Looking for calm in the chaos

May 17, 2020 by 44 Comments

This week was a roller coaster for sure! Work has been super hectic and really will be for the rest of this month. Add in our washing machine checking out on us and sleep being super evasive, and yeah…this week was about finding calm in the chaos.

In addition to the Family Plank Challenge, here’s a quick rundown on this week’s workouts…

Monday — Rest Day
Tuesday — Strength training
Wednesday — 1-hour physical therapy session. I swear these sessions get more and more challenging!
Thursday — Virtual 5K for the Un-canceled Project plus a 5-mile walk with a friend. This was definitely the highlight workout day of the week. I had gone out not expecting too much from this run, but my legs felt really good, so I decided to push the pace and see what happened. I was rewarded with negative splits! Best of all my legs & hip felt good the rest of the day so I met a friend for a social distance walk after work and we logged another 5 miles. It was so good to see her and catch up!

Friday — PT exercises and core work
Saturday — 3-mile run followed by a couple of hours of hauling mulch around our yard.
Sunday — PT exercises, a 2-mile walk, and 20 minutes restorative yoga via Peloton.

The lack of quality sleep really did a number on my run motivation, but overall I’m glad I stuck with my workouts despite the chaotic week.

More new kicks!

My Mother’s Day gift arrived on Friday! My boys had spied me drooling over these limited edition Adrenalines and ordered them for me! I took my first run in them on Saturday and love the way they feel…to me these GTS 20s are an improvement over the 19s, and I think they will complement the new Ghosts I picked up a couple of weeks ago nicely!

How was your week? Do you rotate your running shoes between models or wear just one style?

I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.

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Filed Under: #UnCanceledProject, Brooks Adrenaline, Weekly Run Down

Running Shoes – My Current Favorites

August 13, 2019 by 8 Comments

This post contains affiliate links.

I don’t think it would be an exaggeration to say that a runner’s search for the perfect running shoes can sometimes feel like a neverending quest. Too often, just as you find your ideal shoe, the manufacturer decides to tweak the design for the following year’s model and then it no longer has the same feel, leaving you to start your search again. Sound familiar?

I’ve been down this path a couple of times. Thankfully, my latest quest seems to be on track.

Running Shoes – My Current Favorites

Back in January, after coming off a year of injuries, it felt like the right time to return to my favorite local running store for a fitting. It had been ages since I’d gone through the process, but it was well worth the time. The end result was a brand new pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19.

These shoes provide solid support and are nicely cushioned, though, at 9.6 oz, I do find them to be a tad heavy. I always like to have a couple of pairs of shoes in rotation, so when I came across a crazy sale on the GTS 18s in February, I picked up a pair.

Now yes, the support mechanism of the 18s varies from the 19s, but I find both pairs to be comfortable, and have had no issues rotating between the two.

Sharing my favorite running shoes on this week's Tuesday Topics! #runchat #ASICS #BrooksRunning Click To Tweet

Then along came ASICS

As I started training for the Run to Remember half in the Spring, I wanted to find a lighter, more responsive shoe for speedwork. Enter the ASICS Gel-DS Trainer 24. And, oh my gosh, it was love at first run! I ran 5 miles in them right out of the box and, of late, I have to say I find myself reaching for this pair more and more.

There are so many elements I love about this shoe:

  • a roomy toe box with a narrow enough heel so you don’t feel like you’re sliding around
  • lightweight, knit upper which fits like a glove
  • designed for overpronators, they feel supportive without “over guiding” or too much weight
  • fun, fresh design (seriously the photos do not do the colors justice!)

I never expected to love these shoes as much as I do – especially on my long runs! I’m now debating whether this will be my marathon shoe or whether to go with the Adrenalines.

Do you run in more than one model of shoe? What’s your current favorite?

I am linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.

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Filed Under: ASICS DS-Gel Trainer, Brooks Adrenaline, Running Shoes, Tuesday Topics

New Shoe Giddy

January 20, 2019 by 36 Comments

What is it about getting new running shoes?! Perhaps it’s the potential of all the miles and adventures to come.

After noting on a couple of occasions that it was time for some new running shoes, I finally made it to my local running store for a fitting. But, before I get into my shopping adventure, here’s a quick recap of the week.

Monday – Strength training, focusing on core and legs

Tuesday – 5-mile run

Wednesday – 4-mile run

Thursday – Kickboxing! It’s been months…literally 3 months since I made it to the kickboxing studio. The class totally kicked my arse and reminded me of muscles I haven’t used in a while!

Friday –  Holy DOMS Batman! Ah yes, I was feeling that kickboxing class and thankfully it was a rest day.

Saturday – 5-miles with my husband J

Sunday – Cross-training in the form of an hour of shoveling. Winter hit in full effect last night with snow followed by freezing rain. The snow was wet and heavy, and made for a serious (and frigid) workout!

New Shoes!

It’s been ages since I went through a formal fitting, but given last year’s injuries and the plan to be logging some serious miles this year (hello marathon training), it seemed like a good time to revisit what I’m running in. Clearly, as your body changes over time, so may your running shoe needs – so if you haven’t had a fitting in a while I highly recommend taking the time to get one.

After reviewing my training goals and a gait analysis with the salesperson, I hopped on the treadmill to test shoes from New Balance, Brooks, Saucony, and Asics. In the end, it came down to a choice between the Saucony Guide and Brook Adrenaline – and I went with the Adrenaline!

I used them for Saturday’s 5-miler and they felt great – just the right amount of support and cushion. I am optimistic – hopefully, more miles will prove that they’re the right choice.

And that’s a wrap!

I’m joining Wendy and Holly for the Weekly Wrap – they’re sharing recaps from last weekend’s half marathon, so be sure to stop by and show them some love.

When was the last time you had a fitting? Do you tend to buy the same shoe model again and again?

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Filed Under: Brooks Adrenaline, Weekly Wrap

Trackwork and Shoe Questions

July 27, 2011 by 7 Comments

It was pouring rain when I woke up yesterday so I decided to switch up my workouts and do an easy 3 and strength training yesterday and save the track work for this morning. (It’s funny I don’t mind running on the road in the rain, but I find the track gets a little too slick).

Well it was absolutely beautiful this morning and I couldn’t wait to get to the track. I was surprised at just how many people were already there when I pulled into the parking lot! I’m very lucky that our local high school has a high quality track, and people were definitely taking advantage of it this morning. This was my first run in the Saucony Kinvaras I won from SUAR‘s giveaway a couple of weeks ago – I wasn’t sure how my legs were going to hold up so I also brought along the Mirages I’ve been running in regularly, just in case.

On tap today, 3 x 1600s with 800 jogs with a target pace of 10:15.  After warming up, I hit the first interval right on target at 10:14. I felt really good so I decided to see if I could do each of the next two a little faster. I did the 2nd interval in 10:04 and the 3rd in 9:54 – mission accomplished!

I liked running in the Kinvara, though I think for now I will use them only for speedwork. My calves and feet still need to get stronger before I start putting more miles in them – perhaps sometime in the fall I’ll try them on some easy, recovery runs. For now I’m happy to continue to use the Mirage for most of my runs. I had been alternating between the Brooks Adrenalines and the Mirages, using the Adrenalines for my longer runs. But of late I was feeling a little discomfort in my left knee towards in the latter half of my runs, so just out of curiosity I started using the Mirage for all my runs and have had no problems. I’m now running exclusively in the Mirage and plan on using them for the race.

So I’m wondering if the difference in the heal-to-toe ratio between the two shoes was causing the discomfort? What do you think? Do you use different shoes depending on the workout?

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Filed Under: Brooks Adrenaline, Kinvara, rotating shoes, Saucony, track work

Thursday Thoughts (aka 3 Things)

April 21, 2011 by 7 Comments
  • So far the shift to early morning workouts is working. The alarm’s been going off at 5:20 and I’m usually moving 15 mins later. Despite not being what I would ever consider a morning person, I’ve been reminded this week of how much I enjoy starting my day with a run. It’s like a morning meditation in motion.
  • Speaking of meditation, I signed for another 21-day Meditation Challenge sponsored by the Chopra Center. I did a similar challenge during the winter and stuck with meditating for weeks afterwards. But of late I’ve let it slip so this challenge came at a good time. I find I’m definitely more focused and even-keeled when I’m meditating.
  •  My love affair with my Saucony Mirage continues – I’ve been doing all of my short runs in them while using my Brooks for the long runs. I’ve got another 10 on the plan for tomorrow and I’m tempted to try the Sauconys instead. My calves are really tight after yesterday’s tempo run so I’ll have to see how I feel in the morning.

Do you rotate shoes or stick to a one pair at a time?

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Filed Under: 3 things, Brooks Adrenaline, Chopra Center, meditation, Saucony

A move towards minamalism…..baby steps

March 24, 2011 by 6 Comments

Last Saturday, I was invited to attend a minimalist shoe clinic sponsored by Saucony. It was a great chance to see their full line, including a shoe that won’t be available until the summer. I appreciate their philosophy that minimalism doesn’t have to be an all or nothing proposition. As the Saucony rep spoke repeatedly about exploring what works for you as an individual, and gradually integrating a minimalist shoe into your training.

I was particularly interested in learning more about the Mirage, their intro-to-minimalism shoe that features the lower heal-to-toe ratio of a minimalist shoe combined with a bit more arch support. I figured that given where I am in my training and my slight over-pronation, this would be a good place to start vs. taking the bigger leap  with the Kinvara. Luckily the Saucony rep had brought a bunch of shoes for us to try and I loved the feel of the Mirage. So yes, as you have probably guessed, I ordered a pair (the 15% discount sealed the deal!). I plan to use them on my easy runs first, while continuing in my Brooks Adrenaline for my long runs.

My hope is that as I strengthen some of the under-developed muscles in my legs and feet, I can make the transition to a more minimalist shoe as the year goes on. And, this combined with my ChiRunning efforts will hopefully improve my mechanics and help keep me injury-free!

Speaking of ChiRunning, I’ve got a private workshop scheduled for Sunday with Certified ChiRunning Instructor Ryan Miller. I’m really looking forward to spending time with Ryan – I’ve got lots of questions!! I’ll be posting a full report when we’re done.

Happy Running!

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Filed Under: Brooks Adrenaline, ChiRunning, Minimalism, Saucony

My New Fave – Brooks Adrenaline Review

January 11, 2011 by 3 Comments
Make room on the bandwagon….
      ….cause I am in love with my Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11!!

While it was love at first run, I didn’t think you could give a proper review of a shoe until you’ve logged a few miles in them. Well I’ve had a month plus of running in them now and I can clearly see why there’s so much praise out there for this shoe!

First off let me say to my fellow “new” runners, if you have not yet gone to a good local running store to be properly fitted for a pair of running shoes, then please do yourself a  HUGE favor and go get fitted!

While I had always figured it was a safe bet that I needed a shoe that provided motion control and support, as I began to increase my mileage last year I started to wonder if my Nike Triax 13’s were providing all that I needed. So instead of trying to self-diagnose through online descriptions, I headed to a great local running store for a fitting. After being measured, having my gait analyzed and generally talking about my running, aches &; pains and goals, I walked out with the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11.

Brooks Women's Adrenaline Gts 11 Running Shoe,White/Obsidian/Silver/Black,9.5 B USNamed “Best Update” in the Runner’s World December issue (the GTS 10 also received the same award the previous year), the Adrenaline provides good arch support and pronation control, while being flexible and light-weight (a whole 9.4 oz.). They feature the Brooks DNA cushioning material, which (according to the Brooks website) will provide a “customized ride for runners of all shapes and speeds.” For me, they provide the right amount of cushioning without being mushy (is that a technical term?)  I will be curious to see how the cushioning holds up, but only time will tell. The shoes offer a snug, narrow heal and a roomy toe box; though I would definitely recommend sizing up a half size.

 As Runner’s World states it’s “the perfect storm of a great fit and a great ride” — I couldn’t agree more!

**Disclaimer:  The review given here is solely my opinion. There was no payment nor product provided for this review.

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Filed Under: Brooks Adrenaline, fave things, product reviews

Thursday Thoughts (aka 3 things)

December 3, 2010 by 2 Comments

My November miles took a serious nosedive — a combination of a motivation vacation and being hijacked by my to-do list! I’m feeling pretty confident that with the Hyannis 10k on the horizon, this case of mileage shrinkage will correct itself.

Brooks Women's Adrenaline Gts 11 Running Shoe,White/Obsidian/Silver/Black,9.5 B USI went to a great local running store today to get fitted for new a pair of shoes! After being measured, having my gait analyzed and generally talking about my running, aches & pains and goals, I walked out with the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11!

I love the feel of these shoes and can’t wait to run in them tomorrow! (Product review to come!)

Got a chance to create a training plan for my hubs J to help him get ready for his first 10k. So I’ve introduced him to Smart Coach and Daily Mile and we’re now learning the juggling act needed to incorporate two running schedules into our very hectic family life!

Happy Thursday!

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Filed Under: 3 things, Brooks Adrenaline, Hyannis 10k, mileage shrinkage, Smart Coach, to do list