Running Socks Report
July 29th, 2010 § 1 Comment
When I was a newbie to running, I figured socks are socks and any pair would do to run in. The hella blisters that ensued were enough to send me on the hunt for some socks designed specifically to run in. I came across the Balega Hidden Comfort socks at one of my local running stores (Sole Sports) and liked that they had a raised section at the back of the ankle b/c my shoes are notorious for rubbing the skin there. They seemed a little thick for running in the Arizona heat, but I figured I’d give them a try and see how they worked out.
More than a year later I have accumulated four pairs of these socks and I love them. I always run in them and never have problems with blisters. They are super comfy, breathable and not restrictive. Judging by their grayish color – which started out as stark white – I thought it would be best to replace them. When I went back to the same running store to pick up a pair, I was bummed to see that they didn’t carry what I was looking for anymore. Internet to the rescue! I searched the Web and found a site that offers them for $8.95 per pair plus free two-day shipping. I snagged myself two pairs and am anxiously waiting for them to arrive tomorrow. Balega also carries other men’s and women’s running socks that are also carried on the site mentioned above.
Should I try other running socks? Probably. But for now, I’m going to continue enjoying my Balega’s. If you have any tips on running socks that I can try out, let me know!
Words of Wisdom Wednesday
July 28th, 2010 § Leave a Comment
“The most essential factor is persistence – the determination never to allow your energy or enthusiasm to be dampened by the discouragement that must inevitably come.” –James Whitcomb Riley
I was on the dreadmill last night for the first run of my 19-week training schedule for the CIM. Before I even got to the gym I could tell that I was in a crappy mood because of my nagging foot problem. Day after day I can tell my foot hasn’t healed completely and I am frickin’ sick and tired of. I’ve been trying to be cautious and ride my bike more until it gets better, but not running as much has given me a case of runner’s injury depression. (By the way, I Googled that phrase and it really happens!)
When you enjoy doing something and you’ve made it such a routine part of your life and then suddenly something out of your control is preventing you from doing it, you can’t help by feel crappy and cranky that you can’t fix what’s wrong and get back to it. Maybe that’s it; maybe it’s the being out of control part that’s really bothering me. Either way, it sucks. But as any other runner would do, I got back to it; even if it’s only for a few miles. So onto the treadmill I went.
Verdict: foot still bothering me, but it’s been worse so that’s a good sign, right? Orthotics: check. Slight incline on the treadmill: check. A slower pace for shorter runs: check. My persistence will pay off in the end; it’s just getting there that’s a pain in the butt! Hopefully Thursday’s short run will show more signs of progress this stupid foot thing is going away (fingers crossed).
Another Marathon in the Works
July 26th, 2010 § 2 Comments
Yep, the title of this post says it all. I’m going to be running my crazy butt all over Gilbert and where ever else my training takes me for the next 19 weeks to get ready for the California International Marathon (CIM).
This week marks week #1 of my training and I have to admit that I’m more nervous this time around than I was when I started training for my first marathon. Going through the training before has opened my eyes to how much it kicks your butt, the sacrifices you make along the way (toe nails, Friday night happy hours, even tan lines) and the absolute havoc a 20-mile run can have on your mind and body. I say – BRING IT ON!
The next 19 weeks will see me travel to Europe for the first time, run a half marathon, and turn the big 3-0. Along the way, I’ll be training to complete my second marathon. The last half of 2010 is sure to be kick-ass exciting and full of surprises. Let’s just hope those surprises don’t include any injuries (which is probably wishful thinking, but hey, I’ll handle them as they come).
