Thursday, March 30, 2006

Running & Potato Chips

First, I finally went to the specialty running shoes that's near my house. I really like the store and the employee there really knows running shoes. First, he had me stand on my bare feet then bend my knees, then he had me walk barefoot. Based on that he deduced that I had neutral, low arch feet. He had me try 3 running shoes (Asics 2110, Adidas, & Mizuno) that are 1/2 size bigger than my normal size. They all felt good, but the Mizuno was lighter on my feet. He then had me running outside on the sidewalk and it turned out that while I run, my right feet kind of turn inward, which means I was slightly pronated. He recommended that I get the stability shoes instead which was the Asics 2110, which was what I ended up buying.

It turned out that the sneakers I already have, the Asics 2010, is the correct one. The Asics 2110 is the upgraded model. Bear in mind, I knew nothing about running shoes & I bought my previous sneakers based on a friend's recommendation & not thinking how my feet are. The moral of this story is, I didn't need to get evaluated at all (LOL!). However, it was still good education for me and it's better to be sure than regret it later. The price is pretty steep though - $89.99! I know, it's probably average for good running shoes. Just think, I have to get 2 new pairs of sneakers every 6 months - one to leave at the gym (I'm very forgetful!) & one to leave at home! Yikes!

The employee there was really friendly. He told me about a running club that meets in their store throughout the week. There's a beginner's group that meets on Monday nights and he invited me to go to that one. They run on the nearby trail & they make sure that nobody runs alone. He then told me that they run for approx. 3.5 miles at about 10 minute/mile pace and I just started laughing! If this is beginner's level, I must be pathetic! I told him I'm about 3 miles/32 minutes pace on a treadmill! He said that shouldn't be a problem & that I would be surprised how much I could do until I actually do it. This is something that I would be interested in, but I think I'd rather do things on my own first, evaluate my capability & build up my endurance/speed before I join. But this is a possibility for the future.

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Workout has been ongoing. Yesterday morning (fasted state), I did 45 minutes of spinning in the morning followed by abs (physio ball & dumbells). Today, I didn't wake up early enough. But I took advantage of the nice weather and went for a brisk walk at work after lunch (approx. 2.5 miles). When I got home, I put on my new Asics running shoes & went for a run around my development (~2.8 miles). I walked a little bit during warm-up & cool-down, and then for a couple of minutes in between after a hard hill run, but that's about it. Most of it was running! I could have run some more but it was getting dark so headed for home. I was so proud of myself! I want to keep doing this & hopefully improve enough that I don't embarass myself if I do decide to join that running club.

I haven't really been doing much weight lifting. I've been doing lots of push-ups here & there but that's about it.

As for my next challenge, I think I have a pretty good idea on what I want to do. I'm still reading through it, so stay tuned!

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Eating has been okay. However, I have been indulging in some potato chips. This is one of my weakness in terms of junk food and I haven't had one in a looooong time. Even during my last 12-weeks challenge! Jeez, I can't even remember the last time I had one! So anyways, I'm indulging this week, get it out of my system, then it's back to clean eating next week.

4 comments:

Rachel said...

Funny, I was just talking to my physical therapist about joining a beginner's running club... wish you were in my same town. I'm so afraid of joining a club and being the only one that sucks at running. I'm always so afraid of everything. GRRRRR!

Enjoy your potato chips while you can!

xo, Rachel

Melissa said...

Come on over here and we can run together. :) Great job on the running!!

I have a friend who's a potato chip junkie, and loves anything salty. Myself? I'm a sugar addict. Can't seem to walk by a warm chocolate brownie without salivating. OMG did I just say chocolate? That's another weakness...

Donna said...

I really wish that I knew of a store around here that would be that thorough in fitting me for running sneakers. I need to get a new pair and I dread it. Everytime I buy a new pair I end up with blisters, which sidelines me from running for about a week. I wish our gym had a running club, I'd be all for that. Last year I was running with my neighbor, which was great, but, she can't go until after her husbands gets home from work, which is about 5:30. I get out of work at 4:00 and like to get it over with right away. She's already been asking me when we should start running again and I'm afraid to tell her that I just don't want to wait for her. I don't want to hurt her feelings. I don't mind doing that like once a week, but not every time.

My husband is the chip eater in our house. Me, I'm like Melissa, love sweets!

Unknown said...

Hey girl...cool deal on the running shoes. Yeah..I know about the indulging thing!! I'm interested to see what your plans are gonna be for your next challenge. On your running, for myself, I find that I run faster outside. Ok, not any huge break-neck speed mind you, but it's a lot different than the treadmill..but I am sure you know it!! You've been kicking some major ass in your runs, so I know you won't have a problem with the 10" a mile group! Have a good weekend. Dede