I WENT SHOPPING!

I am such a product whore.  It's a problem, really.  Show me a shiny new toy and I'm all over it.  So of course, on my day off, I'd convinced myself that I needed new shoes and headed over to my local running store, RoadRunner Running Store.  I had started out in Nike Triax 14s and decided that I needed more cushion on longer runs since I had reached more substantial mileage.  I made the mistake of buying the Asics GEL-Nimbus 13 from Dick's, right off the rack.  They felt great on my feet but hey!  Surprise, I'm not a neutral runner.  The Nike Triax 14s that the kind folks at RoadRunner had originally put me in were given to me for a reason.  Whoops.

I had my eye on the Asics GEL-Kayano 18s because my running "coach" (aka mentor, awesome dude) had mentioned that Asics were awesome, and this model was a stability shoe.  RoadRunner had this model and I tried them on -- LOVE!  The only color they had was white, and I'm really hard on white shoes; at $150 a pop, I'd like them to be looking lovely for more than an hour.  So they offered to order me the color I had requested -- see below!!

Ok, these shoes are so rad.  I mean -- hello, they have HOT PINK parts on them!  And the dark silvery grey is really nice too, it'll withstand lots of dust and dirt.  Here's another glamour shot:

I took them out for a spin today; 2 miles was all I could manage after my debacle over the last couple of days (screaming, tight calves, blah blah -- sad story).  These shoes are really amazing; they provide the stability that my grandma legs need along with superb cushioning.  They are flashy and comfortable -- woo!!

I also picked up some other goodies while I was shopping, including some Asics socks and The Range Roller -- a cousin to the ever-popular The Stick.  I asked the dudes at the store which they preferred, and they said The Range Roller was better because of the little extra bumpy parts (the black rings stick out a bit farther).  And they had one in pink!!

After my run today I immediately took The Range Roller to my tired calves and quads.  It was really awesome -- I've tried The Stick as well, and I think I prefer this model.  The little extra bumps really "get in there" and make it an effective form of therapy.  It hurt like crap, but it needed to be done.  I hadn't been stretching properly and paying attention to my muscle fatigue, so I think that's what got me into this 2-miles-is-all-I-can-manage boat in the first place.  Safety first!

And just for giggles, here's a photo of my current shoe rotation.  I have another pair of the Nike Triax 14s in white, but they look old and sad so here's the pink version.  I added the laces with the stars.  Of course!  L to R: Nike Triax 14, Asics GEL-Kayano 18, Asics GEL-Nimbus 13 (reserved for short runs).

Happy running!

BUT I AM LE TIRED

Over the course of the past few days, I've had a lesson in my own energy levels.  Note to self: they  are exhaustible.

I have a really bad habit of starting out on a long, "slow and easy" run and turning it into something completely different.  If I get through my first mile at a pace faster than I anticipated, I start thinking "Oh!  I'm going faster!  Let's see how fast mile 2 can get..." and the original intent of my run is out the window.  I am trying to prepare for a 10k race and would really like a decent time, so I (mistakenly) thought that this type of training would make me better, faster, stronger (thanks Kanye).  I mean, I knew better than this -- but in the moment, it's harder to resist than it sounds.

Needless to say, this type of running caught up with me.  Last Friday I went out for my "long" run and after a mile and a quarter, I had to stop.  Like, bent over, heaving stop.  My body was just telling me "no, no, and HELL to the no."  I had eaten well, I had slept 12 hours the night before, and even taken an hour and a half long nap.  But my body was just in catch-up mode.  I had used up my adrenaline and "race energy" on my training runs because I wasn't doing them properly and getting what I needed to out of them.  I was pretty scared at first, because it's an unnerving feeling to want to get a task done and realize there's no gas in the tank.  But I met my run coach (aka head of our running group) at the track the next morning for a mini evaluation with a heart rate monitor.  Turns out not only had I burned up all my energy reserves, but I had sorely been neglecting my calves.  He took to them with The Stick and rolled them til I thought they must be cookie dough.  I was squealing like a child, screaming even, because it hurt.  But a couple of days later, with a day of borrowed 2XU compression sleeves on them, and they feel much better.  (On my shopping list now: 2XU compression tights.)

Moral of the story: take it easy (most of the time).  I was heading down Injury Road, I tell ya that.  So I've given myself permission to take a few days off from running to mend, rebuild, etc. so that I feel fresh when I go back.  I also work retail, and today is inventory day (yikes!) so I will probably drag myself to my bed tonight after what's fixing to be an 11 hour work day.  Tomorrow -- vacation day!  And maybe an easy run?

P. S.  I may or may not have gotten a new treat -- photos soon, they are fierce!!

BOOK REVIEW: KARA GOUCHER'S RUNNING FOR WOMEN

I got this book for Christmas.  Since I'm still fairly new to running, I wanted a guide to the sport that was easy to follow and I am a fan of Kara Goucher.  I like that she tries to be an ambassador for running and seems to be so approachable and friendly.  The book is written very much in this style.

The book will take you through various aspects of the sport, from the very beginning (what do you need? Shoes, clothes, gear, etc.) all the way through marathons (including training plans) and tips for a lifetime of healthy running.  There's even a chapter on running while pregnant and running after children.  Other topics covered are: nutrition, strength training, racing, fartlek and tempo runs, etc. 

The book, while thorough and packed with information, is written in a bullet-point style and is split up into lots of chapters and mini-chapters.  It was great for me, because I took this book to work and read snippets whenever I had the chance.  The writing style really lends itself to this type of reading.  If you're looking to sit down and read something intensely, novel-style, the stop and start style of this writing may get to you.  But seeing as how it's really more of an informational guide-book, I expected this type of writing.

You can tell that Kara tried to write this book (with her co-author) in a way that was friendly, as if she were talking directly to you.  As a new runner, I appreciated this approach; more seasoned runners may a) not find as much new or exciting material in this book and b) be put-off by her approach to various topics.  As a female runner, she talks about things like looking cute while she runs, sex before races (!) and whether or not guys in your running group may be attracted to you.  I personally wasn't bothered by any of this, as I just don't take things like that too seriously.  You want to talk about running in a skirt?  Cool!  I love running skirts.  Wearing mascara during a workout?  Sure, why not look good whenever you can, if you feel the urge?  It doesn't mean you're any less hardcore.  Kara Goucher's an elite, world class athlete, for crap's sake.

I would recommend this book, for sure.  I bookmarked the pages with the training plans as I thought they were particularly helpful (straightforward, simple, and for multiple race lengths).  Kara also stays away from too much complicated jargon so this is a great book for beginners.  Pick this book up at your local bookstore, or check it out on Amazon!

EW, NASTY WEATHER

So it's been in the 30s and misty all weekend.  I've had to work at the mall, which has been surprisingly busy (what do you people need to buy so badly?!) -- so my running has taken a hit.  Next up, four miles tomorrow!  And maybe...new shoes?  Woo hoo!

DANGERS OF DISTANCE RUNNING?

Since I've started running (and progressing!), I've become increasingly more excited about what's to come for me in the sport.  Like probably every beginner, I look forward to the day when I can complete a half marathon or maybe even a full 26.2.  If other people can do it, I can do it - right?  Well, as a frequent reader of the Runner's World forums, I came across a post this morning about distance running and cardiac arrest.  Uh oh.  Insert sobering pause.

The post was about a young man who had run a marathon and had collapsed due to a heart attack upon crossing the finish line.  There was some discussion about whether the human heart was designed to work that hard, and for that long.  As runners, when we see progress we are tempted to push farther and faster because our body has accepted what we've thrust upon it.  So we assume that it can take more.  Every smart beginner will start by building miles and speed slowly -- but is there a threshold for some, or most, of what the body can take?  My excitement about running such long distances one day was immediately tempered.

I did a bit more digging on the subject and read a few more articles, like this one.  The general consensus seems to be that most cardiac incidences were brought about by previously undiagnosed, underlying conditions of which the runners were unaware.  In a nutshell, if it wasn't the distance running, it was going to be something else -- sooner rather than later.  While a bit comforting to know that there was at least a reason behind the marathon-related deaths, it brought home to me that none of us are invincible.  

I know it's said again and again, but remember -- before starting an intense exercise program, check with your doctor!  After I train for and complete my upcoming 10k at the end of March, I plan to start training for a half marathon next winter/spring.  I am also going to hustle myself to my doctor and request a treadmill stress test based on my distance running plans.  Don't be the undiagnosed percentage -- be responsible, and get a head to toe checkup before subjecting your body to such intense training.  Running is great for you, but do it with a clear conscience knowing that your body is ready.  Run responsibly and run with happiness!

ONE OF "THOSE DAYS"

I woke up yesterday feeling really tired, even though I had slept for 10+ hours (yeah, I know, I need a lot of sleep).  I hadn't run since my epic fartlek workout on Monday, so I knew I needed to lace up my shoes and head outside.  I knew I would feel better once I was actually in the run, chugging along, and doing something good for my body.

The first mile went along pretty smoothly, but my energy levels quickly depleted.  By the time I hit two miles, at an average pace of 12+ minutes per mile, I knew I wasn't going to make it to 3.  At 2.5 miles, my legs were begging me to stop and I was wheezing like a lifelong smoker.  Ahhh!

The key is realizing that everyone has "off" days.  As tempted as I was to be disappointed with my performance, I thought back on the awesome workouts I've had in the past two weeks and cut myself a break.  After all -- there was a time when I thought running a mile all the way through was impossible.  And here I am, beating myself up over a 2.5 mile run, because I don't think it's enough.  Really?!  Look at that progress!  I realized that I had nothing to be upset about.

I got back to the house and cooled off, drank my water, etc. -- and it hit me.  The lack of energy and the sandbags-in-my-shoes feeling; could there be an explanation?  I took out my pack of birth control pills -- lo and behold, I was halfway through my "pre-period" week.  There it was, right in front of my face -- the explanation of my energy woes.  I rolled my eyes at my own inability to put the pieces together, and sat down to enjoy my lunch before heading to work.  I was not a slacker; I was just an athlete having an icky day.  So embrace those days -- they will only make your good days seem that much better!

ON RAIN AND FARTLEK TRAINING...

I woke up this morning well-rested and feeling much better than I did yesterday.  My legs felt fresher and I felt like I had a bit more energy.  I took it easy this morning and relaxed, had my cereal and coffee, and watched the Today show like I always do - with Lizzie snuggled up next to me, of course!  It was a great way to start the day.

At around noon I watched the news (I always do - I'm such a nerd) and found out that a big batch of rain was coming in.  So of course, I suited up and headed out!  Thinking that I wouldn't completely miss the rain, I put on my new Lululemon running hat (on sale!) and my new Run: Essential Jacket -- on sale for $69, marked down from $118!

My gear really worked out perfectly -- it started lightly raining about halfway through my run, and I was dry and comfy the whole time.

I felt like I needed to work a bit on my speed, so I experimented with fartlek training for the first time.  I warmed up by jogging for about a quarter mile, and then chose random spots (usually block to block) where I ran faster.  Then I chose a segment during which to recover, which varied depending on how hard I ran/how tired I felt.  I tried not to push myself too far, and positive thinking really helped -- during the stretches where I pushed it, I kept mentally repeating "push, push!" and envisioned a graceful, gazelle-like runner with powerful strides.  I probably looked a lot less like that, but the visualization really helped!  I also had to remind myself during the recovery portions that I needed to take it easy, or I wouldn't be ready for the next fast stretch.  Control is so important.

I ended up finishing the 3 miles in 33:55, with an average pace of 11:18 -- a vast improvement over yesterday's icky run!  I'm not sure I've ever covered this distance at a pace this fast.  It's days like today, where everything seems to come together and you feel powerful and strong, that really remind me why I love running.  I felt like a total ninja!  I can't wait to see what other improvements I can make in the coming months.

I also get to go to the track tonight to meet my running group for strength training, along with the medicine ball and balance board.  Woohoo!

HAPPY MONDAY!

Happy Monday from Lizzie, my 2 year old pit bull!  (And spoiled rotten princess.)  Hope everyone is having a great start to the week, with wings on your shoes and runs that are swift!

A NEW MILESTONE

I ran yesterday for the first time since my New Year's Day 5k.  I didn't mean to go so long this week without running, it just kind of happened -- the retail schedule can get kind of iffy sometimes.  I was determined to make yesterday's run a "longer run" (my longest distance to date was 4 miles).  I'm still trying to figure out pacing, so I just kept telling myself "go slow, go slow."  My ideal "comfy" pace right now is about 12:30 -- that's the pace at which I feel that I could go forever.  So I tried to keep it right around there.

The miles ticked off one by one, and by the time I hit 3 miles I felt pretty good.  I said to myself "I bet I can do 5 today" -- and that turned into "I'm gonna do 5 today!!"  The mind is a beautiful thing, really.  You can really think something into being.  If you visualize it and really focus on it, you can make it happen.  So by 4 miles, I was still feeling good and keeping it easy, and managed my way to 5.  By the time I stopped to walk and cool down my legs felt like noodles -- I had been running for so long the momentum made me feel wobbly.  I managed the five miles in 1:03, which puts me on track for a 1:15 finish in the 10k coming up at the end of March.  I'm so excited to have reached such a milestone!  I never in a million years thought I'd be able to run 2 miles, much less 5.  The newest goal on my horizon now is the Disney Princess Half in 2013; can I do it?  I can do it!!

THE LUST LIST

Joining the ranks of the running has also introduced me to a host of running "goodies" that I just have to have (of course).  I have a long list of things that I'd eventually like to buy -- but I'd like to feature a few here every now and then, to hopefully keep me satisfied while I save up.  Heh.

RUNNING SKIRTS "RUNLOVE" COMPRESSION SOCKS IN AZURE

These are just so adorable -- and functional!  I first saw these on a vendor at the "Run Like A Girl" 8k.  She had them on in black, and I was instantly obsessed.  They can help you run longer distances with less pain, and can aid with recovery after a long run.  What's not to love?

TEAM SPARKLE SPARKLE SKIRT IN LIGHT BLUE

I ran my second 5k on New Year's Day in the Gunmetal Sparkle Skirt.  I had the best time, and PR'd!  I got so many compliments on my fun, flashy skirt and I felt so great running in it.  The ladies at Team Sparkle are fabulous and even double-checked their inventory when I inquired about the Gunmetal being sold out in a Small.  A couple of days later my new Sparkle Skirt arrived (with free shipping!) and was ready to race in.  I can't wait to get this gorgeous pale blue color next!

SWEATY BANDS "VIVA DIVA" SUPER SKINNY IN PINK

I mean, come on, y'all.  It's a sparkly pink headband.  I think it needs no introduction.  I have a wider Sweaty Band (that I picked up at the aforementioned "Run Like A Girl" 8k) and let me tell you -- they really don't slip.  I mean, they don't budge.  They're the best headbands I've tried so far, the rest that I have require the use of double bobby pins.  Hair in your face = super annoying, so I think the $15 price tag is worth it.

I AM A RUNNER

So I started running (well, conditioning) back in May of 2011.  I was feeling like a lazy slug, coming home from work and flopping onto my couch with a bag of potato chips to watch QVC.  I needed to make a change.  So I decided to email my local running group and I showed up at 6 a.m. the next day.  It was a decision that changed my life (cliche, I know, but true) -- since then I have gone from barely being able to run a lap around a track to completing my second 5k.  I've come to enjoy running so much that I thought I'd blog about my experiences to document my improvement, as I intend to eventually (hopefully!) run a marathon.  Hooray!  

A bit about me --

• Name: Katherine
• Age: 27
• Health: good, a touch of arthritis in right knee, what a pain
• PRs: 5k, 35:56 (1/1/12)
• Location: VA
• Shoes: Asics GEL-Nimbus 13 (<3)

Stay tuned for race reports, training recaps, and product reviews, I love buying new running gear.