Foam Roller and New Shoes

Have I mentioned how much I love running warehouse?

Recently I received an email from them for an additional 20% off on competition shoes, winter clothing, etc... After reviewing some of the road racing shoes they have on sale, I settled on a close out pair of Nike LunaRacer+ 2's. For $47, you can't beat it! I just hope I like them. I've never run in any other shoe but Brooks Adrenaline's. I've been considering a flat racing style shoe for some time now, but was going to hold off until I could make it to the running store. The price drew me in and I did something I never do with running shoes...purchased on a whim. I also purchased a foam roller. I can't wait for it to arrive so I can begin using it. I really think my left hamstring and hip will thank me! I've been having some tightness and discomfort in my left leg after I run and am hoping that foam rolling will help ease the tension!

New Kicks!

After my whining in the previous update, I am hoping these will help turn things around.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10's



I love new running shoes. I love the new shoe smell, I love how my feet feel on that first run, it's heaven.

In my opinion, these are the best GTS Brooks have put out since the 7's. The toe box is slightly narrower, better cushion & arch support, lower profile design and lighter then all others. I can't wait to hit the pavement tomorrow!

Week 1, Day 1 of half marathon training

Although my next half is a trail half marathon, I have decided to follow a training program. I am using Hal Higdon's intermediate half training program. I have used his programs in the past for my half marathons and for the marathon and really enjoyed them.

http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/inter.htm

On day 1, it is strength and stretching. Since my upper body is sore from lifting both Friday & Saturday, I will be spending my time at the gym focusing on lower body strength training and core work. I plan to do lots of squats, lunges, stability ball work, abs using the medicine ball, etc... I will finish the work out with 20-30 minutes on the AMT set at 20%.

I've also started researching trail shoes. My dad loves Brooks Cascadias and although they work for him, who knows if they will work for me. I currently run in Brooks Adrenalines GTS and have since February 2007. I plan to go to Running Fit this week to get fitted for a trail shoe. Unfortunately, I am going to do something I am kind of against. I will get fitted and then find them cheaper on line. The reasoning behind this is because I am not even sure I will enjoy trail running! Why spend $100+ on a pair of shoes at the store when I can try to find last years model at a discounted price! The reason I am some-what against ordering off the Internet is because most of my local running store plan and sponsor races and I want to be able to give back. I will be purchasing my Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10's in the next month or two, so I guess I can give back then.

I also convinced Chris to order new shoes. He doesn't run races, but I still want him to have a good shoe for when he does run. He runs the treadmill and road for cardio and may try to run a race with me in the future. He is going to try Brooks as well. I told him to get fitted, but he won't. Hopefully these shoes work well for him.

I need new shoes!

And last night is when I realized it. I started to feel pains in my shins and knees that I normally do not have. I thought about when I bought my last pair of shoes and I couldn't remember! I know it was just before or just into marathon training. I really need to start being better about recording the mileage my shoes have instead of waiting for pains to appear.

So, next week I am off to the store to get my shoes. Sadly, the ones I have now have only seen one half marathon and one 10K. They are jealous of my other pairs that got to see 2 half marathons and various other races.

Week 1, Day 1

The day has finally arrived; my first day of marathon training. And it's a rest day. Yep, you read correctly, a rest day! How am I supposed to rest when I have been counting down to the start of my training? Well, instead of resting, I intend to do core work tonight. I am sure it won't hurt my training.

I also wanted to introduce everyone to my shoes. Since my blog is named after them, I figured it was only right to let them have there 5 minutes of fame. :-)

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 9's