessories....and I like that.

Brands I noticed and liked: Brooks (duh), Oiselle, Picky Bars, Lole (I HAVE to own the Run-up shorts someday), Garmin and many others new and old to me.

The product wall are looking much "beefier" these days.

He gave me 3 pairs to try and naturally I went for the Brooks PureCadence. Lightweight, yet offers support for someone like me who needs it.

From the Brooks Website:

"Lean construction fuses with a responsive fit in the PureCadence. For Guidance to Support runners, this shoe delivers more support through smart, streamlined features such as a wider Nav Band that’s locked in to the medial strike pod. A reinforced heel counter secures the foot and the internal PDRB helps prevent overpronation. The PureCadence gives runners who need more stability the chance to experience the feel of a natural foot strike with a lightweight, breathable shoe.

Just like our core line, we hold PureProject to the industry’s highest weartest and durability standards. Because of their lightweight construction and fewer materials, runners should generally expect shoes from the PureProject line to last approximately 250-300 miles".

I will be taking it slow and starting out with mini runs of about 1 mile and slowing building up...I'll post after my first run in them which will likely be tomorrow morning! I'm also looking forward to attending my first Good Form Running Class this weekend (Saturday) that will be taught by Olympian and Good Form Running guru, Grant Robison.

Any Phoenix friends are welcome to join me!

As you might have seen, my shiny new shoes arrived last week and I have to admit that I'm a lil nervous to try these. But very excited.


Here's to me not tripping, falling, or hurting myself.

Whoops.

In an attempt to soften the blow of my damage, I indulged Wade in his first LuluMan running tank. I think it worked, he wasn't even mad. 

God I'm brilliant.

Shoe Love - Part 2

Of the running kind.

I think I'm in love.

I may not be fast, but I look cute being slow. More on these bad boys later.