Gotta be the shoes
I wanted to see just how good my training was going, so I did my first two training runs of the week with an increased paced. And I exceeded my expectations.
My Tuesday four-miler was done in 34 minutes, 59 seconds, and I clocked in on my Wednesday seven-miler in 1 hour, 5 minutes, 6 seconds. Of course, the payback came Thursday during my four-mile run when my legs were fatigued from pushing hard the previous two days. Still, I finished in 37 minutes, 59 seconds, which I was pleased about.
And I can’t tell you how much I like my new running shoes, which surprises me because I wore an old New Balance model for my first four marathons. I made the change because I wasn’t getting enough mileage out of my old ones.
After 200 or so miles (yes, I keep a log) my legs would begin to get sore, especially my ankles, and I would need a new pair. At the height of training, my shoes would last six weeks.
So I told the folks at my favorite running store, Run With Us, which is in Pasadena. The website is http://clubrunwithus.com.
They suggested I try my current shoes, made by Pearl Izumi, which are lighter and should have a longer life. Here they are: http://www.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&product_id=654&type_id=1&sport_id=1&category_id=7&color_code=155
One thing I would suggest for any beginning runner is going to a specialty running store to make sure you have the right shoes. I was a little intimidated at first, but now I love going to them.
What I like about Run With Us is everybody that works there seems to be a distance runner, and understands problems or concerns I have during training. They have running clubs and carry brochures on races.