New Shoes Ordered

I finally ordered some new running shoes. I've been needing some new ones, but have been putting off buying them, between giving the foot some rest and the hectic pace of grad school. I read a blog post this morning that reminded of the importance of making time for exercise, though, and it inspired me to make worn out running shoes an excuse of the past!

Stay tuned!

New Orthotics, New Shoes

I picked up my new orthotics on Monday, and last evening I got a fresh pair of Brooks Dyads to put them in. I've worned the orthotics since I picked them up Monday morning, and even walked twice yesterday--once on the treadmill yesterday morning before work, and then outside late yesterday on a break. I'm pretty tired today, probably a combination of getting accustomed to the new orthotics, and getting my strength back from being out last week with the flu. I've had laryngitis for a week now, a secondary viral infection from the flu, and trying to talk at work makes me tired too. I'm eager to lean into my half marathon training and test the limits of my new orthotics, but my body is telling me to ease into things! Meanwhile, I'm trying to get more rest and drink plenty of liquids.

Tired Monday

I was a bit weary when I woke up this morning, but I made it to the gym anyway, and am glad I did!

1) Walked 1.68 miles (30:04 min) on the treadmill
2) Ran 0.53 mile (7:02 min) on the treadmill, breaking in my new running shoes
3) Rode 2.7 miles (15 min) on the recumbent bike

Afterward, I'm still feeling tired, but more awake.

Getting Back on Track

Late yesterday, I starting feeling the post-half marathon exhaustion starting to lift, thank goodness! I was wondering how long it would last, or if something else was going on in my body or mind. I think the new pair of running shoes has helped, both physically and psychologically. The new cushioning helps my feet, legs, and hips, and the new shoes mark the new I'm-a-half-marathoner era.

This morning I started with 2.77 miles (15 minutes) on the recumbent bike, and followed it with 2.8 miles (35:07 minutes) on the treadmill at a 0.5-1% incline. Felt good to run a bit farther in training.

No Running Today, Looking for Shoe Advice

The plantar fasciitis in my left foot is acting up this morning, so I decided to stay off the treadmill and roads and just ride the recumbent bike in the hotel's workout room. I ended up going 40 minutes, and the "dashboard" on the bike said I went 8.66 miles. That seems like more than the effort I put into it! Perhaps it's calibrated differently from the recumbent bike I use at the gym near home.

I realized when I was packing up for our trip that my newer running shoes are more worn that my previous shoes on the outside of each heel. I'm trying to decide whether to run in one or the other pair for the half marathon, or to buy a new pair Saturday morning to run in on Sunday. The past couple of days, I've worked out in the older, less worn shoes, then walked around (touristy things) in my newer, but more worn shoes. I'm not sure if this is playing into my pf acting up or not. Possibility. Any advice?

Just the Bike

My legs are a bit sore (and I'm a bit tired) from last evening's run at Umstead State Park, so I just did 30 minutes on the recumbant bike this morning.

I'm thinking about doing my long run by myself in the morning. I'm scheduled to do 12 for the half marathon, but have been stuck at 10-ish on my long run Saturdays of late. I'm getting a bit discouraged about talking about my bum feet to the Galloway group; I wonder if they think I'm complaining and not doing anything about it! Truth be known, I have been delaying a bit, since seeing a specialist and getting orthotics, or even getting good running shoes (which I have already)...it all gets expensive, and I'm trying to weigh the foot issues with other things I'm saving for. Orthotics-probably the route I'll go in time, cost $400-500! Yikes! That's on top of decent running shoes, which wear out, and cost in the $100 neighborhood.

In the big scheme of things, this running thing is a hobby of mine, but it's a really important hobby! Would I spend this kind of money on any other hobby? Probably not in one chunk. My feet rarely bother me when I'm going through the day, doing normal things. So, I'll probably start socking money away for orthotics, or wait my healthcare reimbursement account can be flush again. (My current balance is down to a couple of dollars, should've put more in, but didn't anticipate the broken nose plus physical therapy for a groin strain.) That money would be pretax, which is nice, if I can wait a few more months.

New Shoes and the Gym

I bought some new running shoes today, a pair of Brooks (Adrenaline GTS 7), at Raleigh Running Outfitters. Yay! Can't wait to try them out tomorrow. Meanwhile, I did 60 minutes on the elliptical this morning. Still enjoying the new gym; it's a nice change of scenery overall, and I just realized that it reminds me a little of the first gym in Durham where I started doing early morning workouts. The elliptical machines at the new place, like the old one, are located near the front of the gym, where the big windows are. Granted, it's in a strip mall, so the view isn't great, but still, it's nice to bea able to see the morning sky bloom as the sun rises.

Longer on the elliptical

This morning I did 65 minutes on the elliptical, felt strong. Watched the morning news for a while on the elliptical machine's monitor, then switched to music on the iPod. (After a while the news stories keep repeating, and the weather is the sme ole story this week.) I'm still enjoying the NPR podcasts, and have added some new music to boot. Afterward, I did a little strength training (upper body).

I tried to go get some new running shoes at 9th Street Active Feet a couple nights ago, after a good reminder from B. about the importance of good running shoes, especially with my plantar fasciitis. Alas, they were about 25 minutes from closing, and they needed more time for the consultation and all. I'll try again this weekend, there or at one of the other area stores that takes time with shoe fittings. B. suggested Raleigh Running Outfitters, and I've heard good things about Fleet Feet in Carrboro.

Another morning workout

This morning I spent another 65 minutes on the elliptical machine. There are some "new" people getting on the ellipticals in my normal spot, so I've had to relocate to another area of the gym. Today I worked out next to a lady, very fit and skinny, who's in the gym nearly every day that I am. She surprised me today by asking me about my new shoes, if I liked them, and where I bought them. I gave an honest, but good report. I also told her about my falling arches, and the orthotics I'm trying out. She asked if I'd seen a podiatrist, and I told her the doctor had suggested I'd try out the over-the-counter orthotics first, but that he'd refer me to a podiatrist if needed. It was a fun little conversation to have with her, and a welcome distraction from the exercise.

New running shoes

Well, I had a good appointment with the dietician yesterday. We talked a lot about reading food labels, and the importance of my needing good tools when I finish going to the Rice House: food scales, measuring cups and spoons, things like that.

Last evening I went to the New Balance store and got a new pair of New Balance running shoes. Of course, they felt great this morning at the gym! I did another 65 minutes on the elliptical this morning. Talking with one of my new gym acquaintances really helped a lot at the end. Unfortunately, the scales didn't reward my efforts this morning, as I weighed the same as yesterday.

After buying the shoes last evening, I was tempted to cheat at a Mexican restaurant called Moe's, next door to the shoe place. I stood firm, though, and went to a nail salon across the parking lot instead. I have pretty, polished fingernails today. :-)

I got an email today from my Junior League committee chair, and our first committee meeting will be next week at a local restaurant called Nana's, which I hear is very good. I don't know that it's very Rice Diet-friendly. :-( I've got the number, and plan to call and inquire about the menu ahead of time, so I don't have to come across as making a fuss in front of the group.