Ready to Run.
I bought a pair of fancy running shoes on Monday.
I bought a fancy pair of running shoes that will actually HELP me rather than HINDER me in my quest to become a better runner.
I bought a fancy pair of running shoes that will HELP rather than HINDER, and they cost over a hundred dollars.
People, this is serious.
I’m running a 5K in ten days. It may not seem like much, but it’s 3.1 MILES of running. Outside. With a ton of other people running alongside (okay, more like AHEAD OF) me.
And, um, hi. I’VE NEVER RUN THAT FAR IN REAL LIFE (you know, like, outdoors).
So I’m nervous. But I bought these fancy shoes because I was sick of the ones I’ve been wearing, which are uncomfortable and sweaty and painful and, I’m convinced, actually make running harder. And, okay, I’ll admit that up until last night when I ran on the treadmill in my new running shoes, I was actually more convinced that nothing could help me and that my uncomfortable shoes, while AWFUL, weren’t really the problem.
I am here to tell you that proper shoes are essential . And all you athletic types, you pros at being fit and fabulous — you probably already knew that. But it was a marvelous revelation to me when, upon stepping onto that treadmill in my beautiful Brooks Glycerin 7 shoes, it felt noticeably smoother to walk, and then to run.
And then, when I decided to try to run at 4.8 mph for five minutes, thinking I might make it to four but five would be the ultimate goal, and instead I TOTALLY did it?
That. Felt. GOOD.
So, last night at the gym, I ran a 14-minute mile (well, a combination of walking and running, but the point is, I did a mile in 14 minutes). And then another. And I could’ve probably done two more like that, but I’m starting slow. Tomorrow, if it’s not raining, Joe and I are going to run at the community college track. It’s been probably a year since the last time we ran on the track, but I’m looking forward to seeing how I do. I know the treadmill is not the same as running outside, but I think that the practice I’ve had these last weeks will definitely help me.
Between now and the 5K, I’m hoping to run (either outside or on a treadmill) at least four more times: tomorrow, Saturday, next Tuesday and next Thursday. That’s four opportunities to push myself a little farther, to sweat a little harder, and to perfect my running and breathing techniques a little more; four opportunities to see if I can stack up to the “real” runners who will be at this event. I have no illusions of actually being able to run the entire 3.1 miles without stopping to walk, because I’d need quite a bit more training before that kind of accomplishment. But if I can run a full mile, even? That would rock. And if I finish the whole race in under an hour, I’ll be stoked. That’s an average of 17 minutes per mile. Piece of cake, right?
Anyway, check out my sweet new kicks. (This is just a photo I found online, not the actual ones in my possession.)
i LOVE this post. hahahahaha i was laughing slash rooting for you the entire time!
at first I thought you were almost being sarcastic about the 17 minute miles, but then I realized you are actually doing it!! you’re going to run that 5K and you can TOTALLY do that in under an hour! I believe in you!!!
I remember I used to be completely scared by the 5k…and now i’m thinking maybe i CAN do a half marathon…one goal at a time, right??
OMG, YES YES YES, good shoes are imperative to a good run. They say 3 months or 500 miles … whichever milestone you hit first … that’s when you’re supposed to buy new shoes. Yes, every 3 months!
I don’t strictly follow that rule. Because, like you, my body tells me when my form is off. When my legs feel like lead each and every run. That’s when I know it’s time for new shoes. And it really is as glorious as you make it sound to run in brand new, stiff, ready to go shoes!
Congrats on the purchase and good luck with the training!
Great post! Good job on getting the shoes and good luck next weekend. You will do great.
Happy running,
Rundad
Best of luck! I went walking outside the other day and it felt amazing to get out and into the fresh air. I’m glad that you found the proper shoes and that you ran your 3 miles, thats awesome. You can so rock your race out in under an hour. Good luck these next few weeks!!
Have you heard of the Couch-to-5k program? It is such a good training schedule to get you running a 5k. You can jump into the program at whatever level you’re at, but it really gets your body ready. Seriously. Plus it helped me lose 10 pounds. Hooray!
I’m so proud of you for doing this. You inspire me to get running again. Can’t wait to hear how it goes.
I bought new Brooks running shoes that are almost IDENTICAL to yours! And my GOD, did they make a difference. I was running on a 4 year old pair of New Balance shoes that had holes in the bottom. I loved those shoes, but toward the end they were definitely making it harder. I love my new shoes! Good luck on your 5K!
Well done on the new shoes and the 14 minute mile/s!
Good luck for the 5k.
you go girl! I am SO NOT a runner, but I do know how important shoes are so good for you!
Oooh snazzy!! I’m pumped for you – congrats on the 14 minute mile! I have owned a treadmill for all of two weeks and my miles are nowhere near that yet
Good luck!!
Way to go! I’m excited/weirded out that those are basically my favorite running shoes … and let me tell you, I’ve had many a pair in my day.
What 5k are you doing? If you want any tips/tricks I’m more than happy to offer up a couple for the newbie!
That is super weird about the shoes! I’m doing a 5K at my alma mater, APU (Azusa Pacific). It’s a fundraiser for a few different ministries/organizations that the school runs, and it’s open to students, alumni and “friends” — so, basically, anyone.
I’m excited! And tips/tricks are always welcome — I’m probably way unprepared for this.
One thing that helped me *tons* when I was first getting serious about running is strength training.
I know the name can sound a little hard core – but when you’re starting out it can be as simple as doing 3 sets of 10 lunges per leg (no weights) anytime during the day a few times a week. As the lunges get easier, you can add simple moves like squats or whatever you are comfortable doing. Sit-ups (or any core work) is great too because when your core is strong your form improves, making everything more efficient.
Not to ramble or get too technical, but the reason strength training is so important is that by stressing your muscles in this way, it creates strong ligaments and tendons to support your joints, which helps prevent injury. It’s good for your bones, and as your legs get stronger it will help your endurance, help you recover faster, and even boosts your metabolism to better convert food into energy.
All in all, the benefits will really show when you run because you’ll start to notice it all becomes MUCH easier.
Haha, okay I’m done.
I bought Brooks shoes over the weekend too
Mine are the Ariel ones because I am a severe over-pronater so I needed “super control,” shoes with inserts. They were definitely over $100. But running with them is fabulous! My old shoes did the job, but it wasn’t fabulous like it is now. I have no doubt you’ll kick a$$ at your upcoming 5K!
How crazy that you got Brooks shoes too! Man, I wish we lived near each other so we could run together in our sweet same-brand shoes!
james and i are starting our ‘get-less-fat’ campaign tonight. with a run.
i’m excited.
and piece of advice for you: breathe with your steps. for example – inhale for two steps, exhale for two steps. this is good because it helps regulate your breathing and it helps you to maintain a pace because you have to breathe as fast as you have to breathe and so you time your steps with it and it also ensures that you are taking deep enough breaths and not little shallow ones.
it’s also a really good idea to work your core if you’re going to be “serious” about running. mostly because your core is going to help stabilize your body which means fewer injuries. and LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! if it hurts, don’t assume it’s nothing (don’t assume you’re going to die either). there’s good hurt that you can run through and then there’s bad hurt and you NEED to stop. trust me.
i’m a runner type, so any q’s you got can go to me. and yes, i know this advice is probably REALLY REALLY REALLY after you need it. oh wells.